About the Arena: The Department of Philosophy

In the year 1950, P.D. Women’s College of Jalpaiguri embarked on a mission to fulfill the
desires of the queen, the wife of King Prasanna Dev Raikut, simultaneously advancing
women’s higher education. Having shared her deepest sentiments with her husband, the
queen decided that the college’s name should reflect that of the king. This marked a
challenging endeavor for the then-authority, as they initiated a women’s college alongside
numerous Honours departments of arts and science, challenging societal gender roles.
The Philosophy department has been a part of this journey since the beginning, always
welcoming first-generation learners. Approximately 60-70 percent of our students hail from
rural areas and tea gardens adjacent to the forest. The department is committed to
transforming students with ordinary attitudes and impoverished mindsets, aiding backward
classes in their academic preparation for the contemporary competitive world.
Each young girl from rural areas has a unique life story, often hindered by an inability to
express herself on a proper platform or understand effective communication styles. Many
struggle to adapt to the global work environment due to the orthodox mentality within their
families. In response, we organize parent-teacher meetings, cultural programs, and
workshops on career-oriented themes to promote the mental health of our students.
Our college is fortunate to house the Center for Women’s Studies, initiated in 2007, providing
us with the opportunity to rejuvenate our students through thought exchange with the new
generation. Our syllabus serves as a valuable resource for any young learner, bridging
traditional male philosophers’ theories with feminist thoughts in the realm of practical ethics.
In today’s context, philosophy delves into the practical field of human experience, aligning
with the globalization theme. Consequently, we arrange gender sensitization programs,
special lectures, and seminars on practical ethics, striving to motivate students to express
their voices confidently