The Institute of Rural Reconstruction was founded in 1922 at Surul at a distance of ~3 km from Santiniketan. It was formally inaugurated on Feb 6, 1922 with Leonard Elmhirst as its first Director. Thus, the 2nd but contiguous campus of Visva-Bharati came to be located in 1923 at a site which assumed the name of Sriniketan. The main object was to help village people to solve their problems instead of a solution being imposed from outsider.
In consonance with the ideas about reconstruction of village life, a new type of school meant mainly for the children of neighboring villages who would eventually bring the offering of their acquired knowledge for the welfare of the village community was also conceived. This school, Siksha-Satra, was started in Santiniketan in 1924 but was shifted to Sriniketan in 1927. The Lok-Siksha Samsad, an organization for the propagation of non-formal education amongst those who had no access to usual educational opportunities, was started in 1936. Siksha-Charcha for training village school teachers followed next year.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Abstract submission & Registration (opening date) : July 15, 2025
Abstract submission (closing date) : September 05, 2025
Early-Bird Registration (closing date) : August 31, 2025
Palli Sikha Bhawana
Chief Patron
Dr. Probir Kumar Ghosh, Vice-Chancellor, Visva-Bharati
Patrons
Dr. Ashok Kumar Patra, Hon'ble Former Vice-Chancellor, BCKV, Nadia
Dr. Dharani Dhar Patra, Hon'ble Former Vice-Chancellor, BCKV, Nadia
Dr. Purnendu Biswas, Hon'ble Former Vice-Chancellor, WB University of Animal & Fishery Sciences, Belgachia, Kolkata
Chairperson
Dr. Binoy Kumar Saren, Principal, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Co-Chairperson
Prof. Paresh Chandra Kole, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Prof. Siddhartha Dev Mukhopadhyay, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Prof. Hirak Chatterjee, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Prof. Nirmal Kumar Mandal, BCKV, Nadia
Prof. Rajib Nath, BCKV, Nadia
Organizing Presidents
Prof. Ranjan Nath, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Prof. Dilip Kumar Misra, BCKV, Nadia
Dr. Fatik Kr. Bauri, BCKV, Mohanpur
Prof. Bidhan Chandra Roy, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Co-Organizing Presidents
Prof. Debashis Bhattacharya, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Prof. Goutam Kumar Ghosh, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Prof. Buddhadev Dwary, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Prof. Amitava Paul, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Prof. Ganesh Chandra Malik, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Prof. Snehasish Chakraborty, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Prof. Souvik Ghosh, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. Subrata Mondal, RKVK, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Organizing Secretary
Dr. Mohan Kumar Biswas, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. Kajal Kumar Biswas, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
Dr. Bholanath Mondal, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Joint Organizing Secretaries
Dr. Palash Modal, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. Mahua Banerjee, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. Kalipada Pramanik, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. Riton Choudhury, IAS, SoAU, Odisha
Dr. Raju Das, RRS, BCKV, Sekhampur
Dr. Debasish Panda, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Co-Organizing Secretaries
Dr. Joydip Modal, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. P.K. Biswas, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. K.C. Swaim, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. Rebeka Sinha, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Treasurer
Dr. Vivek Kumar Khare, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Besides Visva-Bharati—the living heritage that includes Upasana Griha, Patha-Bhavana, Rabindra Bhavana (Museum and Archive), Amrakunja, Uttarayan Complex, Kala Bhavana, and Silpa-Sadana—there are numerous other tourist attractions in the area.
Deer Park (Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary): Located a few kilometers from the university, this sanctuary is home to spotted deer, blackbucks, jackals, and numerous bird species. It's a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and bird watchers. Walking trails and watch towers make it ideal for eco-tourism. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit.
Kopai River: A tranquil river flowing near Santiniketan, often mentioned in Tagore’s poetry and songs. Its banks are lush with vegetation and ideal for peaceful walks or picnics. During monsoon, it flows vibrantly, adding charm to the rural landscape. It's also popular among local photographers and artists for its scenic beauty.
REGISTRATION FEE
The seminar will be open for registered delegates. The details of the registration fee are given below. The online Registration Form is available on the AAAS website (https://www.aaasindia.org/) for registration and abstract(s) submission.
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Delegate Type |
Early Bird Registration (July 15-Aug. 31, 2025) |
Late Registration (Sept. 01 – 18, 2025) |
Early Bird Registration (July 15-Aug. 31, 2025) |
Late Registration (Sept. 01 – 18, 2025) |
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Offline mode |
Online mode |
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Scientist / Faculty / Govt. officials & AAAS member |
INR 3000.00 |
INR 3500.00 |
INR 2000.00 |
INR 2500.00 |
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Research Scholar |
INR 1500.00 |
INR 1800.00 |
INR 1000.00 |
INR 1500.00 |
|
Student |
INR 1000.00 |
INR 1200.00 |
INR 800.00 |
INR 1000.00 |
|
Corporate |
INR 4000.00 |
INR 4500.00 |
INR 4000.00 |
INR 4500.00 |
|
Combo offer (Life member of AAAS & Registration fee) |
INR 4500.00 |
INR 5000.00 |
INR 4000.00 |
INR 4500.00 |
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Abstract (250 words excluding, title, name and affiliation) should be prepared in MS Word, Times New Roman, 12 font size, 1.5 spacing and to be submitted through online mode only. Please contact the Conference Secretariat (academyaaas@gmail.com) if you don't receive confirmation about the receipt of your abstract within 10 days. Abstracts will be printed only after receiving the registration fee. Please underline the name of the presenter and mention the email ID of the presenting author.
ABOUT SRINIKETAN
The Institute of Rural Reconstruction was founded in 1922 at Surul at a distance of ~3 km from Santiniketan. It was formally inaugurated on Feb 6, 1922 with Leonard Elmhirst as its first Director. Thus, the 2nd but contiguous campus of Visva-Bharati came to be located in 1923 at a site which assumed the name of Sriniketan. The main object was to help village people to solve their problems instead of a solution being imposed from outsider.
In consonance with the ideas about reconstruction of village life, a new type of school meant mainly for the children of neighboring villages who would eventually bring the offering of their acquired knowledge for the welfare of the village community was also conceived. This school, Siksha-Satra, was started in Santiniketan in 1924 but was shifted to Sriniketan in 1927. The Lok-Siksha Samsad, an organization for the propagation of non-formal education amongst those who had no access to usual educational opportunities, was started in 1936. Siksha-Charcha for training village school teachers followed next year.
ABOUT PALLI SIKSHA BHAVANA, VISVA-BHARATI
Visva-Bharati, founded by the first non-European Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Thākur (popularly known as Tagore) in 1921, in Santiniketan, is a renowned center of learning that blends the best of Eastern and Western educational traditions. In May 1951, Visva-Bharati was declared to be a Central University and "An Institution of National Importance" by an Act of Parliament. It was granted the status of a unitary, teaching and residential university. The status and function of all the major institutions have been redefined in successive Amendments. The President of India is the Paridarsaka (Visitor) of the University, the Governor of West Bengal is the Pradhana (Rector), and the Prime Minister of India acts as the Acharya (Chancellor). The President of India appoints the Upacharya (Vice-chancellor) of the University. In 2023, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Living Heritage), recognizing its unique cultural, historical, and educational significance. The university emphasizes holistic education, creativity, and a close connection with nature. Its open-air classes, art schools, and festivals reflect Tagore's vision of learning beyond conventional boundaries. Visva-Bharati continues to be a symbol of India's intellectual and artistic heritage.
Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture) is one of the premier institutes under Visva-Bharati University, founded on Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of rural reconstruction and sustainable development. Established in 1963 at Sriniketan, it offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various agricultural sciences. The institute integrates academic excellence with field-based learning, promoting eco-friendly and socially relevant agricultural practices. It is actively engaged in research, extension activities, and farmer-oriented programs. With a focus on rural upliftment, Palli Siksha Bhavana plays a key role in advancing agricultural education and innovation in eastern India.
ABOUT SRINIKETAN
The Institute of Rural Reconstruction was founded in 1922 at Surul at a distance of ~3 km from Santiniketan. It was formally inaugurated on Feb 6, 1922 with Leonard Elmhirst as its first Director. Thus, the 2nd but contiguous campus of Visva-Bharati came to be located in 1923 at a site which assumed the name of Sriniketan. The main object was to help village people to solve their problems instead of a solution being imposed from outsider.
In consonance with the ideas about reconstruction of village life, a new type of school meant mainly for the children of neighboring villages who would eventually bring the offering of their acquired knowledge for the welfare of the village community was also conceived. This school, Siksha-Satra, was started in Santiniketan in 1924 but was shifted to Sriniketan in 1927. The Lok-Siksha Samsad, an organization for the propagation of non-formal education amongst those who had no access to usual educational opportunities, was started in 1936. Siksha-Charcha for training village school teachers followed next year.
Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture) is one of the premier institutes under Visva-Bharati University, founded on Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of rural reconstruction and sustainable development. Established in 1963 at Sriniketan, it offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various agricultural sciences. The institute integrates academic excellence with field-based learning, promoting eco-friendly and socially relevant agricultural practices. It is actively engaged in research, extension activities, and farmer-oriented programs. With a focus on rural upliftment, Palli Siksha Bhavana plays a key role in advancing agricultural education and innovation in eastern India.
Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture) is one of the premier institutes under Visva-Bharati University, founded on Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of rural reconstruction and sustainable development. Established in 1963 at Sriniketan, it offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various agricultural sciences. The institute integrates academic excellence with field-based learning, promoting eco-friendly and socially relevant agricultural practices. It is actively engaged in research, extension activities, and farmer-oriented programs. With a focus on rural upliftment, Palli Siksha Bhavana plays a key role in advancing agricultural education and innovation in eastern India.
If you are already registered Click Here
Conveners
Dr. Goutam Mandal, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. Swapan Kumar Maity, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. Prahlad Deb, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. Bitam Mondal, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. Swarnali Bhattacharya, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. Subhrangsu Santra, PSV, Visva-Bharati
Dr. Madhuchanda Khan, RKVK, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Co-Conveners
Dr. Suchanda Mandal, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Sri Sourav Mondal, RKVK, PSB, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. Arti, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. Lamneithem Hangshing, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Sri Pappu Majhi, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Committee Member
Dr. Chandrik Malakar, Suri Vidyasagar College
Dr. Niren Majumder, College of Agriculture, Tripura
Dr. Rajkumar Singh, Government General Degree College, Mangalkote
Dr. Gauranga Sundar Mondal, BCKV, Nadia
Dr. Sanjoy Kumar Bordolui, BCKV, Nadia
Dr. Karam Chand Hembrom, Netaji Mahavidyalaya, Arambagh
Sri Alokesh Das, Rampurhat College, Rampurhat
Prof. Sagar Chandra Mandal, College of Fisheries, CAU, Lembucherra
Prof. Anil Datt Upadhyay, College of Fisheries, CAU, Lembucherra
Prof. Yumnam Bedajit Singh, College of Fisheries, CAU, Lembucherra
Dr. Arghya Banerjee, Neotia University
Dr. Sruba Saha, Neotia University
Dr. Tilak R. Sharma, Registrar, CAU, Imphal
Dr. Indira Sarangthem, Director of Instruction, CAU, Imphal
Dr. Abhijit Debnath, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK-Dhalai
Dr. Durga Prasad Awasthi, CoA, Tripura,
Dr. Animesh Sarkar, Nagaland University, Medziphema
Dr. N.C. Sarkar, PSB, Visva-Bharati
Dr. Sunita Mahapatra, BCKV, Nadia
Dr. Poly Saha, BCKV, Burdwan Campus
Dr. Laxman Chandra Patel, BCKV, Burdwan Campus
National Advisory Committee
Prof. Gautam Saha, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, BCKV, Nadia
Dr. Bidyut Chandan Deka, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, AAU, Jorhat
Prof. Debabrata Basu, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, UBKV, Cooch Behar
Dr. P.K. Chakrabarty, Former ADG, ICAR & Member ASRB, New Delhi
Dr. Rajarshi Roy Burman, ADG, (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, New Delhi
Dr. S.P. Dutta, Frmer Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal
Dr. Sankar Prasad Das, Director, ICAR-NRC for Orchids, Sikkim
Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Bihar
Dr. R. Viswanathan, Former Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow
Dr. M.S. Saharan, Head, Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
Dr. Dinesh Singh, Head & Principal Scientist, ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow
Dr. Aniruddha Saha, Professor, Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, Siliguri
Kankalitala: Kankalitala is one of the Shakti Peethas, located about 9 km from Santiniketan. It is believed that the waist (kankal) of Goddess Sati fell here. Devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and take a holy dip in the adjoining river. The spiritual aura of the place draws pilgrims throughout the year.
Fullaratala: Situated in Labhpur, Fullaratala Temple is associated with the local deity Fullara, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. It is also considered a Shakti Peetha where Sati’s lips are believed to have fallen. The temple is steeped in folk beliefs and is visited for blessings and spiritual solace.
Sruteswar Sibtala: Situated in Bolpur is a revered Shiva temple known for its historical connection with the Durga Puja initiated by the Surat Raja (King of Surat). The royal family traditionally organized the grand Durga Puja here, which remains a significant cultural and religious event in the region.
Biswa Bangla University: Biswa Bangla Biswabidyalay, established by the Government of West Bengal in Bolpur, is envisioned as a hub for multidisciplinary higher education. The university aims to preserve Bengal’s cultural heritage while promoting global academic standards. Its serene campus reflects Santiniketan’s ethos.
Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay-Hansuli Bank: Hansuli Bank, immortalized in Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay’s novel Hansuli Banker Upakatha, lies by the Kopai River. The area reflects rural Bengal's life and struggle, as depicted in the author’s literary works. A visit here connects literature lovers with the physical setting of iconic Bengali fiction.
Birthplace of Nityananda Mahaprabhu: Located in Ekachakra village in Birbhum, this is the revered birthplace of Nityananda Prabhu, a major figure in Gaudiya Vaishnavism and associate of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Pilgrims visit the ancient temple and sacred spots associated with his early life. The place radiates devotional energy and cultural richness.
Tarapith: Tarapith is one of the most prominent Shakti Peethas, dedicated to Goddess Tara, a fierce form of Kali. Located near Rampurhat, it is famous for tantric worship and the cremation ground rituals. The temple draws lakhs of devotees annually, especially during Kali Puja and Amavasya nights.
