Hazi A. K. Khan College is the lone representative institution of Higher Education at Hariharpara, a Community Developing Block within Berhampore Sub-Division of Murshidabad District in West Bengal with a population of 2, 57,571 (Census, 2011), where minorities form 80.70%. The catchment area of the educational institutes here, include adjacent agricultural locale at large, with a little proportion of small scale industrial area. The Block was endowed with a considerable number of Primary, Secondary and Higher Secondary Institutions. But no institution was there to cater further education for the young aspirant stakeholders; predominantly the girls.
The idea was initially conceived by a local visionary, fond of education; honourable Hazi Abdul Kader Khan who donated 1.82 acre of land to set up a college with a dream to explore dreams of thousands, who had to travel a long way to acquire higher education or to discontinue it midway. Afterwards, some local robust persons took timely initiatives in framing required Society Registration and completed other formalities with the Government. The long-cherished dream came true in 2008, when Hazi A. K. Khan College started its journey at Hariharpara High School getting affiliation from University of Kalyani with Honours and General Courses in some traditional disciplines in Arts. Very soon the institution was shifted to the present location set up partly by Government aids along with generous donations from local people and people’s representative. Primarily, the focus was on nurturing excellence within the local young, who would be mentored to achieve success in their later professional and entrepreneurial ventures and lead a decent life.
The college started its journey under the leadership of an Acting Principal. The college was provided Full Time Teachers from 2016 onwards. Gradually, a Governing Body was formed in 2019 replacing the Organising Committee. The college got its first full time Principal in 2021.
After seventeen years of establishment, the college is trying to emerge as a centre of excellence for all-round development of students. Result of students in the University Examinations is satisfactory. Students are respectful, obedient and believe in the tradition of peace and communal harmony that the college is proud of. Now, the college is a conglomeration of about 1500 students across the Arts stream, an proficient Teacher-in-Charge, 10 young energetic Assistant Professors, 21 proficient State Aided College Teachers, 7 skilful permanent Non-teaching staff, one casual Librarian, some able casual employees to deal with smooth conduction of academic and administrative activities . In line with NEP-2020, the college currently offers undergraduate programmes in 9 Major subjects, delivered through its academic departments.To enhance career readiness, the college has introduced some add-on/skill courses (current session).
Now the college has been equipped with two multi storied lucrative buildings, including a comprehensive Central Library, Departmental libraries, student-friendly ambience, free Wi-fi enabled campus, well-equipped Geography laboratory, arsenic-free water supply, a multi-gym, Rain water harvesting system, ladies hostel and indoor games facilities aligned with the institution’s emphasis on holistic development. All these resulted in accreditation of B++ level conferred by the NAAC in its 1st cycle. Recently the college has also been conferred 12B certificate from the UGC.
The college upholds a culture of discipline, respect, and communal harmony. University examination outcomes are satisfactory, and students are encouraged to engage in both curricular and co-/extra-curricular activities. Institutional units (e.g., IQAC, NSS, Student Support Cells) work in tandem to strengthen quality assurance, student support, and stakeholder engagement.
Going forward, the institution remains committed to consolidating its infrastructure, broadening programme options, and enhancing skill-based and ICT-enabled learning, thereby fulfilling its founding vision of delivering inclusive, quality higher education to the communities it serves.