Venerable Uktara Bethany College

Venerable Uktara Bethany College (VUBC), Manmow, Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, was established as a Catholic Minority Institution with a strong commitment to inclusive and value-based higher education.

History

The college is run by the Bethany Charitable Trust (R), registered under the Registration of Societies Act XXI of 1860 on 13 September 2012 in Guwahati.

The origin of the college dates back to 2012 when Rt. Rev. George Pallipparambil, Bishop of the Miao Diocese, invited the Bethany Sisters to initiate a degree college in the region. Responding to this call and supported by the generous donation of land by former MLA Mr. C. K. Manpoong, the Bethany Management undertook the mission of establishing an institution of higher learning rooted in values, inclusivity, and academic excellence, in keeping with the vision of the Bethany Congregation to serve the marginalized.

Student Activities

VUBC Namsai nurtures intellectual growth through initiatives such as the Reading Club, which fosters a culture of reading, discussion, and critical thinking among students. Platforms such as Model United Nations help students develop leadership, diplomacy, and public speaking skills. Social responsibility units like the National Service Scheme (NSS) and the Red Ribbon Club, which engage students in community service, health awareness, and social outreach programs.

Social Life

Venerable Uktara Bethany College (VUBC), Namsai, offers a vibrant and engaging social life that enriches the overall student experience. Events such as College Week bring the entire campus together through a variety of academic, cultural, and sports activities, fostering teamwork, friendship, and a strong sense of belonging. Cultural fests provide a lively platform for students to celebrate diversity, express creativity, and showcase their talents in music, dance, drama, and traditional art forms. In addition, participation in university-level events enables students to interact with peers from other institutions, broaden their social networks, and gain confidence through healthy competition. These activities create a dynamic campus atmosphere and play a vital role in shaping well-rounded, socially aware individuals.

Establishment

Venerable Uktara Bethany College was formally established on 16 July 2014, coinciding with the Foundation Day of the Bethany Congregation. The academic session was solemnly inaugurated by Rev. Fr. C. C. Jose, SDB, Vicar General of the Miao Diocese. The formal public inauguration of the college took place on 2 August 2014, officiated by the Hon’ble former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Nabam Tuki, in the presence of church leaders, government representatives, Bethany authorities, educators, parents, and students.

2014-Present

The college was named Venerable Uktara Bethany College at the request of the Manpoong family, in memory of Venerable Uktara, the youngest brother of Mr. C. K. Manpoong, a revered Buddhist monk whose life and values continue to inspire harmony and respect across faiths.

Guided by the Bethany Educational Society (BES) pedagogy, the college emphasizes holistic formation through innovative teaching-learning methods, moral and value education, co-curricular activities, and community engagement. Since its founding, VUBC has emphasized transformative education, blending academic learning with value-based training, personality development, and community engagement. It is affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi Central Universit, Itanagar and has produced several university rank holders and gold medalists over the years, reflecting its growing reputation in the region.

The college offers programmes in Arts and Commerce, combining quality education with personality development and value-based training. Over the years, Venerable Uktara Bethany College has grown into a center of learning committed to academic excellence, ethical values, and the integral development of its students, contributing meaningfully to the educational and social progress of Arunachal Pradesh.

VUBC NAMSAI

Guided by the vision of empowering the people of eastern Arunachal Pradesh, the college places special emphasis on serving tribal communities and promoting the education of young women. Through quality academic programs and a holistic approach to learning, VUBC strives to foster intellectual growth, social responsibility, and human dignity.

VUBC NAMSAI

Administration

Sl. No

Name

Designation

1.

Dr. Sr. Janet Mandonca (M.A., B. Ed., Ph.D.)

Ph: +91-8731973585

Email: janetmendonca19@gmail.com

Principal

2.

Sr. Carol Menezes

Administrator

3.

Sr. Angelina BS (M. Com., NET)

Email: srangelinabs@gmail.com

Vice Principal

4.

Sr. Mitila Sangma

Office Manager

Organizational Structure

The organizational structure of the institution is designed to ensure effective governance, academic leadership, and smooth administration. At the apex is the Bethany Charitable Trust, which provides overall vision and policy direction through its Trustees. The Principal serves as the chief academic and administrative head, responsible for implementing the Trust’s objectives and overseeing the day-to-day functioning of the college. Supporting the Principal are key functionaries including the Vice Principal, Administrator, Controller of Examinations, Heads of Departments (HOD’s), Librarian, and Administrative Staff. The Administrator is assisted by supporting staff, while the COE is supported by the Assistant COE in managing examination-related responsibilities. The HOD’s provide academic leadership within departments and are supported by faculty members in delivering teaching and learning activities. Administrative and clerical staff ensure efficient office operations, together contributing to a well-coordinated and student-centered institutional environment.

Department and Faculties

The college offers undergraduate programmes in Arts (B.A.) and Commerce (B.Com), with specialization in subjects such as English, Geography, History, Political Science, Sociology, etc.

Hostels

Venerable Uktara Bethany College (VUBC), Namsai, provides safe and comfortable residential facilities for its students through two well-maintained hostels: Bethany Ladies Hostel and Bethel Boys Hostel. Both hostels are designed to support a disciplined, secure, and student-friendly living environment. Each hostel is under the care of a resident warden, assisted by dedicated support staff who ensure proper supervision and student welfare. The hostels offer well-equipped study rooms and quiet reading spaces that encourage academic focus, along with common rooms furnished with recreational facilities for relaxation and social interaction. Essential amenities such as purified drinking water, regular housekeeping services, and reliable power backup are provided to ensure a hygienic and uninterrupted living experience. Together, these facilities make the hostels at VUBC conducive to both academic growth and personal well-being.

Curriculum and Syllabi

Venerable Uktara Bethany College (VUBC), Namsai is affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), and hence its curriculum and syllabus follow the NEP 2020-based framework designed by RGU. The college offers undergraduate programmes in Arts (B.A.) and Commerce (B.Com), with specialization in subjects such as English, Geography, History, Political Science, Sociology, etc.

Since 2023, VUBC has begun offering 4-year degree courses (Honours / Honours with Research) — allowing multidisciplinary electives and flexible subject choices.

Awards & Scholarships

The college recognises and celebrates the Academic excellence of the students. Some of them are:

  1. APST Stipend (State)
  2. Umbrella Scheme (Central)
  3. The Best Graduate – Cash and Citation (College)
  4. The Gold Medal Awards – Cash and Citation (College)
  5. The Rank holders of RGU – Cash and Citation (College)
  6. The Best NSS Volunteer – Cash and Citation (College)
  7. The Best Bethanian – Cash and Citation (College)

The purpose of the Academic Awards is to recognise and celebrate achievements, motivate and encourage, promote academic excellence, provide visibility and recognition, enhance career prospects and foster a culture of excellence.

College Excursion

College excursions are annually planned as study tours for educational and recreational purpose. The students are taken in their final year of study to a distant trip beyond the region. The trips focus on learning outside the classroom, such as visiting historical sights, museums, industrial sites, parks and the sea shores.

Some of the sites the students visited are Delhi, Agra, Manali, Solung valley, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Goa, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune. The former batches have created lifetime memories with college excursions.

NSS and Red Ribbon Club

The NSS Unit of VUBC was established in 2017 in the presence of the College Principal and faculty members. From its inception, the unit embraced the core motto of the National Service Scheme — “Not Me, But You” — with a clear vision to serve communities in and around the college. The unit strives to instill a strong sense of responsibility among its volunteers, helping them integrate meaningfully with society and contribute to community development initiatives.

The Red Ribbon Club (RRC) at VUBC was established in 2024 under the leadership of the College Principal, who serves as the Chairperson. The club aims to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, empower students with essential knowledge and life skills, reduce stigma and discrimination, and develop volunteers into effective peer educators within the community.

‘Excellence in Transformative Education’ the college strives to be a luminary in East Arunachal Pradesh.

Dr. Sr. Janet MendoncaPrincipal, VUBC Namsai