The Ravenshaw University

Ravenshaw University, founded with the vision of spreading the light of learning and guided by the motto Jnanameva Shakti (Knowledge is Power), remains deeply committed to preserving its status as a revered “temple of learning.” Established after the 1866 great famine, it played a crucial role in resisting colonialism, driven by a radical libertarian ideology. Over time, its legacy has become intricately linked with the history of modern Odisha, dedicated to honoring its rich heritage while embracing transformation. The university envisions itself as a hub for higher education, welcoming students from diverse social and economic backgrounds, and helping them channel their passions toward creating a better world. To fulfill this vision, Ravenshaw University has adopted three guiding principles – coordination, hierarchy, and functional differentiation – to maintain unified goals. With efficient academic governance and robust infrastructure, the university aims to produce human resources that meet the evolving demands of knowledge on a global scale. Since its transformation from a college to a state public university in 2006, Ravenshaw University has earned an A++ grade in its second NAAC cycle, with a CGPA of 3.58. As a teaching and research institution, it continues to deliver high-quality education at the UG, PG, and Ph.D. levels, significantly contributing to the national education mission. While four departments namely, Zoology, Botany, Chemistry and Geology are recognized under DST-FIST support, the undergraduate wings of the Zoology, Botany, Chemistry and Physics are under the DBTSTAR College program. The department of Economics is awarded the status of Centre for Advanced Studies. With a vision to create progressive, sustainable communities through a holistic and inclusive approach, environment and health are chosen as areas of prime importance and working towards addressing the unmet needs of the state this center was proposed. The proposal was accepted for funding by the Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha under World Bank Assisted Odisha Higher Education Project for Excellence and Equity (OHEPEE) and formally inaugurated on 26th January, 2018. The center is multidisciplinary, includes the inputs from all four collaborating natural science departments, i.e., Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology.