
A Brief History of the College
The dawn of enlightenment in the form of Higher Education came to the soil of Surada in 1978 with the establishment of Rushikulya College by the local elites. Initially the Intermediate Arts class was opened. The Berhampur University granted affiliation to this institution in 1982. However due to change in Education policy by the Govt. (10+2) the affiliation status of the college was changed and CHSE became its affiliating body. Since then no notable effort was taken for opening of Degree classes till 1994. In 1994 the then Principal of Rushikulya College Sri Bijaya Kumar Panda, Sri A.N. Singhdeo the late Raja Saheb of Dharakote, some other local elites and people from civil society took serious efforts towards establishment of a Degree College in Surada. The efforts of this noble thought was materialized in the form of Rushikulya Degree College keeping the sanctity of river Rushikulya intact. It not only commemorates the glory of the holy river but also celebrates the purity, Sanctity beauty as well as the heritage of educational values. The place of Surada commands a fine scenic view of surrounding rivers, mountain and reservoir. The town is enriched with large number of ancient temples upholding the traditional culture of Odisha. In addition to temple culture the town also accommodates an ancient church for the worship of Jesus Christ and a Mosuqe of Phophet Muhammud. All Sections of society live in peace and harmony. In this way it represents the pluralistic culture of our country. The present site of the college is two kms away from the town towards the south located by the side of NH-59 towards Aska near the banks of sacred sangam of river Jarau & Rushikulya. The atmosphere of the college is tranquil and serene surrounded by beautiful sights. The newly established college after obtaining permission from DHE started to function from the session 1995-96 with sanctioned strength of 64 Seats in +3 Arts stream. Subsequently the college received its recognition from Govt. and affiliation from Berhampur University. The then Principal Sri Bijaya Kumar Panda and thereafter the succeeding principals of Rushikulya College (+2 wing) discharged their duty as Ex.-officio of Rushikulya Degree College honorarily with dedication. During the session 2003-04 the college succeeded in getting permanent recognition and permanent affiliation from concerned authorities.
Due to the change in Education policy the govt. decided to separate the +2 and +3 wings from each other and a new Governing Body was formed in 2009 with DHE approval. Sri Kishore Chandra Singhdeo became the President of new GB and Sri Sudhanshu Sekhar Panda Lect. in Odia and Sri Ramesh Chandra Padhy Lect in Hishtory assumed the charges of Secretary and Principal (Ex-officio) respectively. In 2011 the college was declared as an Aided Educational Institution as per the GIA Order 2008 and Sri Ramesh Chandra Padhy assumed the office of the Principal- Cum- Secretary of the Governing Body. After separation, both +2 and +3 wings co-exist in the same infrastructure but functioning separately in the field of Academics and administration.
In the meantime due to sincere efforts from the Governing Body & staff members the college has made significant progress in the field of Academics. From the Academic session 2011-12 the college obtained permission for increase of seats from 64 to 128 in +3 Arts stream along with timely recognition and affiliation from concerned authorities. During the session 2015-16 the college received permission for further increase of seats from 128 to 256 with Honours subjects and opening of New subject. At present the +3 Arts Stream has seven no of Honours subjects such as Economics, Education, English, History, Odia, Political Science and Sanskrit.
The college has also made some significant progress in the field of developing the infrastructural requirements of the college by getting some Govt. assistance. The college is on the path of infrastructure development and dreaming to make it an ideal educational institution.
Nonetheless to excel in the field of Higher Education and bring it to the door step of the students of the locality the college obtained permission for opening of PG Classes in Education, Odia and Political Science with 24 seats each and BCA course with 60 seats from the session 2023-24.Many years have been passed amidst ups and downs. In spite of many hindrances it has succeeded to fulfill certain dreams and desires of the people of the locality. Hoping for the all-round progress of this institution in future years, miles to go ahead.
Mission & Vision
"Mission".
Rushikulya Degree College inspires, equips and empowers students to achieve success in a dynamic and evolving world.
This means :
We commit to create a conducive teaching environment by providing necessary infrastructure for the students and faculty.
"Vision"