The locational advantage of this college and its proximity to the railway station have made Dhruba Chand Halder College, at Dakshin Barasat, South 24 Parganas, an easy-to-access centre for higher education. Being a part of the hinterland of the Sunderban belt, students from far and wide come here for higher studies. Most of our students are from the rural areas, whose habits, life-style and philosophy of life reflect the pattern of life in the villages of South 24 Parganas. Having the priviledge of studying in schools with playgrounds, usually, they get the opportunity to play outdoor games regularly in schools, braving the heat of summer and torrential rains in the monsoon. Thus a spirit of sportsmanship gets nurtured in them, right from their childhood.
Observing and realizing this, this institution has committed itself to the promotion of games and sports in the college, where interested students, both girls and boys, are provided with a platform where they can get proper and scientific training to excel as sportsmen/sportswomen. The vast open playground in the college campus provides ample space for practising games like football, cricket, kho-kho, kabaddi and a host of other games. Cricket, football and badminton are played extensively as outdoor games. The annual sports events for students, faculties and non-teaching staff not only draw huge crowds and appreciation, but also encourage and motivate the students to work hard and gain success in their respective fields. The playground never wears a desolate look, except during torrential rains. As a means of providing support to these talented groups of young women and men, the College offers them concessions in college fees, and, in many cases, waives off the entire amount.
The Department of Physical Education in our college is the only one of its kind, in this part of South 24 Parganas, to offer a full-fledged course in Physical Education as a subject of study, approved by Calcutta University. At present, this course falls under the general course of study, but, the students’ growing interest and the enthusiasm of the faculties have prompted our Principal to apply for an Hons. Course in Physical Education. The demand for this subject is so high that applicants have to go through tests involving stamina and skill, before they are selected to take up this subject.
To encourage students of Physical Education, dresses and uniforms are given to them free of cost, by the College, so that their financial burden is lessened to a great deal. The College authorities also offer stipends and concessions to some of the needy students who are talented in various games, but do not have the financial means to support themselves.
Every year, the college organizes a number of teams in different fields, training them regularly for matches and competitions, under the expert guidance of competent coaches. These students participate in different competitions, both inside and outside the college. Some of them play State Level Matches in different fields, whereas, some compete in National Level games. Winning District level prizes is not uncommon amongst the students of our institution. Football and Kho-Kho are particularly strong domains for our students.
The College also runs a multi-gym where girls and boys are trained in body-building and physical fitness. For the upgradation of this Gym, concerned bodies have been approached by the Principal, who, along with other faculties, is aways actively involved in improving the standard of sports and games in the college.
In addition, the 1 Bengal Battalion Unit of NC.C in our college, comprising boys and girls, has been running successfully for the last decade, making them equipped to face the larger challenges of life. Many of our cadets are absorbed by the Central Forces and other Security units set up by the Central and State governments. Our students of the Physical Education department also find their place in the police force.