Notre Dame College, Dhaka

Notre Dame College, Dhaka (নটর ডেম কলেজ, ঢাকা), also known as NDC, is a higher secondary and degree level educational institution founded and managed by the priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross located in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Upon the invitation of the then East Pakistan government after the partition of India, St. Gregory's College was founded on 3 November 1949, as an expanded iteration of St. Gregory's High School in Laxmibazar, Dhaka. This was undertaken by the Roman Catholic priest community at the initiative of Archbishop Lawrence Graner and the decision of the Congregation of Holy Cross. In 1954, the college relocated to Arambagh near Kamalapur railway station under the jurisdiction of the Motijheel Thana, and was dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, being named Notre Dame College. The French phrase "Notre Dame" signifies Our Lady, yet Notre Dame College has remained an all-boys institution since its establishment. 

In 1950, Notre Dame College became affiliated with Dhaka University, and by 1959, it had earned recognition as the foremost educational institution in East Pakistan. Initially housing only Humanities and Business departments at its inception, the college later introduced BA in 1955 and B.Sc in 1960. However, starting in the academic year 1972-73, the B.Sc course was discontinued. Presently, the college offers higher secondary and BA courses in both English and Bengali mediums. In 1992, it gained affiliation with the National University. Acknowledged as the nation's premier educational institution four times (1959, 1988, 1992, 1997) by the National University, this institution, managed by Christian missionaries, primarily serves the Christian community, tribals, minorities, and the underprivileged. Nonetheless, it welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. Since its establishment, a majority of the student body has comprised Bengali Muslims. As of 2019, statistics reveal that 85 percent of the institution's students are Muslims.

Notre Dame College is among the four institutions granted the privilege to conduct its admission test, as decreed by the Bangladesh Supreme Court in 2012.

Early history
In 1947, following the partition of India, the newly established government of Pakistan made a formal request to the head of the Catholic Congregation to initiate the establishment of several colleges. At the government's invitation, Archbishop Lawrence Leo Graner directed the Congregation of Holy Cross priests to establish distinct colleges for boys and girls. On 3 November 1949, "St. Gregory's College" emerged within the premises of St. Gregory's High School at 82, Municipal Office Street, Laxmibazar, Dhaka. Founded by the Roman Catholic clergy community, the college commenced with 19 students enrolled in the Arts and Commerce departments. In December 1950, the establishment relocated to 61/1 Subhash Bose Avenue, Laxmibazar. During that year, the college obtained affiliation with Dhaka University. Among the students admitted in 1951 was Kamal Hossain, who later became a foreign minister of Bangladesh. By 1953, he achieved the top position in the Higher Secondary Examination across East Pakistan. In 1950, under the University of Dhaka, 8 students undertook an examination, with 5 achieving success in the first division. By 1951, the institution's student count reached 55. During that year, college students performed William Shakespeare's The Tempest for three consecutive nights on the premises of St. Gregory's High School. Notably, among the students in 1952 was Sirajul Islam Chowdhury. In 1953, Richard William Timm initiated the inaugural debating club in the then East Pakistan, known as the "Notre Dame Debating Club." During the academic year 1952-53, Notre Dame College received Dhaka University's approval to commence BA classes. Subsequently, in the academic year 1953-54, Principal Richard William Timm inaugurated the college's first science department, conducting practical sessions within a tin room adjacent to the main building. Notably, on 18 September 1954, Richard William Timm established the subcontinent's pioneering non-formal institution dedicated to the pursuit of science, named the "Notre Dame Science Club." During the same period, the inaugural college weekly "Chit-Chat" and the annual "Blue and Gold" were launched. Concurrently, clubs such as the "Notre Dame Photography Club" and the "Literary Guild" were established. In 1954, the college's relocation from Laxmibazar to Arambagh led to its renaming as the "Notre Dame College". Initially, the college offered courses in Arts and Commerce, later introducing BA courses in 1955. Subsequently, in 1959, it garnered recognition as the premier college in examinations held by various universities in East Pakistan. The inclusion of a B.Sc course occurred in 1960. In response to a faculty shortage that year, volunteers affiliated with the British Volunteer Service Overseas served at Notre Dame College from 1963 to 1970. Following the completion of the new building in 1960, Principal James L. Martin succumbed to typhoid at Dhaka's Holy Family Hospital on 21 March. In his honor, the newly constructed building was christened "Father Martin Hall". Theotonius Amal Ganguly succeeded James Martin as the first Bengali principal. However, after seven months in this role, he ascended to the position of assistant bishop of Archdiocese of Dhaka, eventually becoming the first Bengali Bishop and Archbishop of Dhaka.

Liberation War and ensuing history
Notre Dame College faced disruptions in its teaching activities due to political turmoil, notably the 1968-69 mass uprising. Amid the 1971 liberation war, Richard William Timm served as the college's principal. Despite government directives for normal operations during the conflict, like other institutions, Notre Dame College closed due to student absence. Additionally, the B.Sc course, inaugurated in 1960, was halted. In the war's final weeks, the institution's premises served as a Red Cross-UN safe haven, sheltering 44 UN officials. On December 14, 1971, two young doctors from Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Azharul Haque and Humayun Kabir, were abducted from their homes by Al-Badr forces, mercilessly tortured, and their lifeless bodies were abandoned near Notre Dame College. From 1954 to 1971, I.Com was discontinued in the college, only to be resumed later. By the academic year 1972-73, B.Com courses replaced the full-time B.Sc courses.

Following the War of Independence, Principal Richard William Timm departed from his teaching role, engaging actively in the nation's reconstruction efforts. He contributed significantly to the country's relief, and rehabilitation, and championed human rights initiatives through non-governmental development organizations. Concurrently, students from Notre Dame College, accompanied by teachers, ventured to remote regions in support of relief and rehabilitation endeavours on behalf of the institution.

In 1973, a devastating flood struck Bangladesh, leading to the closure of the college. The institution's workforce was dedicated to relief efforts. Under Principal Richard Timm's leadership, the "CORR" relief and rehabilitation organization was established. Daily meals were provided for approximately 1,500 individuals. During the subsequent flood and famine in 1974, the college administration continued aiding the government in managing the crisis. Principal Richard William Timm received the Magsaysay Award in 1987, honouring his outstanding service.

In 1974, upon the Bangladesh government's mandate, Bengali became compulsory for education in schools and colleges, marking its inclusion at Notre Dame College. This shift notably facilitated learning for many. Concurrently, James T. Benas, an English department faculty member, initiated an English language course to foster English proficiency as a second language. Initially exclusive to teachers, the course expanded to encompass students who appeared in the SSC examination. Commencing in 1974, the course remains ongoing, presently conducted by the college's English department faculty. In 1992, the college became affiliated with the National University, and in 1997, English was reinstated as the medium of instruction.

Nomenclature and Principle
'Notre Dame' originates from the French words Notre-Dame, translated in English as 'Our Lady.' Roman Catholics associate Notre Dame with Mary, the mother of Jesus, hence the naming of the Catholic-run college after her.

Emblem and Philosophy
At the apex of Notre Dame College's emblem rests an open book, displaying the Greek letters Alpha (Α) on the left page and Omega (Ω) on the right. These symbols denote the beginning and end of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing the entirety of wisdom. This imagery echoes a biblical phrase ascribed to Jesus in the Book of Revelation. Furthermore, books serve as vessels of knowledge. Together, these symbols convey a profound message: Within this book resides the accumulation of ages past, and through its attainment, enlightenment shall grace life.

At the base of the emblem lie three sections. On the left, seven Lotus flowers grace the compartment. The lotus, symbolizing purity, embodies the seven sorrows of Mary's life, designating her as the "Mother of Seven Sorrows" commemorating the tragic events. It signifies the pursuit of enlightenment amidst hardship. The adjacent right field portrays a flowing river, traversing boat, golden paddy fields, and vast blue-green vistas, encapsulating the college's location in the heart of lush Bangladesh. In the lower segment, a crucifix emanates from two intersecting anchors, denoting the emblem of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Embodied within: Just as Jesus' crucifixion brought salvation to humanity, salvation is attainable by anchoring oneself to the crucified Jesus, symbolized by the cross and anchors. The radiance emanating from the cross symbolizes the enlightenment and magnificence of Jesus Christ. The College authorities have established a defined philosophy and mission. The motto encapsulating this philosophy reads, "Notre Dame College Students: Dedicated, Creative, Skilled, and Responsible." The institutional philosophy is as follows:"'The mission of Notre Dame College education is to foster the holistic development of individuals—nurturing self-motivation, creativity, a service-oriented mindset, engagement, and proficiency in acquiring and applying knowledge. It aims to cultivate responsibility in facing the challenges of the times.'"

Gallery


Robert Boughey An American architect born in Pennsylvania, USA. He completed his Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York in 1959 and received a Diploma in Tropical Studies from AA School of Architecture, London in 1967. He is a former research professor of architecture at Pratt Institute. He is the architect of the main structure of Notre Dame College.

Students
Students of Notre Dame College are known as "Notredamians". Every year Notre Dame College admits around 2000-2100 students in science, around 410 students in humanities and around 750 students in business studies group through one of the most competitive college admission processes in the country. Currently, it consists of 17 sections for students in science terming each as "Groups". In the case of science, groups 1 to 14 include Bangla medium students and the rest 15, 16, and 17 groups admit English version students. Humanities has groups H, W, and G while business studies has groups A, B, C, D, E, and F.

Extracurricular clubs
The college has 32 extracurricular clubs.

Notre Dame Science Club
Notre Dame Science Club also known as NDSC, is the oldest science club in the country. It was established on 18 September 1955 by the ex-principal of the college Father Richard William Timm, CSC. It celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2005.

Notre Dame Nature Study Club
Notre Dame Nature Study Club also known as NDNSC, is the first nature club in the country. It was established on 29 August 1984 by Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan, former lecturer of Notre Dame College and also the founder and chairman of Nature Study Society of Bangladesh.

Juba Red Crescent Club, Notre Dame College
International Red Cross Red Crescent Society has been working in the world everywhere through volunteering since its opening.

Notre Dame Rotaract Club
Notre Dame Rotaract Club (NDRC) is the first Rotaract club in the college level of Bangladesh. The club was founded in 1990.

Notre Dame Abritti Dal
The first college-level recitation organization in the subcontinent, Notre Dame Abritti Dal, was founded on 18 August 1992, under the leadership of Mrs. Marlin Clara Penheiro, Head of the Bengali Department and assistant professor of Notre Dame College. The club, with the motto "বাক্‌শিল্পকে সমৃদ্ধ কর" meaning "Enrich the art of speech," has been representing Notre Dame College and promoting art and culture for more than 30 years.

Notre Dame International Understanding and Relation Club
Notre Dame International Understanding and Relation Club (IURC) is one of the oldest International relations clubs in the country and the first International Relations Club at high school/college level. It was established on 20 February 1993.

It also works along with International communities like American Center Dhaka, British Council, etc. This club arranged the first ever Mock Model UN in Notre Dame College and also arranged the first Model UN of Notre Dame College titled Notre Dame College Model United Nations in 2017. The Second Session of NDCMUN took place from 11 to 13 January 2018 with more than 500 participants, making it one of the largest Model UNs in the country.

Notre Dame Writer's Club
This club was founded on 29 July 2001. The motto of this club is 'অক্ষরে আঁকি সৃষ্টির সৌন্দর্য’ or 'Depicting the beauty of creation in letters'. Dr. Mizanur Rahman is the current moderator of this club. This club arranges workshops on creative writing, book publishing, and journalism. Story writing, handwriting, and quiz competitions are arranged regularly as well. Members of this club usually edit 'Dhak-Dhol Chit-Chat', the quarterly publication of Notre Dame College, Dhaka.

Notre Dame Math Club
Notre Dame Math Club was established on 14 March 2017 (Pi Day). The Club regularly organizes seminars, workshops, and tutorial classes for students interested in mathematics. It also helps weak students develop skills in mathematics.

Apart from regular programs, the club also organizes the annual inter-school/inter-college program called the Notre Dame Math Festival. During this festival various mathematical competitions are held among school and college-level students from multiple institutions. The club annually publishes a handwritten scrap magazine called The Number  on Pi Day. On Pi Day 2018, the club published its first printed annual magazine called The Function.

Notre Dame Photography Club
Notre Dame Photography Club was established on 9 August 2017. Md. Moin Uddin Ahasan Habib, lecturer of Zoology of Biology Dept. is serving as the hon. moderator of this club.

Notre Dame Information Technology Club
Notre Dame Information Technology Club (NDITC) was founded on 27 June 2018.

The activities of the club include Competitive programming, Graphics design, Content Writing, Robotics, Video Editing, etc. The club regularly arranges various competitions among and beyond the students of the college. CodeCompass is the official monthly newsletter of the club.

The club is currently moderated by Mr. Saikat Lawrence Rozario, lecturer of ICT.

Notre Dame Media and Communication Club
Founded in 2022, Mrs. Shapla Banik is serving as the Hon. Moderator of the club.

Notre Dame Yoga and Meditation Club
Merging finitude into infinity with Mr. Swapan Halder, lecturer of English, serving as the Hon. Moderator of Notre Dame Yoga and Meditation Club.

Publications
Blue and Gold is the yearbook of Notre Dame College. Notre Dame College publishes students' quarterly magazine Dhak Dhol - Chit Chat. Each club has its own yearly magazine/publication. Among them AUDRI of Notre Dame Science Club is the most famous. Nishorga, the annual magazine of Notre Dame Nature Study Club is also worth mentioning.

Notre Dame International Understanding and Relation Club (NDIURC) also publishes its own annual magazine titled 'Jogajog' with a couple thousand circulations. For the last few years, Notre Dame Natya Dal has been publishing Mancha, a magazine that depicts its activities and theater.

Notre Dame Math Club publishes a hand-designed scrap magazine called The Number, and the annual magazine called The Function on Pi Day. Notre Dame Information and Technology Club publishes its own magazine called Recursion which is given to the winners of various events of NIDTC's Annual Fest and its club members and well-wishers.

Organization and administration
The college is managed by Christian priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross in Dhaka. Since its establishment, ten priests have served as the principal of the college.
 * John J. Harrington (1949 - 1954)
 * James L. Martin (1954 - 1960)
 * Theotonius Amal Ganguly (March 1960 - October 1960)
 * William Graham (1960 - 1967)
 * John Vanden Bossche (1967 - 1969)
 * Joseph S. Peixotto (1969 - 1970)
 * Richard Timm (1970 - 1971)
 * Ambrose Wheeler (1971 - 1976)
 * Joseph S. Peixotto (1976 - 1998)
 * Benjamin Costa (1998 - 2012)
 * Fr. Hemanto Pius Rozario (2012–present)

Among them, Father Timm was a renowned biologist and a winner of the 1987 Ramon Magsaysay award for International Understanding. Father Timm was also the founder-moderator of Notre Dame Science Club and Notre Dame Debating Club.