The University of Calcutta has long been a cradle of intellectual brilliance and leadership, producing individuals who have profoundly influenced the nation’s history, culture, and progress. Its alumni have excelled in diverse fields, from philosophy and politics to sports and economics, embodying the spirit of innovation and service that defines the institution.
Swami Vivekananda
| Date of Birth | January 12, 1863 – July 4, 1902 |
| Place of Birth | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Education | – Presidency College, Kolkata (1879–1880) – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): Scottish Church College (Affiliated with University of Calcutta), Kolkata (completed in 1885) |
| Known For | – Renowned philosopher, spiritual leader, and key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies to the Western world – Represented India at the Parliament of the World’s Religions, Chicago (1893), with his iconic speech beginning “Sisters and brothers of America…” – Founded the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, promoting education, social service, and humanitarian work – Advocate for youth empowerment, national unity, and the upliftment of the poor and marginalized – Pioneered the concept of Neo-Vedanta and popularized yoga and Vedanta in the West – Inspired Indian nationalism and the modern Hindu revivalist movement – Authored influential works like Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Bartaman Bharat |
| Honours and Awards | – Legacy as a national icon and spiritual leader – Celebrated as a patriotic saint; his birth anniversary (January 12) is observed as National Youth Day in India – The day of his Parliament of Religions speech (September 11) is observed as World Brotherhood Day – Numerous institutions, universities, airports, and public places named after him across India – Subject of several films, documentaries, and artistic tributes, including the National Film Award–winning animated short Sound of Joy – Widely regarded as one of the greatest modern Indian thinkers and a global ambassador of Indian philosophy |
Subhash Chandra Bose
Pranab Mukherjee
| Date of Birth | December 11, 1935 – August 31, 2020 |
| Place of Birth | Mirati, Birbhum district, West Bengal, India |
| Education | – M.A. in History and Political Science: Suri Vidyasagar College, affiliated to the University of Calcutta – LL.B.: University of Calcutta – Honorary doctorates from several universities |
| Known For | – 13th President of India (2012–2017), the first Bengali to hold the post – Longtime politician and key figure in Indian politics, serving in multiple Union Cabinet portfolios: – Union Minister of Defence: May 2004 – October 2006 – Union Minister of External Affairs: October 2006 – May 2009 – Union Minister of Finance: January 2009 – June 2012 – Earlier held key roles like Union Minister of Commerce (1993–1995), Union Minister of External Affairs (1995–1996), and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (1991–1996) – Leader of the House in the Lok Sabha (2004–2012) – Instrumental in economic reforms, national development, and consensus-building in Indian politics |
| Honours and Awards | – Bharat Ratna (2019), India’s highest civilian honor – Padma Vibhushan (2008) – Bangladesh Liberation War Honour (2013) – National Order of the Ivory Coast, Grand Cross (2016) – Order of Makarios III, Grand Collar (2017) – Honorary Citizenship of Abidjan, Ivory Coast (2016) – Honorary doctorates from University of Wolverhampton, Assam University, Visvesvaraya Technological University, University of Dhaka, University of Mauritius, Istanbul University, University of Calcutta, University of Jordan, Al-Quds University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Kathmandu University, Goa University, Jadavpur University, and University of Chittagong – Finance Minister of the Year for Asia (2010) by Emerging Markets – Finance Minister of the Year (2010) by The Banker |
Sourav Ganguly
| Date of Birth | July 8, 1972 |
| Place of Birth | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Education | – Schooling: St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Kolkata – Commerce degree: St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata (affiliated to the University of Calcutta) |
| Known For | – Legendary Indian cricketer and former captain of the Indian national team, known for aggressive leadership and iconic performances – President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), driving major reforms – Instrumental in transforming Indian cricket into a global powerhouse – Popularly known as “Dada” for his influence and popularity – Played a key role in the Supreme Court–appointed IPL spot-fixing probe panel |
| Honours and Awards | – Padma Shri (2004), India’s fourth highest civilian award – Arjuna Award (1994) – Honorary Doctor of Letters (Bengal Engineering and Science University) – Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack – Sixth Greatest ODI Batsman of All Time (2002) – Recipient of the ICC Hall of Fame (2023) |
Rajendra Prasad
| Date of Birth | December 3, 1884 – February 28, 1963 |
| Place of Birth | Ziradei, Bihar, India |
| Education | – Science undergraduate: Presidency College, Calcutta (affiliated to the University of Calcutta, completed 1905) – M.A. in Economics: University of Calcutta (completed 1907) – Law: Ripon College (now Surendranath Law College), Calcutta (completed 1915) |
| Known For | – First President of India (1950–1962), the only president to serve two full terms – Key figure in the Indian independence movement and a major leader from Bihar – President of the Constituent Assembly of India, instrumental in drafting the Indian Constitution – Advocate for social justice, education, and national unity – Played a significant role in shaping India’s democratic institutions |
| Honours and Awards | – Bharat Ratna (1962), India’s highest civilian honor – Legacy as a founding father of modern India and a symbol of integrity and public service |
Mamata Banerjee
| Date of Birth | January 5, 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Education | – Secondary: Deshbandhu Sishu Sikshalay, Kolkata – B.A. in History: Jogamaya Devi College, University of Calcutta (1974) – M.A. in Islamic History: University of Calcutta (1977) – B.Ed.: Shri Shikshayatan College (1980) – LL.B.: Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College, Kolkata (1982) – Honorary D.Litt. from St. Xavier’s University (2023), University of Calcutta (2018), and Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (2017) |
| Known For | – Chief Minister of West Bengal (2011–present), first woman to hold the office – Founder and chairperson of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) – Minister of Railways (1999–2000, 2009–2011) – Minister of Coal and Mines (2004) – Minister of Human Resource Development, Youth Affairs and Sports, and Women and Child Development (1991–1993) – Leader of the House in the Lok Sabha (1991–1996, 2009–2011) – Known for her grassroots politics, populist schemes, and strong opposition to land acquisition policies in Singur and Nandigram |
| Honours and Awards | – Honorary D.Litt. from several universities – Widely recognized as a pioneering female leader in Indian politics – Legacy as a champion of regional and social justice |
Amartya Sen
| Date of Birth | November 3, 1933 |
| Place of Birth | Santiniketan, West Bengal, India |
| Education | – B.A. in Economics: Presidency College, Calcutta (University of Calcutta, 1953) – B.A., M.A., Ph.D. in Economics: Trinity College, Cambridge (1955, 1959) – Taught at Jadavpur University, Delhi School of Economics, London School of Economics, Oxford, and Harvard University |
| Known For | – Nobel Laureate in Economics (1998) for his work on welfare economics and social choice theory – Renowned for his contributions to poverty, famine, and development studies – Advocate for social justice, individual freedoms, and human capabilities – Influential economist and philosopher, shaping global development policy |
| Honours and Awards | – Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (1998) – Bharat Ratna (1999), India’s highest civilian honor – Over 90 honorary degrees from universities worldwide – Honorary citizenship of Bangladesh (1999) – Honorary Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour, UK (2000) – Leontief Prize (2000) – National Humanities Medal, USA (2011) – Princess of Asturias Award (2021) – Friedenspreis des Deutschen Buchhandels (2020) – International Rescue Committee Freedom Award (2023) |
Over the years, the legacy of this university has been shaped by visionaries whose contributions have left an indelible mark on India and the world. Their achievements continue to inspire generations, reinforcing the university’s reputation as a beacon of excellence and transformation.
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