Mangala Mahavidyalaya was established in 1978 at Kakatpur in the District of Puri, Odisha. The College has been christened after the name of Goddess Mangala, the presiding deity of the locality, a place of tourist importance because of its religio- cultural links with Lord Jagannath in Puri. The College is situated on the banks of river Prachi amidst a sylvan and serene surrounding.
The inception of the college in 1978 was a dire necessity when the number of Higher Educational institutions in Odisha was few and far between. Most of the students in inaccessible rural pockets were being deprived of higher education because of poverty. Higher Education was almost a dream for girls Students and students from SC, ST, Minority and other backward communities. With the sincere endeavour of some Educationists, social workers and philanthropists of the locality this institution came into existence with huge public support.
Initially the college started with the opening of intermediate classes in Arts stream which was affiliated to Utkal University and recognized by the Govt. of Odisha in the year 1980 and 1981 respectively. Subsequently Science and commerce were opened in the same wing. Degree classes in Arts opened in the year 1983 and science and commerce opened in 1991 and 1992 respectively. The degree wing is affiliated to Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar. The college is affiliated to the U.G.C. under the provision of 2(F) and 12(B) since 1992.
Now the college offers teaching in 16 different subjects and imparts Hons teaching in subjects such as English, Odia, History, Economics, Pol-Sc, Psychology, Sanskrit, Education, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Accountancy and Management. The self financing course in computer science (Pass & Hons.) has been opened to meet the growing need of the hour. Besides, U.G.C sponsored Add-on courses like applied sociology has been opened to boost good citizenship and employability of the students. Other U.G.C. sponsored programmes like Remedial coaching, Entry into- service, Equal opportunity centre, Carrier Counselling are being carried out with the financial assistance of the U.G.C. . The college is also planning to open new vocational/ professional programme to make the students fit for employment market in near future. The dedicated and experienced staff members have been constantly trying to improve the image of the institution. The teaching potential of the college is fairly good and many teachers are Ph.D. and M. Phil holders who have contributed articles in leading national journals. Many are also pursuing research work awaiting the award of Ph.D.
The institution in quite privileged to possess 20.38 acres of landed property with a sprawling campus abounding in greeneries. The play ground is quite spacious having the potential of a mini stadium. The library possesses a good number of texts and reference books with photocopying and NET facilities. There are two in- campus hostels one for boys and another for girls. The Govt. Of Odisha has sanctioned an amount of Rs: 1.5 cores for construction of ladies hostel on behalf of tribal and welfare department in the college campus. Steps are being taken for early execution of the project. The foundation of a big auditorium has already been laid down with the assistance of M.P. lad fund.
To improve the quality of education, regular monthly tests, Seminars, Workshops, and Remedial Coaching are conducted. Eminent persons having excellence in different fields are invited to give talks and share their experience and expertise with the students. Keeping in view the fast degeneration of moral values in the society, the college invites Yoga Gurus and Spiritual Masters to train the students with Yogic practices to fight stress and anxiety and lead a harmonious social life. Apart from this, the girl students are given martial training for self defence.
The institution has immense potential to expand both physically and academically. All that we need and expect is sincerity and commitment from our staff and help and support from all stake holders including Govt. & Non Govt. Agencies to elevate the stature and status of this institution.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Tripathy, MA,Ph.D, Principal. MANGALA MAHAVIDYALAYA, KAKATPUR.