Department of Geography

 

Introduction

Established as part of Government Degree College, Bhikiyasain (Almora)—founded on 2 August 2006—the Department of Geography offers a robust undergraduate (BA/BSc) program. Courses encompass both physical and human geography, enriching students’ understanding of geographical phenomena through theoretical knowledge and field exposure Bhikiyasain College.

Department In-Charge

Dr. Paritosh Upreti, Assistant Professor, currently leads the department, guiding its academic and outreach initiatives with dedication.

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Vision

To cultivate geographically literate and environmentally conscious graduates who can critically engage with region-specific challenges—such as mountain development and rural sustainability—and emerge as responsible citizens and informed planners.

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Mission

• Deliver comprehensive undergraduate education in geography, combining physical, human, environmental, and regional geography.

• Foster analytical thinking by integrating tools like remote sensing and GIS to study landforms, environmental degradation, and spatial planning.

• Provide experiential learning through field-based practicals and exposure to the diverse landscapes of Almora and surrounding hilly terrain.

• Cultivate environmental stewardship, enabling students to understand and actively participate in the sustainable development of the region.

• Promote research and innovation, encouraging students to undertake projects relevant to mountain geography, disaster management, and ecological conservation.

• Strengthen community engagement, leveraging geographical insights to support local planning, development, and sustainable livelihood initiatives.

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Goals & Objectives

1. Academic Excellence

   • Deliver a well-rounded curriculum that covers physical geography (landforms, geomorphology), human geography, regional planning and development, environmental geography, rural development, and disaster management.

2. Field and Practical Exposure

   • Integrate field trips, hands-on practical sessions, and immersive experiences that deepen students’ observational and analytical skills.

3. Technological Integration

   • Employ modern techniques, including remote sensing and GIS, for analyzing landscapes and environmental dynamics—reflecting best practices seen at similar institutions Rajkiya Mahavidyalaya Chinyalisaur.

4. Contextual Relevance

   • Orient the curriculum around local realities—Almora’s Himalayan terrain, ecological systems, and socio-cultural dynamics—to ensure education remains anchored in regional relevance.

5. Research Orientation

   • Encourage undergraduate research projects on topics such as land-use change, sustainable mountain development, ecotourism, and rural resource management.

6. Sustainability & Environmental Awareness

   • Instill eco-friendly values and an understanding of the fragile mountain ecosystems among students, emphasizing conservation in regional development.

7. Skill Development & Employability

   • Equip students with transferable skills—cartography, spatial data handling, analytical writing, and critical reasoning—that support career pathways in academia, planning, environmental consultancy, local governance, and further studies.

8. Collaborations & Outreach

   • Facilitate linkages with local administration, NGOs, universities, and research institutions to enrich teaching, fieldwork, and enhance the department’s societal contribution.

9. Continuous Evaluation & Enhancement

   • Regularly assess curriculum effectiveness, teaching methods, infrastructure adequacy, and gather student feedback to ensure quality and relevance.

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Department Profile Overview