Geography Department is a dynamic and thriving academic unit dedicated to the study and exploration of the world around us. The Department of Geography, Hazi A. K. Khan College was founded on June 30, 2016, with the inception of the B.A. Geography Honours program, which initially enrolled 15 students. Then, on August 2, 2018, the department expanded its offerings by introducing the B.A. Geography Programme Course, which had a capacity to admit 40 students. From its humble beginnings with just two teachers, the department has grown and currently boasts a team of three dedicated and experienced faculty members who are well-versed in contemporary geographical concepts and equipped with modern teaching skills. They are committed to nurturing the intellectual growth and curiosity of our students. The current intake capacity for the Honours course is 50 students. One of the department's key strengths is its state-of-the-art facilities. We take pride in our well-equipped laboratory, which provides students with hands-on experience in conducting various geographical experiments and analyses. Additionally, our departmental library is stocked with a comprehensive collection of books and research materials, ensuring that students have access to the latest academic resources. Our computer lab and ICT-enabled classrooms facilitate interactive and technology-driven learning experiences, preparing our students for the digital age.

Furthermore, the department is equipped with a wide range of geographical instruments, allowing students to gain practical exposure and develop essential skills in data collection and analysis. Our faculty members, with their advanced knowledge and modern teaching techniques, ensure that students receive a well-rounded education in geography. To further enrich our academic environment, we organize seminars featuring experts in the field of Geography, providing students with the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and developments. We also offer a range of add-on courses to complement our core programs, allowing students to delve deeper into specific aspects of geography and acquire specialized skills.

In addition to academic pursuits, the Department of Geography encourages a vibrant extracurricular life. We annually publish a Wall Magazine showcasing the creative and scholarly talents of our students. Excursions and field surveys are an integral part of our curriculum, providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Cultural programs and celebrations are organized to foster a sense of community and cultural awareness among students, and we actively participate in the observation of Environmental Days to raise awareness about pressing environmental issues.

Vision of the Department:

• Our vision is to cultivate a deep appreciation for geography as a discipline that elucidates the intricate relationships between people, places, and environments. We aspire to inspire intellectual curiosity and a lifelong passion for exploring the world.
• We envision equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities needed to become informed and responsible global citizens. Through our programs, we aim to nurture the next generation of leaders who can address pressing global challenges.
• We aim to facilitate groundbreaking studies that contribute to our understanding of geographic phenomena and provide practical solutions to contemporary societal and environmental issues.
• We are committed to promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. Our vision is to play a pivotal role in educating individuals who are environmentally conscious and prepared to tackle ecological challenges.
• We envision a department that embraces diversity and inclusivity, where students and faculty from various backgrounds collaborate, fostering a rich and vibrant learning environment that reflects the global nature of geography.
• We foresee harnessing the power of technology to enhance geographic education. Our vision includes integrating modern tools and data analysis techniques into our programs.
• We aspire to instill a culture of lifelong learning among our students and faculty. Geography is a continuously evolving field, and our vision is to prepare individuals who are adaptable and committed to ongoing personal and professional development.

Mission of the Department:

• The mission of the Geography Department is to provide its students with the highest quality educational experiences and to effectively implement the curriculum.
• The department is committed to outstanding teaching within the framework of academic liberty and diversity of thoughts.
• We envision that the department will continue to build its reputation in undergraduate geography programs in the areas of Cartography, Remote Sensing and GIS, Physical Geography, Human Geography, Field study and Surveying.
• Our goal is to support our students in developing the capacity for both innovative and integrative thinking across a range of professional and intellectual contexts.

Strength:

• A well-equipped laboratory and a departmental library ensure a conducive learning environment.
• The department actively organizes and encourages extracurricular activities such as publishing a Wall Magazine, conducting excursions and field surveys, hosting cultural programs, and participating in environmental observances, enhancing students' overall development.
• Departmental excursions help develop a spirit of mutual collaboration among students.
• The department has a good academic culture.
• There is mutual coordination among faculty members and students.
• Instruments for practical work, such as surveying instruments, cartographic instruments, area calculating tools, soil testing kits, and rock minerals, are available.
• Attendance and the results of students in our department have also increased.
• The department has 11 computers for the newly introduced Remote Sensing and GIS study and practical applications.
• The number of students achieving first-class distinctions is also increasing.

Weaknesses:

• The department has no separate non-teaching staff to maintain the department and assist in practical matters.
• Students come from economically weaker backgrounds.
• The college is located in a rural area, so students have little interest in pursuing higher education.
• The computer laboratory is not air-conditioned.

Opportunities:

• Add-on courses in subject-specific and interdisciplinary areas are available.
• Adoption of new tools such as QGIS software.
• ICT-enabled classes provide an opportunity to integrate technology into the learning environment.

Challenges:

• To bridge the gap between slow learners and advanced learners.
• There has been an increase in dropouts in the final year of the degree program since marriage has become a barrier.
• Rapid advancements in technology require continuous adaptation and training for faculty and students to stay up-to-date with current practices.
• Ensuring inclusivity and diversity within the department can be a long-term challenge, necessitating continuous efforts to promote a diverse and welcoming environment.
• Securing funding for infrastructure improvements may pose ongoing challenges.

Future Plans:

• To organize national/state-level workshops, seminars and conferences.
• To develop a computerized lab with modern techniques.
• To increase the number of tutorial and remedial classes to help students better understand the subject and clear doubts.
• To organize various departmental programs to motivate students for competitive examinations.
• To prepare geographical models for exhibitions.
• To involve students more in technical skills.
• To increase the number of computers with air conditioning for the betterment of students.