ERDF Founder’s Day
Why Founder’s Day? The Concept
ERDF Founder’s Day celebration, conceptualized in 2018, stands as a testimony to the transformative power of dreams, dedication, and resilience. Celebrated with the objective of inspiring young minds to envision greatness, commit to their goals, and translate their aspirations into actionable reforms, Founder’s Day symbolizes the broader mission of societal progress and nation-building.
This occasion also honors the visionary journey of Shri Mahbubul Hoque, who began his entrepreneurial endeavour with just one computer, four students and ₹85. As the founder of the Education Research and Development Foundation (ERDF) and the institutions under its umbrella, his story is a beacon of perseverance and vision. Significantly, this annual celebration is not merely a commemoration of the past; it is a call to inspire students, faculty, and stakeholders to dream big, work diligently, and embrace social responsibility alongside their professional aspirations. It is a moment to reflect on the founder’s tireless efforts and sacrifices while drawing inspiration from his steadfast commitment to education and societal betterment.
The Vision Behind ERDF Founder’s Day
The primary aim of Founder’s Day is to ignite a sense of purpose among young minds. It seeks to inspire students to dream, nurture a sense of urgency to achieve those dreams, and dedicate themselves to transforming visions into reality. This transformation not only benefits individuals but also creates a ripple effect of reform and progress, contributing to the larger goal of nation-building.
Founder’s Day is also intended to educate stakeholders about the humble yet extraordinary journey of Shri Mahbubul Hoque, whose mission has profoundly impacted education in Assam, Meghalaya, and beyond. His journey began in February 2001 with just one computer, four students, and a mere ₹85 in hand. Despite the allure of lucrative career opportunities following his Master’s degree from Aligarh Muslim University, Shri Hoque chose a challenging path to address the educational needs of the region. His determination and resilience in overcoming countless challenges laid the foundation for the ERDF Group of Institutions.
The Legacy of ERDF
What began as a small initiative has grown into a vast network of institutions under the ERDF umbrella. Today, ERDF administers a medical college and hospital, an ayurvedic medical college and hospital, an engineering college, a law college, a women’s degree college, a management school, two pharmacy colleges, two CBSE-affiliated schools, and the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, among others. Collectively, these institutions cater to over 11,000 students, with 20% of them availing free education or scholarships.
ERDF institutions actively engage in welfare and outreach activities, embodying their commitment to societal empowerment. Through quality education and institution-building, ERDF has significantly contributed to social transformation and continues to be a catalyst for change.
The Celebration of Founder’s Day
In 2018, ERDF introduced the tradition of celebrating Founder’s Day, marking a weeklong series of events from the last week of November to the first week of December. These celebrations, held across all ERDF institutions in Assam and Meghalaya, include competitions such as debates, quizzes, science model competitions, speeches, essay writing, poetry, art and painting displays, singing, video presentations, etc. Among these, the Dr. Donkupar Roy Memorial National Level Debate Competition stands out with participants from institutions across the country.
The celebrations are carefully designed to avoid disrupting regular classes, ensuring a balance between academic and extracurricular activities. These events serve as a platform for students to showcase their talents, learn about ERDF’s legacy, and understand the broader mission of contributing to societal development.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
The celebration of ERDF Founder’s Day serves as a platform to reflect on the values of the institution and the incredible journey of its founder. It reminds students, faculty, and guardians of their roles in furthering this noble mission. ERDF Founder’s Day is more than just a celebration; it is a call to action. It inspires students and stakeholders to dream big, take on challenges, and work collectively to make a meaningful impact on society. The legacy of Shri Mahbubul Hoque and the institutions he built is a powerful reminder that dedication and vision can overcome the greatest odds, paving the way for a brighter future for the nation.
The Road Ahead: Building a Responsible Citizenry
Founder’s Day is not just a celebration of the past but a roadmap for the future. It emphasizes the importance of dreams, vision, and mission, encouraging students and stakeholders to embody these values in their own lives. By understanding the struggles and achievements of Shri Mahbubul Hoque, the ERDF community gains insight into the transformative power of dedication and resilience.
As enlightened students, faculty, and citizens, the ERDF family is called upon to carry forward this noble mission. Together, they can build a socially responsible community that contributes to nation-building through education and service.
ERDF Founder’s Day is a celebration of vision, dedication, and societal impact. It reminds us that true progress is achieved not just through personal success but by empowering others and contributing to the collective good.
