Dr. Sister Doris D'Souza A.C.

Patna Women's College, a premier institution for women students in Bihar received an 'A' grade at its Reaccreditation in 2010 with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.51 out of 4, which to this date is the highest in Bihar. The first accreditation was in 2004. In the same year, the institution was also accorded the 'College with Potential for Excellence (CPE)' status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the CPE Scheme based on the proposal submitted. Grant is sanctioned, for improving infrastructure of the College and to encourage and promote undergraduate research. In pursuance of this goal, Patna Women's College has, since 2005, initiated the process of encouraging research aptitude amongst undergraduate students in all departments.

In 2008, the University Grants Commission (UGC) sanctioned a separate grant for 'Basic Scientific Research' (BSR) to inculcate scientific research temper among science students. Under CPE Scheme, groups of students (not exceeding three in a group) and under BSR Scheme, six groups of students from 5 Science departments (not exceeding two in a group) are identified and selected in all departments, for undertaking research projects in a specified area or topic. The groups work under the supervision of a teacher in the department. The students collect data / material, organize these and after analysis and inference, present their findings in the form of a written report. Subsequently they modify the content of their research and findings in the form of a research paper and make a Power-Point Presentation (PPP). A Panel of Judges evaluate the quality of research and presentation. The best presentation from each department is being given an award.

The research project initiated under the CPE / BSR Scheme has succeeded in making the learning process more purposive and meaningful exercise. The present education system based on transfer of information as we all know has not been able to encourage critical thinking. The College pursues this programme with enthusiasm since it provides an opportunity to the young learner to participate in the process of search, reflection and action; it is also a curative for that 'Sense of hollowness' which a lot of young people find in our institutional life today.

The journal under CPE Scheme embodies the research work of our undergraduate students in all faculties - Arts, Science, Commerce and Vocational Courses. It also includes research papers of Post-graduate students from the Department of Home Science. The Journal under BSR embodies the research work of our science students. The College is proud to bring out its second issue which contains the CPE research papers and the first issue of Basic Scientific Research (BSR) papers of the Journal, 'Explore'.

I thank all the Teachers and Students and Experts in the concerned field for their contribution.

(Dr. Sister Doris D'Souza A.C.)

Principal, Patna Women's College