Roland Educational and Charitable Trust (RECT)
Foundation and Purpose: Established in 1997, the Roland Educational and Charitable Trust (RECT) is a non-profit organization registered under the Registration of Trust Act 1882. With Trust No 409 of 1997, RECT was founded with the noble intent of extending quality education, particularly in technical fields, to the rural communities of India. The trust's registered office is located at Gandhi Nagar, 2nd Line, Berhampur, Ganjam District, Odisha, India.
Visionary Leadership: The late Dr. J. Surya Rao, a distinguished philanthropist, served as the founding chairman of RECT. His vision was to bridge the educational divide between urban and rural areas, providing opportunities for technical education where they were most needed. His legacy continues to guide the trust's mission.
Key Initiatives:
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Establishment of Educational Institutions:
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Roland Institute of Technology (RIT), founded in 2001, is a testament to the trust's commitment to technical education. Located in Golanthara, Ganjam District, RIT offers undergraduate programs in engineering disciplines like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics and Communication, Computer Science, and Information Technology, along with a postgraduate program in MCA. RIT is known for its quality education, being approved by AICTE, New Delhi, and affiliated with BPUT, Rourkela. It's also an ISO 9001 certified institution, emphasizing its dedication to excellence in education.
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Expansion and Impact:
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RECT has not only focused on RIT but has also established other institutions like Roland Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roland Institute of Computer and Management Studies, and Roland Junior College, thereby diversifying educational opportunities in the region.
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Community Outreach and Social Work:
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Beyond formal education, the trust engages in various social activities aimed at community upliftment. This includes health camps, scholarships for underprivileged students, and initiatives to promote education among the rural populace.
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Accreditation and Recognition:
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RIT, under RECT, has achieved notable accreditation and recognition:
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AICTE Approval: Ensuring that the educational standards meet national guidelines.
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BPUT Affiliation: Guarantees that the curriculum and degrees are recognized and valued.
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ISO 9001 Certification: Indicates a commitment to quality management in education.
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Challenges and Future Directions:
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The trust continues to face challenges common to educational institutions in India, like infrastructure development, faculty retention, and ensuring educational access for all. However, its aim is to expand its reach, both in terms of educational offerings and geographic coverage, to ensure more students from underprivileged backgrounds can aspire to professional and technical careers.
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RECT also looks towards enhancing its research capabilities, fostering innovation, and strengthening industry connections to improve placement opportunities for its students.
Finally: The Roland Educational and Charitable Trust represents a beacon of hope and opportunity in Odisha's educational landscape. Through its dedication to providing quality technical education to rural students, RECT continues to honor the legacy of its founder while adapting to the evolving needs of education in the 21st century. Its holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with social responsibility, makes it a pivotal institution in the region's socio-economic development.