Lifelong Learning and Extension (Rural Extension Centre)

Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension (Rural Extension Centre) is one of the oldest departments under Visva-Bharati. It has been actively engaged in improving the condition of the villagers since inception of Sriniketan Experiment (1922). Over the years the department has been giving emphasis on extension and mass education programmes to encourage the villagers to become self-reliant. From inceptions, the department has been playing the role of advocacy for the co-operative way of living with
integration, local initiatives, local leadership and local self-governance in every aspect of public life as envisaged by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. Considering the growing demands of the society, the Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension (REC) also spread its area of work. Presently, the department provides extension and field outreach services to 50 villages,which are scattered in two Community Development Blocks and under eight Gram Panchayats for holistic development. During the convocation lecture
on 25th may 2018, our Hon’ble Acharya (Chancellor) and Prime Minister of India Sri NarendraModi appreciates the initiators, being informed regarding the development works carried out in surrounding 50 villages through Visva-Bharati. He addressing his extending hope and expectation from the university seeks to reach the initiatives in 100 villages by 2020-2021, celebrating the completion of decade of the University. So, presently, the Department has identified 56 more villages and initiatives have been taken to work in 106 villages.Department of Lifelong Learning & Extension (REC) has adopted an integrated approach to work in three vital areas viz. Teaching, Research and Extension & Field Outreach Programmes.