Geography is a spatial science and it deals with the interaction between human and environment. Ancient Greek philosopher Eratosthenes who has been regarded as the ‘Father of Geography’ coined the term ‘Geography’ and he is credited to provide the definition of geography as the “study of earth as the home of man”. Space and human interaction with it are the primary foci of geography. The physical features of the earth’s surface and the various human cultures that take place upon these both are studied by geographers. Space and time may have an effect on individuals, and geographers seek how human civilization interacts with the environment. Where things exist, what makes them there, and how they evolve across time – the geographers are tirelessly trying to answer all these questions.

The Department of Geography of Siliguri Mahila Mahavidyalaya first opened its doors in the academic session 2005-’06 with General Course only and later it introduced Honours Course in the academic session 2007-’08. Students of humanities from different corners of Siliguri subdivision as well as from different districts of North Bengal take admission in this department every year. The department has tried to make an imprint of brilliant success in this short span of time both in terms of academic results and upliftment of academic activities.

The Department of Geography organized an ICSSR-ERC funded National Seminar during March 9-10, 2019 on “Sustainable Urbanization in East India: Present Trends and Future Concerns”. It also organized An Open Air State Level Workshop on “Environment, River and Man” perhaps for the first time in West Bengal. Beside these, the department regularly organizes other academic activities for the benefit of the students like Special Lectures, Workshops on Skill Development, Departmental Seminars etc. It arranged a unique platform perhaps for the first time in a higher education institution of North Bengal regarding a Motivational Talk cum Interactive Session on “Preparation of UPSC Examination for Young Aspirants from Siliguri & North Bengal” by Shri Abhijit Ray (UPSC 50 Rank, 2022). This is our pleasure to announce that the department was granted permission to establish a Nodal Facility for Remote Sensing under IIRS Dehradun, though due to shortage of computers it couldn’t be started yet. Hopefully, our under construction GIS laboratory will solve this problem in the near future and the nodal centre will start it function very soon.