Prof. Quomrul Hoque Biography: The Unsung Hero Who Built Patharkandi College
Professor Quomrul Hoque was born in 1964 in Barcharra, Purbogool, a remote village under Asaimganj PS, Patharkandi, Karimganj district, Assam. He came from a humble family deeply rooted in the culture and values of the Barak Valley. From his early childhood, he demonstrated exceptional curiosity and social awareness, shaped by the realities of rural life and the absence of educational facilities.
Despite growing up in one of the most underdeveloped regions of the state, Quomrul Hoque’s thirst for knowledge was unrelenting. He completed his early education locally and later pursued higher studies at Gauhati University, where he earned his Master’s degree in History.
Known for his intellect, integrity, and discipline, he quickly earned respect among peers and mentors alike. Deeply inspired by reformist thinkers and education pioneers, he realized that education was the most powerful tool for social transformation, particularly in marginalized communities.
In the late 1980s, Professor Hoque began his teaching career as a Lecturer in History at Nabin Chandra College, Badarpur, one of the most reputed colleges of southern Assam. His interaction with students from diverse backgrounds opened his eyes to the harsh educational inequalities that rural youth faced. This experience ignited his lifelong mission — to make higher education accessible to the remotest corners of Assam, regardless of caste, creed, or economic status
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History of Patharkandi College The Beginning — Vision of a Young Educationist
Patharkandi College came into existence on 28th of Oct. 1990. It is situated 1 K.M away to the east of Patharkandi town. There is a big historical pond named Rajbari Pond in the east and Patharkandi College of Education (B.Ed College) in the west. The College Road runs from the National Highway to Rajbari Pond and also a PWD road approaches to the south. The College is surrounded by a charming place free from din and bustle environment.
Though the Patharkandi College is under the jurisdiction of L.A.2 Patharkandi constituency and H.P-I Karimganj SC Lok Sabha (Reserved) Constituency, the huge population here are approximately 10 laks, belonging to SC, ST, OBC, MOBC, Tea Garden General and Minority community almost 2/3rd of whom living Below Poverty Line.
Patharkandi is one of the oldest revenue circles of the Karimganj district, but there was no higher educational institution in this greater area. Prof. Quomrul Hoque, a young graduate at that time, felt deeply the necessity of higher education at Patharkandi. With this realization, he envisioned a future where education would reach every home in Barak Valley and beyond.
Mahbubul Hoque
Founding Patharkandi College — The Struggle and Dedication
Prof. Quomrul Hoque took a bold step to start a college at Patharkandi. He began to hold public meetings in different corners, getting support from the well-wishers and wise men. He started degree classes at Rabindra Bhawan,
Patharkandi. With a team of enthusiastic personalities, he began a tiny collection of 10 (ten) paise, 50 (fifty) paise, 1 (one) Rupee etc., to spread awareness among the public about his mission. Even paddy, betel nuts, etc., were collected from the locality to fund the dream.
Prof. Quomrul Hoque also managed a plot of khas land from the district administration at Rajbari, Patharkandi. The foundation stone of Patharkandi College was laid down by Sri. Suresh Ch. Panda, IAS, the then Deputy Commissioner of Karimganj, on the 28th Oct. 1990. This was the milestone of Patharkandi College. The classes were shifted to Rajbari M.E. School from Rabindra Bhawan temporarily. Construction of the college continued rapidly with small public collections and taking materials on credit from merchants. Thus, a large college building was constructed.
The Growth — From a Dream to Reality
In the meantime, Prof. Quomrul Hoque completed his Master’s Degree in History from Guwahati University. After that, he was appointed as a lecturer of History at N.C. College, Badarpur. Prof. Quomrul did not invest even a single penny for his own future; rather, he spent his total salary for the construction of Patharkandi College. He himself took classes at the college whenever he got free time.
Gradually, the reputation of Patharkandi College began to spread across Barak Valley. The College received its affiliation from Assam University in 1999. However, while returning home after meeting the DPI in Guwahati for college affairs, Prof. Quomrul Hoque tragically died in a mysterious car accident on 19th Oct. 1998.
With his untimely demise, Patharkandi College suffered a great loss and became paralyzed. Only a few teachers and students remained, and the institution struggled to sustain itself for a few years.
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Legacy and Revival — The Rebirth Under Dr. Monjurul Hoque
The college rejuvenated in 2004 with the entrance of his younger brother, Dr. Monjurul Hoque, who had just completed his M.A. from Assam University, Silchar. Determined to fulfill his brother’s dream, he started working to revive the college with dedication. He and his team moved door to door to collect students and began regular classes.
Under Dr. Monjurul’s leadership, the college witnessed all-round development — rising student enrolment, improved academic performance, and attractive results every year under Assam University. Due to this progress, the Government of Assam provincialized the college in 1999.
The college now owns 17 Bighas of land, a large playground with a tennis court, its own library, recreational facilities, and a canteen. It has a functional website and internet connection. All teaching and non-teaching staff are highly dedicated. As a newly provincialized college, infrastructural development remains a key focus area.
Patharkandi College stands today as a symbol of education and progress in southern Assam — the lasting legacy of Late Prof. Quomrul Hoque, affectionately known as Quomrul Sir.
“Quomrul Sir — that is how he was known in Barak Valley and remembered as a great educationist who devoted his life to raising the standard of education in greater Barak Valley. He was a true representative of our composite culture, a visionary without personal interest or ambition.”
Quomrul Hoque Biography: Founder of Patharkandi College
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Professor Quomrul Hoque |
| Popularly Known As | Quomrul Sir |
| Date of Birth | 1964 |
| Birthplace | Barcharra Village, Purbogool, under Asaimganj PS, Patharkandi, Karimganj District, Assam |
| Nationality | Indian  |
| Religion | Islam |
| Region | Barak Valley, Southern Assam |
| Education (Early) | Primary schooling in Patharkandi area |
| Higher Education | M.A. in History from Gauhati University |
| Career Start | Lecturer in History, Nabin Chandra College, Badarpur |
| Major Inspiration | Social reformers and educationists promoting rural education |
| Vision | To make higher education accessible to every student, regardless of economic or social background |
| Founded Institution | Patharkandi College (Established on 28th October 1990) |
| Foundation Details | Established through public contribution (money, paddy, betelnuts, land) and community effort |
| Inauguration By | Shri Suresh Ch. Panda, IAS, then Deputy Commissioner of Karimganj |
| Other Institutions Founded | Patharkandi College of Education (B.Ed. College), Junior College, and several local schools |
| Location of Patharkandi College | Situated near Rajbari Pond, Patharkandi, 1 km east of Patharkandi town |
| University Affiliation | Assam University, Silchar (affiliated in 1999) |
| Patharkandi College Highlights | – 17 Bighas of land- Big playground & tennis court- Central library- Internet facility & canteen- Permanent affiliation with Assam University |
| Dedication | Spent his entire salary for the construction and growth of Patharkandi College |
| Major Achievement | Brought higher education to the rural masses of Patharkandi and Barak Valley |
| Community Impact | Inspired thousands of students from SC, ST, OBC, MOBC, Tea Garden & Minority communities |
| Philosophy | “Education is not a privilege, but a responsibility.” |
| Death | 19th October 1998 (in a car accident near Malidor while returning from Guwahati) |
| Age at Death | 34 Years |
| Cause of Death | Mysterious car accident; suspected foul play |
| After Death (Revival) | His younger brother Dr. Monjurul Hoque revived the college in 2004 |
| Current Position of Dr. Monjurul Hoque | Principal, Patharkandi College |
| Posthumous Recognition | – Prof. Quomrul Hoque School of Education (USTM, Meghalaya)- Quomrul Hoque Central Library (Patharkandi College)- Annual Memorial Day (19 October) |
| Legacy | Remembered as a martyr of education and pioneer of rural academic development in Barak Valley |
| Motto of His Life | “Serve humanity through education.” |
| Cultural Identity | True representative of composite culture of Barak Valley – respected by all communities |
| Website (of College) | www.patharkandicollege.in |
| Languages Known | English, Bengali, Assamese |
| Field of Expertise | History, Educational Development, Rural Empowerment |
| Years Active in Education | 1985–1998 |
| Memorial Institutions | USTM Meghalaya, PKDC Patharkandi, and Annual Memorial Seminars |
