Dr Devashish Bagchi is the College Director of Physical
Education (Associate Professor) and Head of Department of Physical Education
and Sports. However, with a BPE, MPE, MPhil (Biomechanics & Kinesiology)
and a PhD (Physiology, Anthropology & Cricket) from LNCPE / LNIPE Gwalior
(MP), there is far more than just physical education in this professor’s trophy
case.
Speaking on his journey through the years as well as what
the future holds, the professor says, “I joined Smt Parvatibai Chowgule College
in 1991. After joining Chowgule College, I proposed certain ideas to improve
the sports department setup both administratively and structurally. I proposed
a sports quota in the admission system at both college level as well the higher
secondary level that Chowgule College provides. Additionally, I introduced a
Special Scholarship Scheme for talented sportspersons from different talukas in
Goa and proposed and supervised ultra-infrastructural development. I also
helped in the introduction of a sports and fitness centre in college. I also
initiated and started the Tiger School – an after-school-hours recreation,
leisure and sports programme for kids in the age group of four to 14 years of
age. I also introduced the concept of Sports Tourism in the year 1994 and
included ‘Sports Hour’ in the college time table. I am currently preparing to
introduce undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Sports Event Management /
Sports Tourism Management.”
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On July 12, 1991, Dr Bagchi spent the day on a campus tour
with the first Principal he served under, V R
Shirgurkar. On that day, he was told that he was lucky to work there as
the college had a huge sports ground. However, Dr Bagchi saw it as more than a
tract and made it his mission to convert it into a sports facility, which, with
the management’s aid, he has achieved.
However, he does believe in imparting a few pearls of wisdom
to his students. Urging them to stay health-conscious, he says, “Being
physically active is one of the most important steps to being healthy. Schools
and colleges are an ideal setting for learning how to adopt and maintain a
healthy and active lifestyle. One must learn to play at least one sport during
their student days and they should voluntarily come forward to do so.”
