Aska has occupied a significant position for centuries in the history of Ganjam. Located centrally in the district, it has taken pivotal role in the socioeconomic and political arena of the State. It has the proud privilege of having earned the distinction of pioneering and spearheading freedom movement and cooperative movement in the State. The selfless sacrifices of the freedom fighters culminated gloriously in achieving freedom for our country. Much earlier to it, in the 19th century, Aska had the distinction of being the torch bearer of cooperative movement having successfully established the first Multipurpose Cooperative Society and Sugar Industry in Asia. Post independence India witnessed revolutionary growth of higher education. Orissa came under its grip in the sixties and new universities sprang up in 1967. The conscious people of Aska, with their glorious cultural heritage and achievements of yester years, guided by a capable intelligentsia rose up to the occasion to contribute their mite for the educational expansion. The farmers of Aska, who had earned different achievements since centuries joined hands for another achievement in the sector of Higher Education. This resulted in an institution of higher learning -Krushaka Samabaya Bigyana Mahavidyalaya, which blinked in the educational horizon of the State on 12th July 1968. This institution has the unique distinction of having been established by generous donations of the cane growers in and around Aska which was amply reflected in its name. The then prevailing thrust area of national education policy was on science education. The pioneers of the College channelised their efforts to the national main stream and in a bid to popularise science in the location and to obtain financial assistance from U.G.C. renamed the College as Aska Science College.
It may appear incomplete without due reference to the pioneers responsible for the herculion task of establishment, growth and development, of this College. Sri Duti Krishna Panda, Advocate and farmers leader of the area, was made the President and Late Chandra Sekhara Mishra, the then Secretary of The Central Cooperative Bank was made the Secretary of the first Managing Committee with a galaxy of prominent personalities like Late Harihar Das, the then M.L.A., Kabiraj Krushna Chandra Tripathy, the founder of Utkal Ayurvedic Pharmacy, Smt. Sailabala Padhy, Sri Padmanava Singh Deo, Late Sarat Chandra Panda and many other as members of the managing committee. The efforts of Sri D. K. Panda who is also the President of the Cane growers Association of Ganjam convinced the cane growers to donate one percent of their income for the college resulting in a collection of Rs. 1,30,000-00 which helped the college stride over the initial financial stringency. The untiring efforts of Late Harihar Das blended peoples ambitions, aspiration and money into a single purpose that is for the college. The Aska Multi purpose Cooperative Society made substantial financial contributions to ensure smooth functioning of the college. |
