The esteemed philosopher and former President Dr. Radhakrishnan once stated, “There cannot be educated individuals without educated women. If education is to be restricted to either men or women, then women must be given the opportunity; this will undoubtedly be passed on to future generations.” What was foreseen in 1948 has become a reality, leading to a significant increase in the global importance of higher education for women. Moreover, in light of the rapidly changing dynamics of the 21st century, we can no longer overlook its relevance.
When discussing higher education for women in India, one institution stands out for its visionary outlook: M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women. Since its inception, the college has been committed to attracting and supporting exceptional women students in their educational pursuits. This dedication and effort have earned the institution the title of “Visionary College for Women’s Higher Education 2024.”
Carrying forward a Legacy
M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women, established in 1992, is a relatively young institution. Affiliated with the University of Madras, the college has been accredited by the National Assessment & Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an “A++” grade. Additionally, M.O.P. Vaishnav College holds the distinction of being one of the youngest colleges in India to receive autonomy from the University Grants Commission and the University of Madras.
With a strong emphasis on business, commerce, and management, the college offers a diverse range of specializations and features a pioneering media school, including a unique Electronic Media program and a robust research department in Communication and Media Studies.
Founded through the collaboration of the Sri Vallabhacharya Vidya Sabha and the Dewan Bahadur M.O. Parthasarathy Aiyengar Charities, the college reflects the vision of Dewan Bahadur M.O. Parthasarathy Aiyengar, a notable barrister and advocate for women’s education. The college became a reality thanks to the unwavering determination and efforts of both trusts, which comprise eminent industrialists and administrators dedicated to advancing women’s education.
The campus infrastructure facilitates remote library access, digital resources, and an automated admission-to-graduation process via the in-house software, the Vidyarthi portal. Furthermore, the college utilizes a learning management system that allows students to access classroom materials, tests, and notes online. Communication is enhanced through a dedicated mobile application, and the college maintains two YouTube channels for educational and extracurricular content.
Committing to Excellence
Every great institution is built on the foundation of its educators, making quality teachers just as essential as the education they provide. To gain insight into how M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women recruits its faculty and the expectations for them, we spoke with Dr. Archna Prasad, the principal. She explained the recruitment process: “We adhere strictly to the norms set by the UGC, the University of Madras, and the state government. Our hiring process consists of three stages. Initially, program and department heads evaluate candidates’ domain knowledge, followed by reviews from the vice principal. The final interviews are conducted by a panel that includes myself.” Dr. Prasad also emphasized the importance of comprehensive onboarding, stating, “We have a four-day induction program for new hires, during which they shadow experienced faculty for approximately ten lecture hours to help them acclimate to our teaching culture.”
Empowering Research and Entrepreneurship
Research opportunities at M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women are extensive, with each department hosting a student-run journal that publishes articles often driven by research. Many programs require capstone projects that are research-based and contribute credits, with approximately half of the programs involving significant research projects. Advanced learners are also encouraged to co-author with faculty, resulting in paper presentations and publications.
The college prioritizes industry-academia collaboration through various activities, such as guest lectures, part-time faculty from the industry, and seminars. The HR department organizes an annual HR Conclave, and the MBA program features a “Breakfast with CEO” series, allowing students direct interaction with industry leaders. M.O.P. Vaishnav College has established multiple MOUs with organizations, including certificate courses in collaboration with companies like L&T Education. Internships are mandatory for all students, and the college maintains high placement rates, with 95% of registered students securing employment. The highest salary package this year reached INR 10 lakhs per annum.
The college’s Swabhimaan program emphasizes self-reliance and entrepreneurship through a three-tiered approach that includes awareness, hands-on training, and incubation. The first stage educates students about entrepreneurship as a career option, followed by workshops on business proposal writing and idea generation. The final stage focuses on testing and launching prototypes on campus. Lastly, events like the M.O.P. Bazaar provide students with the opportunity to set up stalls, offering practical business experience in catering to a broad audience and assisting them in making informed decisions about pursuing entrepreneurship full-time.
Future Initiatives for Sustainability at M.O.P. Vaishnav College
In conclusion, we asked Dr. Prasad to share her insights on upcoming projects and initiatives she is particularly excited about at the college. She stated, “We’re implementing several green initiatives, such as the ‘No Private Vehicle Day,’ where, once a month, no one uses their private vehicle, promoting walking or the use of public transport.” She also mentioned, “We have installed solar panels and are continuously expanding our sustainability projects across campus. These efforts reflect our commitment to fostering a greener, more sustainable college environment.”