The importance of quality higher education for women in the fast-changing world of today cannot be overemphasized. In the quest for gender equality and as women continue to make great strides in different sectors, access to the best quality of education is of utmost importance. A good quality education enables women to acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue their dreams, become active members of society and overcome traditional obstacles.
In this context, institutions like Vivekanandha College of Arts and Sciences for Women (Autonomous) emerge as beacons of excellence. Situated in Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, Vivekanandha College is a shining example of dedication to women’s education. With its autonomous status, the college possesses the flexibility to tailor its academic programs and initiatives specifically to the needs and aspirations of its female students. It fosters an environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and holistic development.
Vivekanandha College’s commitment to academic excellence and empowerment has not gone unnoticed. In recognition of its outstanding contributions, the college was honored with the award for Prominent Degree College of the Year in 2023.
Vivekanandha College of Arts and Sciences for Women in a Nutshell
Vivekanandha College of Arts and Sciences for Women boasts a distinguished academic history spanning 27 years, offering a wide spectrum of educational opportunities. With a comprehensive range of 27 Undergraduate Programs, 18 Postgraduate Programs, and 13 Research Programs, the college serves a student body exceeding 6000 individuals. Across disciplines encompassing humanities, sciences, and commerce, the institution upholds rigorous academic standards.
Accredited with NAAC A+ certification in its third cycle, Vivekanandha College holds autonomous status for three consecutive cycles and maintains affiliation with Periyar University, Salem. Demonstrating a commitment to innovation, the college incorporates dynamic elements such as curriculum enhancements, industry immersion, internship opportunities, and online education into its academic framework.
As an autonomous institution, Vivekanandha College is dedicated to meticulously crafting comprehensive curricula with clearly defined objectives. The primary focus of each program is to cultivate dynamic graduates equipped with a blend of skills, knowledge, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
The college’s growth trajectory is shaped by its unique set of policies, which prioritize providing rural women with equitable access to top-tier education, delivering professional training that aligns with international standards, and fostering conducive learning environments. Guided by a vision centered on women’s empowerment, the institution aims to facilitate quality education, foster skill development, and instill values that nurture independence, capability, and social consciousness among its students.
Empowering Rural Women
The visionary principles of Swamy Vivekanandha are embodied by Vivekanandha College of Arts and Sciences for Women, which is committed to the unwavering empowerment of women. Located in a region where rural women have historically managed poultry and assisted with other agricultural tasks, the college is essential in changing the lives of these women. By actively developing and assisting their male counterparts in ventures like bore and rib well manufacture, these women contribute to the advancement of their education.
The quality of life for women in this region has significantly improved as a result of pursuing higher education; they are now more employable and have better levels of confidence. The college’s outcome-based educational approach emphasizes the fusion of skill and will among students, fostering an environment where learning becomes a joyous celebration.
Dedicated to bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms, the institution encourages students to translate their digital learning into tangible products and services using the campus’s robust infrastructural facilities. With a thriving entrepreneurship development cell, the college has nurtured numerous first-generation entrepreneurs, empowering students to turn their ideas into reality.
Employing a teaching-by-demonstration methodology, the college unlocks the innate potentials of its students in areas of their interest. Notable features such as the Botanical Garden, Zoology Museum, and Bio-Tech Park exemplify the institution’s commitment to translating innovative ideas from the lab to practical applications.
Moreover, recognizing the importance of soft skills in women’s empowerment, the college diligently instills these attributes among its students, thereby ensuring holistic development and fostering a culture of empowerment and success.
Fostering Innovation
Through its dedicated Center for Research and Development, Vivekanandha College fosters research and innovation while providing a supportive atmosphere for both staff and students. Professors in the computer science department have created proprietary software that makes it easier to do a variety of activities, including managing the syllabus, creating reports, and maintaining databases for applicants and alumni. The department of Physics, Chemistry, Textiles, and Fashion Design, for example, have developed cloth bags, hand sanitizers, and LED lights as examples of how the school supports bringing creative ideas to life.
Acknowledging the institution’s innovative endeavors, it has secured four patents and copyrights, with an additional five patents undergoing further processing through the Patent Facilitation Center. The Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) provides comprehensive training sessions and awareness programs, empowering students with practical skills in fields such as organic soap production, mushroom cultivation, and jewelry making, facilitating their journey towards entrepreneurship.
The institution’s Innovation and Incubation Center (IIC) received accolades, being rated with 3.5 stars for its annual performance. Through community-oriented initiatives spearheaded by the Center for Rural Development, Vivekanandha College contributes to societal upliftment. Under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, five villages have been adopted, with extensive household surveys conducted and community engagement efforts underway. Additionally, the National Service Scheme (NSS) has adopted five more villages, conducting various extension activities, including assisting government personnel during the pandemic and distributing essential supplies like hand sanitizers and face masks.
