An Introduction to The Institution

Bhagini Seva Mandir Kumarika Stree Mandal started Nootan Mahila College in the Arts stream in June 1972. Following numerous policy and social changes, the college has now evolved into an institute bridging the gap between tradition and technology. Read more about our journey here.

The undergraduate and post-graduate sections of the college are currently known by the name of Maniben Nanavati Women’s College and the junior college is known as Tapiben Chhaganlal Lalji Valia Junior College.

Since its inception, the College has embraced a holistic approach to the development of women across all social and economic spheres. Its ultimate aim is to empower women to become healthy, productive, and capable individuals, while also achieving economic independence. The College extends its educational offerings through various certificate courses in Home Science and diploma programs, catering to women who are unable to pursue full-time degree courses due to various circumstances. It is affiliated with SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, which holds an all-India jurisdiction, and is not affiliated with Baroda or any other university. Over the course of more than three decades, the college has evolved into a distinguished educational institution, adeptly fulfilling its mission in both formal and extension education.

The Pathway

Smt. Maniben Chandulal Nanavati is known by the epithet “khadi Mata.” A freedom fighter, she worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi during the Indian freedom movement and continued to follow his ideals and philosophy all along her life. Fondly known also as “Mani Ba,” she worked relentlessly for the upliftment of women and other marginalized sections of society. An empowered woman, in times when the term was still an unheard one, she dedicated her life to promote khadi and helps hundreds of women attain economic independence.

That the institution has derived its name from such an exemplary woman is a matter of great honor. Her high values and vision have been cherished by the institution till date and will continue to do so forever.

“Empowerment of Women through Access to Higher Education,” has been the mission statement of the College since its inception. Bhagini Seva Mandir Kumarika Stree Mandal (BSMKSM) started Nootan Mahila College in 1972. The Foundation stone of BMSKMS was laid by Mahatma Gandhi. In 1978, Shree Chandulal Nanavati Women’s institute & Girls’ High School took over the management of Nootan Mahila College and renamed it Maniben Nanavati Women’s Colleges (MNWC). In 1979, the College received permanent affiliation with SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai.

MNWC bridges the past to present. Established with the vision of offering conventional academic programmes to the women from the close by vicinity, the College took major leaps time and again to match the pace with the needs of the changing world. Almost half a century back, women who were first generation college-goers ( and for that matter school, too) got the much desired opportunity here to step out of their domestic circuits and upgrade themselves in the areas of home-economics and socio-cultural dynamics. They were the silent sentinels preserving the rich culture and tradition of a great nation. Yet, in their own capacity and manner, they made their discreet contribution to the development of the nation.

At the turn of the century, as the global scenario changed, young women ushered into the new era of electronics, computers and digitalization. While still preserving the legacy of the rich Indian tradition, they took up the challenges of the changing modern India and contribute to be the equal partners in the progress of the nation. Proud to be affiliated to the centurion SNDT Women’s University, the College has offered opportunities to women of more than three generations to become economically and socially self-sufficient.

Although a women’s college, gender sensitization, development and empowerment are among the core values of the institution. Academics, research, employability skills, internship, placement ,entrepreneurship, community outreach projects, National Social scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Youth Red Cross, Rotaract Club, Sports, Yoga, Value Education and various other programmes mould, shape and prepare young women at MNWC. So when they enter MNWC with thousands of dreams and aspirations to prove their worth in the world of rat race, after completing their education here, they step out with a gait of overbearing confidence, dignity and self-efficacy.