KASTURBA GANDHI DEGREE & PG COLLEGE FOR WOMEN

WEST MARREDPALLY, SECUNDERABAD, TELANGANA - 500026

(Sponsored & Managed Jointly by the Osmania Graduates’ Association And The Exhibition Society, Hyderabad)

Institutional Distinctiveness :

Affordability, Accessibility, Attainability

Kasturba Gandhi Degree & PG College for Women is committed to bringing out latent talents in young women by providing a platform to encourage them to cultivate and give wings to their goals. The institution's vision, mission, and goals are aligned with the above objective. The keywords that define institutional distinctiveness are Affordability, Accessibility, and Attainability.

Affordability

Kasturba students are first-generation learners from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. They lack technical, communication, and social skills, face financial constraints and have psychological and behavioral adjustments in regard to the rigors of higher education. The institution has designed systems and processes to address these challenges.

Fees and Scholarships

Kasturba is a non-autonomous institution, with regulated admissions and fee structure. Government fee reimbursement benefits around 1900 students and economically weak students receive education sponsorships from philanthropists. Our parent body OGA (Osmania Graduates Association) also sponsors education for poor students annually. Financial assistance is offered by the management for academic and non-academic activities and add-on courses are available at subsidized fees.

Infrastructure

The institution has continuously adapted to changing requirements and invested in infrastructure with support from the OGA and Exhibition Society. The campus includes well-equipped classrooms, labs, a library, playgrounds, green spaces, and security systems, providing a conducive learning environment.

Accessibility

Towards accessibility, the institution focuses on competence and capacity building and equips its students with essential life skills to face life's challenges.

Competency Building

The experienced faculty of the institution use various pedagogical tools to create interest and understanding of concepts while igniting the curiosity of students. An orientation program at the beginning of the academic year exposes students to available campus avenues, allowing them to choose from academic and non-academic alternatives. Interactive teaching methods are employed for active learning, and add-on courses are designed/organized/delivered to further subject-specific and career-related knowledge. Students undertake projects, internships, and field trips to other organizations. Every department celebrates milestone events and professional pride days, and students participate in intra- and inter-collegiate academic competitions. The informal learning environment is enhanced by various academic and non-academic clubs that develop leadership, organizing, and teamwork capabilities.

Capacity building

The college strongly believes that equipping students with important life skills is necessary to navigate the challenges of life.

Sports

Students are encouraged to play and participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor sports. Special coaching is organized prior to significant competitions, be it intercollegiate, state, or national level. Financial assistance is also provided for them to take part in these events.

Self-Defense

The college prioritizes students' physical and mental well-being by organizing activities such as karate, taekwondo, and judo, as well as inviting "SHE Teams", a division of Telangana Police, to raise awareness about protecting women in public places. The Telangana police mobile app, "Hawk Eye," was launched from our campus for easy crime reporting. Yoga and meditation classes are held regularly to train students to de-stress, and the students are informed about cybercrimes like fraud and impersonation.

National Consciousness

Kasturba has well-established NCC and NSS units that promote national pride among students. Events in the college begin with the national song and conclude with the national anthem. Commemorating days like Republic Day, Martyr’s Day, Vijay Divas, Independence Day, and Constitution Day are conducted. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav is celebrated enthusiastically. Voter registration is facilitated on campus to make students aware of their duties towards the nation and participate in the democratic process. Mock parliament sessions are held to acquaint students with the legislative process.

Social Consciousness

1. Health and Nutrition programs are organized within and outside the college.

  • The Department of Nutrition raised awareness among adolescents on anemia and iron-rich foods through events like Anemia Mukt Bharat and Prevention of Obesity.
  • Prevention of Obesity was an international workshop organized for school children and the event focused on eating right.
  • Regular diet surveys on adolescent girls help study their eating patterns and promote a balanced diet.
  • Annual cookery contests prioritize tasty and nutritious recipes.

2. Gender Sensitization

  • Periodic programs raise awareness among girls about breaking societal barriers.
  • The intercollegiate cultural festival, Navarang, promotes gender inclusivity.
  • Programs on mental health, Yoga, and meditation are conducted.

3. National Handloom Day

  • The Department of Commerce hosts a Handloom exhibition to support the handloom industry and improve weavers' livelihoods.
  • The college regularly sets up handloom weavers' stalls on campus.

4. Financial literacy

  • The Department of Business Management initiated Sampattih, a Financial Literacy Club.
  • Sessions on "Saving Habits" for 9th-standard students emphasize the importance of savings.
  • MBA students attend orientations on 'Financial Planning for Young Investors' to learn about investment options.

5. Cultural Events in College

  • The college organizes programs like music, dance, poetry, and skits to showcase talents and cultural heritage.
  • These events foster diversity, creativity, and social awareness.
  • Cultural events facilitate personal growth, social connections, and cultural understanding among students.

Attainability

Over the 50 years of its existence, the institution has played a pivotal role in transforming students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds into bold, confident, and competent young women. Our success of the transformation is reflected in the fact that most students are placed in reputed organizations across the world and some of them are pursuing their higher education in esteemed institutions abroad. Our success is not just limited to turning out academically successful individuals alone but also helping students to pursue their dreams in their chosen fields of sports, arts, and entrepreneurship.

Conclusion

In summary, Kasturba Gandhi Degree & PG College for Women has established itself as an institution that upholds the values of affordability, accessibility, and attainability. Through its commitment to nurturing talent, providing quality education, and fostering personal growth, the college has transformed the lives of countless young women, empowering them to become confident, competent, and successful individuals. Kasturba's holistic approach, encompassing academic, physical, and socio-cultural development, sets it apart and makes it a beacon of hope and opportunity for students seeking to fulfill their aspirations.