Shyama Prasad Mukherji College for Women is a premier higher education institution which imparts quality education to women students. The institution was established in August, 1969. The college was then situated at Tagore Garden, New Delhi in an old government school building. Dr. Kamala Sanghi was the founder Principal of the college. Initially, the college had only six courses with a meagre strength of 500 students and a few teachers and administrative staff. Within a short span of four years, the college produced its first topper (Miss. Ila Saxena, a students of Hindi Honours) in the University of Delhi. In the early 1980s, the Delhi Government allotted 10 acres of land at its present location, Punjabi Bagh (West), New Delhi. Today, the college is having 19 vibrant departments offering 20 programmes with 809 courses in various fields of Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, Sciences (Computer Science and Mathematics), Performing Arts (Music) and Physical and Sports Science. In the academic year 2018-19, B.A. (Hons.) Geography was introduced. In the academic year 2022-23, ITEP course has started in SPM College. SPM is the only college in the University of Delhi which offers B.Ed, B.El.Ed and ITEP course.
The college enrolls over 1500 girl students every year. With a faculty renowned for their expertise and research focus, our institution prides itself on a thriving alumni network and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The college produces nearly 1500 graduate students who are equipped with the necessary skills to face any challenges. The students of the college consistently shine on national and international platforms in sports, arts, and cultural endeavors. Faculty members has received number of distinguished awards and honors in recognition of their work.
Vision
SPMC envisions education as the primary medium for empowering women to participate in nation-building. Staying true to this belief, SPMC is deeply committed to the goal of creating an environment that fosters the growth of informed, and responsible citizens. Our college motto, ‘Tejasvinaavdhitamastu’, is derived from the Taitthriya Upanishad and translates to mean: let our learning be luminous.
In line with the motto, at SPMC, the students and teachers collectively aim to create a vibrant and inclusive learning atmosphere that encourages ongoing personal and professional development. We envision empowering students to shape their educational paths and future careers with a sense of autonomy.
Towards this end, we strive to instill a profound sense of national pride, consciousness towards human rights, and nurture the intellectual growth of the students. The college curriculum places great stress on inculcating an understanding of sustainable living, global well-being, and the Indian Knowledge System.
The college aims to develop self-reliance among students by instilling comprehensive skills beyond academics, preparing them for a dynamic professional landscape. Through capacity-building programs, we aspire to cultivate excellence across disciplines, ensuring readiness for evolving challenges.
Encouraging open-minded engagement with the world, our teachers foster a balanced perspective and a sense of duty to nation-building.
Mission
The college is committed to developing a positive and engaging learning environment for young women who aspire to bring about positive change in the fast-changing global scenario.
The college works with a clear mission to inculcate various professional and life skills among students, enabling them to become self-reliant and confident citizens who can face the challenges of life. Towards this mission, we work wholeheartedly to:
- value and foster cultural sensitivity and inclusivity,
- promote unity, diversity, and integrity.
- provide well-rounded education by offering diverse co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
- instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment, encourage community participation, and inspire sustainable lifestyles through impactful initiatives.
- Recognize the importance of holistic education aligned with national goals set in NEP 2020 for transforming women's education and empowerment.
Strategic Goals:
To achieve its vision and mission SPM College has institutionalized its strategic plan for its further development and growth. It has laid down following objectives to implement in the year 2024-29.
Promote Excellence in Teaching and Learning:
The college is having 19 dynamic departments offering a wide array of 19 programs encompassing 809 courses across various fields, including Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, Sciences (Computer Science and Mathematics), Performing Arts (Music), and Physical and Sports Science. With the impending implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the college is dedicated to ensuring its successful integration in the coming years. In alignment with NEP 2020, the college is already offering 13 Value-Added Courses. To further enhance the teaching-learning process, the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) has devised a strategic plan, including:
- Encourage faculty members to develop and curate e-content for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and SWAYAM platforms to enhance access to quality education for learners beyond the college campus.
- Introduction of add-on courses in different disciplines
- Forging collaborations with institutes, research organizations, and industries,
- Organizing numerous internships,
- Integrating updated ICT tools to facilitate effective learning experiences.
- Explore innovative teaching methodologies and technologies to enhance the learning experience for all students.
- Provide professional development opportunities for faculty to improve teaching effectiveness and student engagement.
Foster Research Opportunities:
The college is actively supporting its faculty members and students engaged in research by providing infrastructural support. Numerous research projects are underway with the assistance of extramural research grants. Several faculty members are also recognized as research guides for PhD supervision. To further enhance research activities in accordance with the UGC mandate, the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) has established a Research and Innovative Cell within the college with an objective to:
- Facilitate research projects and partnerships that enable faculty and students to contribute to knowledge creation and dissemination.
- Establish research centers and provide resources to support research activities across disciplines.
- Streamline internal mobilization of funds for research
- Prepare a database for external research funding opportunities and facilitate the faculty members in applying for them
- Conduct workshops on research methodology and organising conferences on new areas of research and innovation
- Strengthen partnerships with other academic institutions, both nationally and internationally, to foster collaboration in research, student exchange programs, and joint initiatives.
Promote Academic-Industrial Interface:
Industry-academia interaction plays a pivotal role in strategy formulation and execution. The Placement Cell of the college regularly organizes internships and summer trainings with various companies and NGOs. These initiatives provide students with practical experience and keep them abreast of the latest developments in the corporate world. Through these interactions, students not only enhance their skills but also expand their professional networks. Moreover, they receive valuable guidance on career paths and industry expectations, ensuring they are well-prepared for future endeavors. Keep significance of Academic-Industrial interface, the college will
- Forge strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders to provide real-world learning experiences and enhance students' employability.
- Facilitate internships, industry projects, and guest lectures to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Implement National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
The NEP came into effect in the academic year 2022-2023 in the University of Delhi. In line with the vision of NEP 2020, the college encourages the adoption of multi disciplinarity, and works to equip students with a set of diverse skills and knowledge. Avoiding the pitfall of binary between arts and sciences, between curricular and extra-curricular pursuits, and between vocational and academic paths is essential to dismantle hierarchies between – and barriers that separate – various domains of knowledge. With this vision, the college offers a variety of course combinations introducing a wide array of multidisciplinary, choice-based courses. The college adheres to the SOP framed by the University of Delhi following the UGC guidelines with respect to multiple entry and exit options under the NEP 2020. Further, the college will further ensure:
- Promote measures to develop and implement strategies to align curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment practices with the objectives outlined in NEP 2020.
- Ensure continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure seamless implementation of NEP guidelines.
Enhance Social Outreach Programs and sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SPMC actively participate in social and community outreach programmes through various policies programs.
The SAMBAL program of the college supports students through three broad platforms: financial aid schemes, Chetna an enabling unit, and Samta- fostering social diversity. Financial assistance given by the institution, includes fee concessions, provided to economically disadvantaged students. Chetna ensures barrier-free access to education, offering resources like audiobooks and ebooks collaboration with NSS for peer reading and learning for students with (dis)abilities.
Towards environment sustainability, the college Installed 101 KV rooftop solar panels and also made provisions for water harvesting. It has paper recycle unit as well as composting units. The Eco Club of the college- Durva, follows the philosophy of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Aligned with its core objectives, the eco-club along with the Cleanliness Committee, Garden Committee, NSS, and EVS department initiate environmental campaigns and practices, both within and beyond the campus. The Eco Club, in collaboration with the Eco Club of the NCT Government of Delhi, MOEF, Government of India, Ministry of Higher Education, PCRA, TIRI, Air Life Asia, Heart and Lung Foundation, and AETREE, etc. has conducted many environmental awareness programs. The college has received various awards and appreciation for its works on environment.
Ruchika, the vocational center of the college, works upon the skill development of girls, women of the neighborhood as well as students of the college. It focusses on 'Cutting-Tailoring' and 'Secretarial' courses to support the financial independence of girls.
Family Counseling Center (FCC) of the institution, funded by the Central Social Welfare Board, provides much needed counselling service people in the neighborhood and all the stakeholders of the college on family and personal matters.
NSS, a program sponsored by the government, aims to instill the principles of social service by actively collaborating with various institutions conducts various programs in neighboring areas. NSS unit organizes activities on diverse themes ranging from national integration to environment. The college, with an aim to further strengthen the existing initiatives while exploring new initiatives for, will look for:
- Mobilization of funds and effective allocation of resources to support sustainable initiatives that contribute to the overall well-being and development of the community, thereby strengthening the institution's ties with its surrounding environment.
- Organizing community service initiatives, awareness campaigns, and volunteer opportunities to instill social values and civic responsibility among students.
- Fostering partnerships with NGOs and community organizations to address local social challenges and contribute to sustainable development.
- Integrating SDGs into the curriculum and extracurricular activities to raise awareness and encourage students to take action towards achieving the goals.
- Facilitating student-led projects and initiatives that address local sustainability challenges and contribute to the global agenda of sustainable development.
Upgrade Infrastructure:
The college has undergone a remarkable journey spanning 54 years, evolving from a modest institution with six programs and 500 students in 1969 to a prestigious institution offering 19 programs and 13 add-on courses today. Recently, ITEP course has started in SPM College. SPM is the only college in the University of Delhi which offers B.Ed, B.El.Ed and ITEP course. Situated on a sprawling 10-acre campus, the college stands proud with two academic blocks, over 100 rooms, nine labs, and a state-of-the-art auditorium, seminar halls, resource rooms, rest rooms, excellent library facilities, sports infrastructure- indoor and outdoor gyms, a basketball and volleyball court, as well as grounds for Kho-kho, Kabbaddi, and hockey, etc. However, with the growing number of students, there is a need for regular augmentation and upgradation of infrastructure to meet increasing demand of stakeholders.
- Upgrading more ICT enable rooms
- Acquisition of smart classrooms
- Renovation of seminar halls, old building and further investment in upgrading infrastructure and facilities to create a conducive learning environment that supports academic excellence, research, and innovation.
- Construct modern and safe residential facilities on campus to accommodate students, providing a conducive living and learning environment conducive to their holistic development.
- Ensure accessibility and inclusivity by providing necessary facilities for students and staff.
Enhancing E-Governance:
The college meticulously plans and implements e-governance in the domain of administration, accounts, admission and examination thereby bringing accountability and transparency in the administration. It also aims to strengthen the existing physical governance infrastructure through seamless sharing of information amongst all the stakeholders. The college is further objectify to:
- Explore measure to enhance e-governance systems and processes to streamline administrative functions, enhance transparency, and improve operational efficiency.
- Utilize technology to automate workflows, manage resources effectively, and provide seamless services to students and stakeholders.
Enhance Alumni Engagement:
The college boasts a registered Alumni Association, which convenes annually for a lunch meeting where office bearers gather to strategize on strengthening the bond between alumni and the institution. The primary goal of the Association is to facilitate the exchange of professional knowledge and generate funds for institutional growth through consistent interaction. These funds are earmarked for the welfare of students, ensuring their holistic development. Acknowledging importance of strong and vibrant Alumni Association to facilitate networking, mentorship, and career development as well as valuable resources for recruitment purposes, the college further works to:
- Strengthen alumni association and its engagement in mentoring programs, guest lectures, and networking events to foster lifelong connections and support the college's mission.
- Leverage alumni expertise and resources to enrich student experiences and strengthen institutional partnerships.
Facilitate Employment Opportunities and Enhance Employability:
- Collaborate with industry partners to offer skill development programs, internships, and placement assistance to enhance students' employability.
- Provide career counseling and guidance services to help students make informed career choices.