“Vidya Hi Sewa” translates to “Education is Service”. This is the motto that resonates within the walls of Lady Irwin College.
Lady Irwin College stands as a testament to women’s empowerment through education. It is located on Sikandra Road in Delhi. This esteemed institution has been shaping minds since 1932. Lady Irwin College is a constituent college of the University of Delhi. It focuses on holistic development and capacity building for women.
Imagine stepping back in time to 1928. The All India Women’s Conference began collecting funds. Their goal was ambitious to establish a college dedicated to women’s education. This vision materialized under the patronage of Lady Dorothy Irwin. She was the wife of Lord Irwin the then Viceroy of India. The Maharanis of Baroda and Bhopal were also supportive. Prominent figures like Sarojini Naidu and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur also joined the cause.
Lady Irwin College started modestly with only 11 students. It offered a certificate course in Home Science. Over the years, it has blossomed into a leading institution. Today, Lady Irwin College offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The college is affiliated with the University of Delhi.
In 1938, Lady Irwin College found its permanent home on Sikandra Road. Before 1950, the All India Women’s Education Fund Association managed it. Later, it became affiliated with Delhi University. Honours degree courses were then introduced.
Mahatma Gandhi himself played a role in shaping the college’s identity. He exchanged letters with Rajkumari Amrit Kaur. They discussed the college’s motto. Gandhi approved “Vidya Hi Sewa” emphasizing that knowledge itself is service.
Lady Irwin College has a sprawling 16.5-acre campus. The buildings are recognized as heritage sites. The architecture was designed by Walter George. The campus provides a conducive environment for learning.
Lady Irwin College offers various courses. These include B.Sc. degrees in Home Science and Food Technology. There are also B.Ed. programs and postgraduate diplomas. Master’s and doctoral degrees are available in specialized areas of Home Science.
Lady Irwin College consistently ranks high among Indian colleges. NIRF ranked it 23rd in 2024. The college has also received recognition in global rankings.
Many notable women have graced the halls of Lady Irwin College. Manpreet Brar was Miss India 1995. Shyamala Gopalan was a cancer researcher and mother of Kamala Harris. Ritu Kumar is a renowned fashion designer.
Lady Irwin College continues to uphold its founding principles. It strives to empower women through education. The college encourages innovation, leadership, and national development. It prepares students to contribute meaningfully to society.
As you stand here today remember the journey of Lady Irwin College. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a premier institution. It embodies the spirit of “Vidya Hi Sewa”. The college empowers women to serve their communities and the nation.