The Higher Education Review

In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in the interest surrounding AI and Robotics courses in India, reflecting the global trend of increasing emphasis on these cutting-edge fields. As technology continues to permeate every aspect of modern life, the demand for professionals skilled in artificial intelligence and robotics has soared, prompting educational institutions across the country to respond to this growing need.

One such institution that has been at the forefront of empowering women through education and embracing the evolving landscape of learning is SDNB Vaishnav College for Women. Established in 1968, the college was founded with a noble vision of providing quality education to girl students, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds.

The journey of SDNB Vaishnav College for Women began with the generous contribution of 10 acres of land by the late Founder Chairman, Nanalal Bhatt, complemented by a donation of 6 lakhs from Cork Industries Charities Trust. Named in honor of Shrimathi Devkunvar, the wife of the Founder Chairman, the college has remained dedicated to its mission of advancing women's education ever since.

Under the dynamic leadership of Chairperson Mamta D. Bhatt and the meticulous planning of College Secretary Chandrakant M. Tolia, along with the visionary guidance of Joint Secretary Nimish C. Tolia, the institution has continuously evolved to meet the changing demands of education.

Expanding Horizons with Innovative Courses
SDNB Vaishnav College for Women stands as a beacon of progressive education, offering a diverse array of programs designed to meet the evolving demands of the industry. Among its pioneering offerings, the B.Sc in Computer Science with Cognitive Systems, a program born out of a strategic partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). This industry-integrated course boasts a meticulously crafted curriculum with a balanced ratio of theory and practical learning (50:50). By leveraging the latest technological tools, students are equipped to excel in IT, ITeS, and ITiS companies, ensuring their readiness for the dynamic world of technology.

Another jewel in the college's crown is the B.Sc in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence, introduced in 2022. This interdisciplinary program encompasses various fields, including Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Robotics, and Machine Learning, among others. With a focus on creating intelligent machines that mimic human behavior, students delve into cutting-edge topics such as Computer Vision and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Moreover, the program's collaboration with 'Face Prep' ensures an industry-academic curriculum alignment, further enhancing students' preparedness for the AI-driven future. The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) course underscores the college's commitment in preparing

students for both immediate employment and higher education in Management studies. A significant revamp of the syllabus in 2017- 2018, in collaboration with TCS, reflects a keen understanding of industry requirements, particularly in the realm of Business Process Services. By aligning the curriculum with industry needs, the college empowers students to seamlessly transition into high-profile roles upon graduation.

At the postgraduate level, the M. Sc in Biostatistics stands out as a unique offering, making SDNB Vaishnav College for Women the sole women's college in the state to provide such a program. Since its inception in 2007, the Department of Biostatistics has been dedicated to delivering excellence in higher education.

Specialized courses in Clinical Trials, Data Mining, and SAS programming cater to the demands of both industry and research, equipping students with the skills needed to make meaningful contributions in their respective fields.

Rounding off the impressive portfolio is the M. Sc in Applicable Mathematics, a tri-major program emphasizing Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science. The inclusion of internships during the second semester bridges the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of real-world applications.

With a formidable faculty comprising 343 full-time teachers, including 166 Ph.D. holders and 92 NET/SET qualifiers, SDNB Vaishnav College for Women continues to uphold its legacy of academic excellence and innovation.

Promising Empowering Environments
Shrimathi Devkunvar Nanalal Bhatt Vaishnav College for Women embodies a dedication to academic excellence and fostering an environment conducive to learning. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including technology-enabled classrooms with robust connectivity and ICT integration, ensuring a dynamic learning experience.

With well-equipped laboratories emphasizing practical learning and stringent safety measures, students have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge hands-on by fostering a culture of experimentation and research.

Beyond academic pursuits, SDNB Vaishnav College for Women offers a range of amenities to promote holistic student development. Preview theaters, seminar halls, and an auditorium that caters to intellectual exchange and inspiration, while sports facilities and recreational spaces encourage physical well-being and community engagement.

Initiatives such as stainless steel water tanks and solar panels underscore the college's commitment to environmental sustainability.

The college's dedication to student welfare is evident through initiatives like the scholarships, Goodwill Scheme (food for the underprivileged), Apollo Clinic and Student Counseling Cell, providing holistic support for students' well-being. Additionally, the well-maintained hostel, stationery shop, and inclusive canteen to enhance the overall student experience, ensuring their needs are met both academically and personally.

With modern security systems in place and a lecture capturing system for enhancing educational content creation, SDNB Vaishnav College for Women remains at the forefront of providing a safe, enriching, and technologically advanced learning environment. In the last academic year, thousands of students benefited from various scholarships and institutional support, furthering the college's mission of empowering individuals through education.

Empowering Futures
SDNB Vaishnav College for Women prioritizes experiential learning through mandatory internships, fostering industry collaboration across programs. The VAISHNAV Centre for Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship Development (VCIIED) and the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) promote entrepreneurial spirit and innovation through workshops, seminars, and hackathons, connecting students with professionals and investors.

The college integrates more than 5000 skill development programs, bridging the college-corporate gap and enhancing employability. Career guidance services assist students in achieving their career aspirations. Additionally, the institution implements the Indian Knowledge System for Contemporary Learning, enriching the curriculum with traditional knowledge while fostering a global outlook.

"With a commitment to sustainability, SDNB Vaishnav College for Women embeds Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its educational environment, equipping students with essential values and skills. The establishment of a research and innovation ecosystem enables undergraduate research, fostering a culture of inquiry and discovery", shares Dr R Radha, Principal. Functional MoUs facilitate internships, training, and collaborative research, while external funding sources support student and faculty research projects. Revenue generated from consultancy and corporate training sustains institutional initiatives, ensuring continual refinement of skill courses and comprehensive career guidance for students.

SDNB Vaishnav College for Women fosters 21st-century skills through a holistic curriculum, emphasizes sustainable research and global outreach, cultivates entrepreneurial spirit, integrates Indian knowledge for reflective thinking, and advocates universal harmony for self-reliance and mutual growth.