Raja Narendralal Khan Women's College: Higher Education For Women With A Focus On Serving The Underserved
Dr. Jayasree Laha, Principal Raja Narendralal Khan Women's College
Recognizing the significant challenges faced by women in India, the Government has established a dedicated committee to assess their status. Despite women’s legal equality with men, a stark disparity remains in their societal position, highlighting the urgent need for change. The educational, economic, and social disadvantages faced by women hinder the progress of society as a whole. In this context, Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College was founded in 1957 under the guidance of then Chief Minister Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. Situated in the Midnapore district, the college focuses on empowering women from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds by providing them with access to quality education and career opportunities. With a current enrollment of 3,400 students, 45 percent hail from SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity.
The college fosters a nurturing environment aimed at holistic development, ensuring that graduates emerge as self-sufficient role models for future generations. Notably, 50 percent of the students are first-generation learners, emphasizing the transformative power of education. Dr. Jayasree Laha, Principal of the college, highlights the introduction of advanced courses such as Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Technology, Masters in Microbiology, and Biotechnology, alongside 70 certification programs initiated after gaining autonomy in 2018. With many students successfully joining the West Bengal Government’s police service, the institution continues to inspire pride and progress among its community.
Growth Story
Founded in 1957, Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College owes its inception to the generosity of Amarendralal Khan and his wife Anjali Khan, who donated part of their estate for this noble cause. Housed in the historic Gope Palace, a declared heritage site, the college features a museum on the second floor showcasing artifacts from the zamindari era. The Gope Palace, during Raja Devendralal Khan's tenure, played a pivotal role in India's freedom movement, hosting luminaries like Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Established with the vision of then Chief Minister Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, the college aimed to uplift women from underprivileged communities in undivided Midnapore. Starting with just nine students, it has since flourished, now educating over 3,000 women, reflecting a remarkable journey of growth and empowerment. Dr. Laha highlights this transformation, showcasing the college’s commitment to fostering education and opportunity for women in the region.
Operational Excellence
Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College is dedicated to providing top-tier education, bolstered by substantial investments in infrastructure. The college has received a ₹1.6 crore grant as part of the Basic Science and Research (BSR) initiative from the Government of India, along with ₹2.5 crore as a Center with Potential for Excellence (CPE). These funds, along with various other government and private grants, have been utilized to establish state-of-the-art science labs, smart classrooms, and language labs. The campus is fully Wi-Fi enabled and features six hostels, a fully furnished gym, a spacious auditorium, a library, CCTV surveillance, and biometric attendance. “We offer free health check-ups for all students and staff, and our biodiversity park and solar tree promote an eco-friendly campus,” noted Dr. Laha.
The institution cultivates a vibrant environment where every student thrives, fostering self-sufficiency and harmonious growth for a brighter future. Its commitment extends beyond academics. It nurtures both physical well-being and mental resilience, ensuring that graduates are not only equipped for professional success but also for a balanced and fulfilling life. Together, the institution empowers young women to realize their potential and inspire future generations. Each and every student of this institution is provided with the Kanyashree grant by the government of West Bengal. The students can also avail Swami Vivekananda Scholarship, Sitaram Jindal scholarship, Central Sanskrit University scholarships and many others. Empowering dreams through education, Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College ensured that even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemicthe institution offered students a 30 percent reduction in admission fees. It fosters growth and resilience through a dedicated mentorship program.
The college is committed to supporting underprivileged students from backward communities, strategically located to attract learners from nearby regions. Every student benefits from the Kanyashree grant from the West Bengal government, along with opportunities for scholarships like the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship and the Sitaram Jindal Scholarship. The institution places a strong emphasis on merit, ensuring that deserving students receive the necessary support to excel. Faculty development is equally prioritized, with programs designed for young educators and opportunities to attend national and international conferences. Dr. Laha emphasized, “We provide financial assistance for faculty participation in events deemed beneficial, fostering continuous growth in teaching standards.”
Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College proudly hosts two well-established research centers affiliated with Vidyasagar University, specializing in Natural and Applied Sciences, as well as Humanities and Social Sciences. These centers serve as hubs of innovation and inquiry, driving significant research initiatives supported by prestigious grants from various government and non-governmental organizations, including DST-FIST, PG-CURIE, and WBDST BOOST.
"Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College has embarked on an inspiring journey by adopting primary schools for mentorship programs, where college students serve as mentors to motivate young children toward education & self-sufficiency"
Dynamic Research Culture
With over 100 dedicated research scholars, the college fosters a dynamic research culture that encourages interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary collaboration. Faculty members are deeply engaged in advancing knowledge, having secured nearly 50 major research projects from esteemed institutions such as DST, DBT, ICMR, and DRDO.
This vibrant research environment not only enriches the academic experience but also empowers students and faculty to contribute meaningfully to their fields, underscoring the college’s commitment to excellence in research and education.
Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College proudly showcases its Biodiversity Park, a pioneering initiative developed in collaboration with the West Bengal Biodiversity Board. This vibrant park serves as a dynamic educational hub, designed to foster environmental awareness and research while promoting holistic development within the college and the surrounding community. The park features several specialized zones, each offering unique learning opportunities. The Butterfly Garden is designed to attract local species, with dedicated beds for larval host and nectar plants, creating a thriving habitat for butterflies. The Eco-Pond has been transformed to support indigenous fish culture, enhancing aquatic biodiversity and providing practical learning experiences for students. Additionally, the Wild Habitat Observation Zone serves as a serene spot for bird-watching, allowing visitors to connect with nature.
Students can also explore the Medicinal Plants Garden, which houses various important medicinal species, alongside a nursery that educates them about the value of these plants. The Tropical Fruit Orchard not only grows diverse fruit species but also funds park maintenance through its harvests. The Interpretation Center enhances understanding of local biodiversity, featuring an indigenous fish gallery and conservation-focused materials. With environmentally themed murals and an organic manure zone, the Biodiversity Park exemplifies the college’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
Looking Ahead
Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College has embarked on an inspiring journey by adopting primary schools for mentorship programs, where college students serve as mentors to motivate young children toward education and self-sufficiency. In addition, the college has implemented drinking water systems in the schools it supports. Currently, 18 primary schools have been adopted, with three drinking water systems installed, and plans are in place to expand this initiative by adopting two additional schools each year. “We also aim to launch various community development programs in the coming years,” shared Dr. Laha.
Building on its reputation for quality education, the college is committed to empowering women from backward communities and is exploring the addition of new courses. Future plans include introducing an integrated B.Ed program, Masters in Medical Laboratory Technology, Hospitality Management, and MCA courses. “These initiatives reflect our dedication to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting the holistic development of our students,” concluded Dr. Laha.
The college fosters a nurturing environment aimed at holistic development, ensuring that graduates emerge as self-sufficient role models for future generations. Notably, 50 percent of the students are first-generation learners, emphasizing the transformative power of education. Dr. Jayasree Laha, Principal of the college, highlights the introduction of advanced courses such as Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Technology, Masters in Microbiology, and Biotechnology, alongside 70 certification programs initiated after gaining autonomy in 2018. With many students successfully joining the West Bengal Government’s police service, the institution continues to inspire pride and progress among its community.
Growth Story
Founded in 1957, Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College owes its inception to the generosity of Amarendralal Khan and his wife Anjali Khan, who donated part of their estate for this noble cause. Housed in the historic Gope Palace, a declared heritage site, the college features a museum on the second floor showcasing artifacts from the zamindari era. The Gope Palace, during Raja Devendralal Khan's tenure, played a pivotal role in India's freedom movement, hosting luminaries like Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Established with the vision of then Chief Minister Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, the college aimed to uplift women from underprivileged communities in undivided Midnapore. Starting with just nine students, it has since flourished, now educating over 3,000 women, reflecting a remarkable journey of growth and empowerment. Dr. Laha highlights this transformation, showcasing the college’s commitment to fostering education and opportunity for women in the region.
Operational Excellence
Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College is dedicated to providing top-tier education, bolstered by substantial investments in infrastructure. The college has received a ₹1.6 crore grant as part of the Basic Science and Research (BSR) initiative from the Government of India, along with ₹2.5 crore as a Center with Potential for Excellence (CPE). These funds, along with various other government and private grants, have been utilized to establish state-of-the-art science labs, smart classrooms, and language labs. The campus is fully Wi-Fi enabled and features six hostels, a fully furnished gym, a spacious auditorium, a library, CCTV surveillance, and biometric attendance. “We offer free health check-ups for all students and staff, and our biodiversity park and solar tree promote an eco-friendly campus,” noted Dr. Laha.
The institution cultivates a vibrant environment where every student thrives, fostering self-sufficiency and harmonious growth for a brighter future. Its commitment extends beyond academics. It nurtures both physical well-being and mental resilience, ensuring that graduates are not only equipped for professional success but also for a balanced and fulfilling life. Together, the institution empowers young women to realize their potential and inspire future generations. Each and every student of this institution is provided with the Kanyashree grant by the government of West Bengal. The students can also avail Swami Vivekananda Scholarship, Sitaram Jindal scholarship, Central Sanskrit University scholarships and many others. Empowering dreams through education, Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College ensured that even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemicthe institution offered students a 30 percent reduction in admission fees. It fosters growth and resilience through a dedicated mentorship program.
The college is committed to supporting underprivileged students from backward communities, strategically located to attract learners from nearby regions. Every student benefits from the Kanyashree grant from the West Bengal government, along with opportunities for scholarships like the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship and the Sitaram Jindal Scholarship. The institution places a strong emphasis on merit, ensuring that deserving students receive the necessary support to excel. Faculty development is equally prioritized, with programs designed for young educators and opportunities to attend national and international conferences. Dr. Laha emphasized, “We provide financial assistance for faculty participation in events deemed beneficial, fostering continuous growth in teaching standards.”
Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College proudly hosts two well-established research centers affiliated with Vidyasagar University, specializing in Natural and Applied Sciences, as well as Humanities and Social Sciences. These centers serve as hubs of innovation and inquiry, driving significant research initiatives supported by prestigious grants from various government and non-governmental organizations, including DST-FIST, PG-CURIE, and WBDST BOOST.
"Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College has embarked on an inspiring journey by adopting primary schools for mentorship programs, where college students serve as mentors to motivate young children toward education & self-sufficiency"
Dynamic Research Culture
With over 100 dedicated research scholars, the college fosters a dynamic research culture that encourages interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary collaboration. Faculty members are deeply engaged in advancing knowledge, having secured nearly 50 major research projects from esteemed institutions such as DST, DBT, ICMR, and DRDO.
This vibrant research environment not only enriches the academic experience but also empowers students and faculty to contribute meaningfully to their fields, underscoring the college’s commitment to excellence in research and education.
Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College proudly showcases its Biodiversity Park, a pioneering initiative developed in collaboration with the West Bengal Biodiversity Board. This vibrant park serves as a dynamic educational hub, designed to foster environmental awareness and research while promoting holistic development within the college and the surrounding community. The park features several specialized zones, each offering unique learning opportunities. The Butterfly Garden is designed to attract local species, with dedicated beds for larval host and nectar plants, creating a thriving habitat for butterflies. The Eco-Pond has been transformed to support indigenous fish culture, enhancing aquatic biodiversity and providing practical learning experiences for students. Additionally, the Wild Habitat Observation Zone serves as a serene spot for bird-watching, allowing visitors to connect with nature.
Students can also explore the Medicinal Plants Garden, which houses various important medicinal species, alongside a nursery that educates them about the value of these plants. The Tropical Fruit Orchard not only grows diverse fruit species but also funds park maintenance through its harvests. The Interpretation Center enhances understanding of local biodiversity, featuring an indigenous fish gallery and conservation-focused materials. With environmentally themed murals and an organic manure zone, the Biodiversity Park exemplifies the college’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
Looking Ahead
Raja Narendralal Khan Women’s College has embarked on an inspiring journey by adopting primary schools for mentorship programs, where college students serve as mentors to motivate young children toward education and self-sufficiency. In addition, the college has implemented drinking water systems in the schools it supports. Currently, 18 primary schools have been adopted, with three drinking water systems installed, and plans are in place to expand this initiative by adopting two additional schools each year. “We also aim to launch various community development programs in the coming years,” shared Dr. Laha.
Building on its reputation for quality education, the college is committed to empowering women from backward communities and is exploring the addition of new courses. Future plans include introducing an integrated B.Ed program, Masters in Medical Laboratory Technology, Hospitality Management, and MCA courses. “These initiatives reflect our dedication to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting the holistic development of our students,” concluded Dr. Laha.
