Overview
Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University, commonly known as SNDT Women's University, is a state public university based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It is dedicated to the higher education of women and is recognised as the first women's university in India and in South Asia. The university operates campuses in Mumbai (Churchgate and Juhu) and Pune, and affiliates a network of colleges across Maharashtra and beyond.
Key Facts
| Name | Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University |
|---|---|
| Common name | SNDT Women's University |
| Type | State public university |
| Founded | 1916 |
| Founder | Dhondo Keshav Karve |
| Focus | Women's higher education |
| Location | Mumbai Suburban district, Maharashtra, India |
| Campuses | Churchgate (Mumbai), Juhu (Mumbai), Pune |
| Country | India |
Background
The institution was founded by the social reformer and educationist Dhondo Keshav Karve, who is widely known as Maharshi Karve. Inspired by the Japan Women's University in Tokyo, Karve established the university with the aim of providing higher education to Indian women at a time when such opportunities were extremely limited. The university takes its name from Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey, in whose memory a substantial endowment was given by Sir Vithaldas Damodar Thackersey, enabling the institution to expand significantly.
History
- 1916: The university was founded by Dhondo Keshav Karve at Hingne, near Pune, as the Indian Women's University, with an initial intake of a small number of students.
- 1920: The endowment from Sir Vithaldas Damodar Thackersey, in memory of his mother Nathibai, led to the renaming of the university.
- 1936: The headquarters of the university were shifted to Mumbai (then Bombay).
- 1951: SNDT Women's University was granted statutory recognition by the Government of India.
- Subsequent decades saw the establishment of additional campuses, expansion of affiliated colleges, and the introduction of professional, vocational and postgraduate programmes.
Academics
SNDT Women's University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, diploma and certificate programmes across a range of disciplines, including arts, commerce, science, education, home science, social work, library and information science, management, technology, nursing, and performing arts. It comprises university departments organised into faculties, several constituent institutions, and a large number of affiliated colleges located in Maharashtra and other parts of India.
Campuses
- Churchgate campus, Mumbai: Houses the administrative headquarters and several academic departments.
- Juhu campus, Mumbai: Hosts a number of postgraduate departments and research centres.
- Pune campus: Includes the Maharshi Karve Vidya Vihar at Karve Nagar and serves students in western Maharashtra.
Significance
SNDT Women's University holds a notable place in the history of Indian higher education as the earliest university in the country devoted exclusively to women. It has played a long-standing role in widening access to formal education, professional training and research opportunities for women, and has been associated with social reform movements concerning women's rights and empowerment. Its alumnae include educators, scientists, administrators, artists and social workers active in India and abroad.
Related Topics
- Dhondo Keshav Karve
- Education in Maharashtra
- Women's Education in India
- University of Mumbai
- Savitribai Phule Pune University
- List of Universities in India
- University Grants Commission (India)
References
- Wikidata entity: Q7391831
- Government of India, Ministry of Education — list of recognised universities.
- University Grants Commission (India) — directory of state universities.