Kanya Maha Vidyalaya

The college was established in Jullunder (Punjab, India) in 1890 (some sources say 1886) as Arya Kanya Pathshala, (translated as Arya Girls School) by Lala Dev Raj.[7][8]

Lala Dev Raj Ji took up the cudgels on behalf of the hapless, illiterate women relegated mercilessly to the background. He fought tooth and nail to educate women, to make them self-reliant and independent.

The students of the Vidyalaya were imbued with the fiery spirit of nationalism to take part in the country's struggle for Independence. The degrees conferred on the students were not only certificates of education, but also of patriotic zeal and selfless sacrifice to the cause of freedom. The students of this august institution helped the famous martyr Bhagat Singh to escape when he was arrested by the British. The name of Sushila Devi, who died a martyrs death fighting against the British rule, is etched in the pages of history of the Vidyalaya for ever. When the great national leader, Lala Lajpat Rai was in jail in Dharamsala, the students of this institution sent him Rakhi. They led several processions against the British atrocities. The teachings of Gandhiji were fully incorporated by the Vidyalaya students. Following Mahatma's footsteps, the girls heartily spun the Charkha (spinning wheel), the symbol of the Swadeshi Movement. Khadi was worn by all and sundry associated with the Vidyalaya. In spite of strong British opposition, the National Flag was hoisted regularly. The students also took part in the significant 1929 session of the Congress where the resolution of Purna Swaraj was passed. Thus the students carved an enviable niche for themselves in the annals of National History, earning glory and name to their alma mater and creating rich legacy for the coming generations to inherit.

Just as the national movement was assuming new momentum, the tiny sapling i.e. the Bal Shiksha Vidayalaya was being nurtured into a full-fledged Tree of Knowledge. Under the able guidance of Lala Dev Raj Ji, it had different branches in the form of an Orphanage(1897) and Widow Home (1907). The Vidyalaya shifted to its present premises in 1910. The sacred soil of Haldi Ghati was specially brought and added to the foundation of the Krishna Hall.

Committed to preserving rich cultural legacy and traditional values, the college harmoniously blends tradition and modernity to create an ambiance conducive to the holistic development of an individual's potential. The rich tradition of patriotic ideals and commitment towards high moral values make K.M.V. the prototype of value education. [9] Through 133 eventful years of its existence, K.M.V. has striven ceaselessly to expand landscapes of learning. Keeping pace with the changing times, the college offers courses that help develop individual skills, knowledge and creativity for a wide choice of career opportunities.[9] KMV's students shines in sports events in various university, state level and National events.[10]

Current Developments

Kanya Maha Vidyalaya (The Heritage Autonomous Institution), the pioneer institution of women education, has long been recognized as a premier centre of higher learning for women in North India. Re-accredited "A" by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Bangalore), the college strives ceaselessly to emancipate, enlighten and empower women.[11][12][9]

KMV has been bestowed with prestigious Heritage status by UGC,[13] enlisting it among only 19 institutions of National importance . KMV is the only college under GNDU to be granted DDU Kaushal Skill Development Center by Ministry of Higher Education, India for skill development and progressive education of young India.[14][15]

Under the Umbrella of DDU Kaushal Kendra, 5 skill development- B.Voc courses namely in Animation, Retail Management, Management and Secretarial Practices, Textile Design and Apparel Technology, Nutrition Exercise and Health are being successfully run since inception in 2015. The prime focus of these courses is practical component and industry exposure through internship/trainings that form part of curriculum.

The unique feature of the 5 above mentioned Skill development courses is assessment and Certification by Sector Skill Councils which is certified by NSDC,[16] National Skill Development Corporation, an Initiative by MHRD, Government of India.

Another benefit of joining these courses is multiple entry/exit points a B.Voc. program offers, i.e.a student can opt for multiple exit points and walk away with Certificate after 6 months, Diploma after a year, Advanced Diploma after 2 years and degree on completion of 3 years along with certification by NSDC at each of the 4 exit levels.

Recently, KMV has become the first women's college in Punjab state to get Autonomous status from UGC.[17] Under Autonomous status, KMV has taken a giant leap by placing itself into a higher league of colleges that enjoy the honour of uplifting academic standards towards excellence by developing new age innovative programmes, value-added courses, developing curriculum and bringing about educational reforms through conduct of examinations, evaluation and declaration of results. The college has earned this functional status only after having been accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council of India (NAAC) with a higher grade for three times, under which degrees will continue to be awarded by the parent university, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Detailed Marks Certificates containing marks of students in various subjects will be awarded by the college.[9] Education at K.M.V. is a unique amalgam of traditional learning and futuristic vision.[18]

The Kanya Maha Vidyalaya (The Heritage Autonomous Institution) has introduced 17 new courses for its students.[19] To upgrade the whole syllabi, introducing reforms and beginning new courses, 27 boards of study were held twice with experts from institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University, SRCC Delhi, National Stock Exchange, Mumbai, Ethiraj College, Chennai and many other elite universities including GNDU, Amritsar, Punjab University, Chandigarh.

To refine and redefine the syllabus of various vocational courses, an industrial meet[20] was organised by KMV Kaushal Kendra on its campus. KMV got various vocational courses like photography and journalism, animation, retail management, management and secretarial practices, textile design and apparel technology and nutrition, exercise and health. The thrust of the meet was to get some important recommendations for making the syllabus fit to market needs. Representatives from the world of business who joined the meet were as follows Er Karan Arora - Founder & CEO of Itronix Solutions, Mr. Varun Nayar - CMO of Itronix Solutions.[21]

KMV has its own academic council with representatives from GNDU, UGC, Government of India, and many other elite institutions. A meeting of the Academic Council was also held on April 18, 2018

New job-oriented skill enhancing courses have also been introduced. Around 17 new job-oriented and skill enhancing courses have been introduced, out of which there are 8 PG and 9 under graduate programs which offer umpteen job opportunities to the students. The total number of PG programmes have risen to 19.

The new PG courses being planned are such as M Sc Chemistry, M.Sc Zoology, MA Psychology, MA (JMC), MA Fine Arts, MA Cosmetology, MA Dance MA Punjabi. The UG Programmes (after +2) are - B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture-(4 year degree course), B.Com (Hons), BA (Hons) English, BSc Economics (with specialization in Banking), PHC - in place of Basic Punjabi for non-PSEB students of other states among others.

• Official website