Page 77 - EW April 2024_Neat

hi (MH, estb. 1948), the well-reputed
women’s college which is routinely
top-ranked in the annual NIRF of the
Union education ministry, is presum-
ably disappointed that MH is ranked
#4 in the latest EW league table of
India’s top-ranked ASC non-autono-
mous colleges, she graciously derives
comfort from its promotion from #5
in 2023-24.
Without rancour, she rationalizes
MH’s top rank in NIRF 2023 to the
college’s high priority to “outreach,
and student diversity and inclusivity”
and wide range of study programmes
— parameters which are given high
weightage in the NIRF rankings.
“Whereas NIRF is based on empiri-
cal data, the EW survey is based on
public perception which places our
Graduating students at Miranda House with principal Dr. Bhagyalaksmi Nanda (centre) low-profile college at a disadvantage,”
explains Dr. Nanda.
of this amount is for Delhi University inspires our students to also put in Nevertheless Nanda derives
(DU) and its constituent colleges their best effort. This is what adds considerable satisfaction from MH’s
where tuition fees are less than half up to make St. Stephen’s #1,” says top score (tied with St. Stephen’s)
paid by college students in neigh- Varghese. under the parameter of graduate
bouring China. For several years According to Varghese, the success placements. “We have a very active
EducationWorld has been advocating secret of this 143-year-old college placements cell on our campus which
means-tested, targeted — instead of is its institutional legacy of “service is supplemented by word-of-mouth
universally subsidised — tuition fees towards the country” envisioned by publicity given to MH by alumni who
in higher education which would its founding fathers. “We encourage have had a good learning experi-
increase the income flow of affiliated young men and women who enter ence here. This is a very satisfying
colleges under the tuition fees head our portals to study well and with endorsement of the good work our
and free greater resources for public purpose. And that purpose is neither faculty is doing,” says Dr. Nanda who
primary/secondary education. Alas, (acquiring) a degree nor financial signed with MH in 1993 and was ap-
to no avail. reward, or recognition. It is service pointed principal in 2022. Currently
Be that as it may, despite not be- to the country and the world. That’s this highly-reputed ASC undergrad
ing granted autonomous status, for why our graduates shine in every college has 5,600 women students
Prof. John Varghese, principal of area of human endeavour — the arts, mentored by 240 faculty on its rolls.
St. Stephen’s College, this vintage business, NGOs, bureaucracy, educa- So great is the dominance of col-
institution ranked the country’s #1 tion, you name it. Someone from leges affiliated with Delhi University
ASC college, is comparable with the St. Stephen’s is making a positive in the EW 2024-25 Top 10 league
best globally. Varghese is especially difference somewhere. Spirit of ser- table of private non-autonomous
pleased that EW sample respondents vice, that’s the key,” says Varghese, colleges, that the sole non-Delhi
have awarded highest scores under an alum of Loyola College, Chennai college on top table is the Barrack-
the parameters of faculty welfare and and English and Foreign Languages pore Rastraguru Surendranath
development and faculty competence University, Hyderabad who was College (BRSC), Kolkata, ranked
which he believes is the prime cause appointed principal of St. Stephen’s #9 nationally and #1 in West Bengal.
of St. Stephen’s excellent reputation in 2016. Currently, this college has Jesus & Mary College, Delhi is
among the cognoscenti. 1,247 students mentored by 86 fac- ranked #10.
“Our highly-qualified faculty and ulty on its muster rolls. Dr. (Prof.) Monojit Ray, Prin-
non-teaching staff are committed to Although Dr. Bhagyalaksmi cipal and Controller of Examinations
every student getting the best under- Nanda, an alumna of Utkal (Odi- at BRSC, which hosts 5,600 students
grad education. They put their work sha), Delhi and JNU universities and mentored by 148 faculty, is exhila-
before their personal interest which principal of Miranda House, Del- rated that BRSC is ranked among

APRIL 2024 EDUCATIONWORLD 77