Shrinivasa Bagarka College: A college with a difference!

Shriniwasa Bagarka Junior College is the only aided independent college in Maharashtra, which is neither attached to a school nor a college. Founded in memory of veteran social worker and educationist Shri Shrinivasa Bagarka, the Junior College is managed by Shri Rajasthani Seva Sangh, a registered Public Trust, in Andheri East, Mumbai. As part of an outreach programme, THE TEENAGER TODAY met with Dr Vanashri Valecha, the Education Director of the College, to learn about the pioneering Institution. Excerpts from the brief chat with her.

Good morning, Madam. Please tell us something about the early years of your College.
Shrinivasa Bagarka Junior College and its parent organization Shri Rajasthani Seva Sangh was established in the early sixties to make higher education easily available and accessible to those who are deprived of it, and to provide an object-oriented molecular education with emphasis on practical knowledge.

Tell us more about the vision and mission of the college.
Gone are the days when being good at one thing was enough. So, to address this trend in education, we have introduced over a hundred skill development courses, making them available on the campus. To enhance the students’ language skills, we have special language sessions in English and Sanskrit. There are also special classes on banking transactions, creative writing, kitchen gardening and many more. A 12-hour compulsory workshop, Mission Udaan, helps our students to set goals, and make a roadmap to achieve these goals.

Does the college insist on attendance of the students, which is often taken for granted in colleges, these days?
Very much. Attendance is of paramount importance to us. We have an automated tracking system, where parents can get the report of every lecture on their smart phones.

Is there an efficient parent-teacher association in the college?
Yes. Moreover, parents are invited to the college during the first week of the college opening to discuss about the students’ goals, and get the lowdown about what a student can expect from the college.

What makes your college different from other colleges in the State?
We don’t concentrate only on educational growth, but give equal importance to ensure that our students become all-rounders to meet the demands of today’s competitive business standards. With this mind, we provide additional practical knowledge in all subjects, even more than what the students choose. This makes Shrinivasa Bagarka College different from others!