Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi turned GOLDEN in 2014. Established in 1964, as ‘Government College for Women’ and housed in Defence Colony, it was renamed as ‘Modern College for Women’ in 1966. It moved to its present location in 1974 and was rechristened as ‘Kamala Nehru College’. It was a moment of pride and honor for each one associated with KNC- past and present- to witness the college completing its monumental journey of educating and empowering young women for a period of fifty years. The year was planned meticulously to be celebrated in a grand way under the leadership of the then Principal Dr. Minoti Chatterjee (2004-2015). Many academic and cultural activities were interspersed all through the year with a focus on the golden theme wherein the inaugural program was scheduled in January 2014 and closing of the year-long celebration at the beginning of 2015. The inaugural day of the celebrations started with Justice Leila Seth unveiling ‘Maiya as Graduate’, a bronze sculpture by renowned artist K.S. Radhakrishnan. Maiya stands gracefully in the front lawns of the college, epitomizing the spirit of the aspiring young women of Kamala Nehru College.
After a full-year of academic and cultural events, the Grand Finale constituted the valedictory ceremony of the Golden Jubilee year spread over three days. It began on the 13th of January 2015 with a Kavi Sammelan comprising ten renowned Hindi poets, and the event was a great success. This was followed by the classical singer Shubha Mudgal’s vocal recital, with harmonium and table accompanied by Anish Pradhan. The 15th of January saw a panel discussion on issues related to women. The panelists included Padma Vibhushan Dr. Mohini Giri, Chairperson, Guild of Service, Dr. Sayeeda Hameed, ex-member, Planning Commission of India and Savita Ma from Ma Dham, Vrindavan. Among them, they straddled a large territory pertaining to issues of Higher Education, security measures, the lives of widows, as well as an interactive question-answer session with students. This food for thought was supplemented by food for the senses and spirit, when the Besy Choir from Mizoram took over the afternoon session and rendered it ethereal by singing to lilting tunes. It beautifully captured the dominant mood of the occasion and made for a thrilling cocktail of energy and harmony!
All 15 departments, 25 extra/co-curricular societies, NCC, NSS and NSO geared up to work in perfect rhythm towards this historically jubilant moment in the life of an institute to add a newer page in the annals of KNC. Those who joyously graduated in the past, those who were a vibrant part of it in 2014-2015 and those who joined the college enthusiastically in the years after, have made Kamala Nehru College shine brilliantly ever since.
