The origin

When Bharat Ratna Maharshi Karve and Sir Vithaldas Thackersey convened in 1951, the objective they had in mind was, for the times, a radical one: to offer women the same educational advantages that were then the exclusive privilege of men. Their bold wisdom was not limited, however, to simply following the line with the leading colleges of the day; rather, they also set out to improve upon the prevailing model of education. Thus the Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s University (S.N.D.T.W.U.) was born. From its humble origin with a handful of students in 1916 as Indian Women’s University in the ‘Karve Kutir’ at Pune, the S.N.D.T.Women’s University has expanded to its present enrolment of over 52,000. It has an all India jurisdiction and has colleges spread over the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat .
In keeping with the emerging trends in education , the S.N.D.T.College of Home Science was founded in 1968, as a constituent college of S.N.D.T. Women’s University with borrowed rooms from the S.N.D.T. College of Arts, and was established in its own building in 1970
The Vision S.N.D.T.Women’s University’s perspectives emerge from the laudable vision of the founder ,Bharat Ratna Maharshi D.K.Karve to build a citadel of Higher Education for women. His vision is encapsulated in the motto of the University. “Sanskrita Stree Parashakti “(An Enlightened Women is a Source of Infinite Strength.) The Mission “ Empowerment of Women through Education” has been the single minded mission of our founder and continues to be the philosophy and purposeful approach of the University at all levels.

The Mission Statement

S.N.D.T.Women’s University is committed to the cause of women’s empowerment through access to education, particularly higher education , through relevant courses in formal and non-formal streams . Further S.N.D.T. is committed to provide for a wide range of professional and vocational courses for women to meet the changing needs, with human values and purposeful social, responsibility and to achieve excellence with “Quality in every Activity".

The Goals of the S.N.D.T.Women’s University

	To provide access to higher education through formal and non –formal streams.
	To provide wide range of professional and vocational courses for women.
	To develop scholarship and research with women’s prespective.
	To inculcate positive self concept, awareness of Women’s issues and rights.
	To enhance purposeful education with human values and social responsibility.
	To achieve excellence in academic disciplines through emphasis on "Quality" in every activity.

The Goals and Objectives of the College

The goals and the objectives of the college have evolved over the years in tune with the vision of the founder, the mission of the University and the changing needs of the global society. They are:

	To provide the students with sustainable higher education in Home Science and train them for careers in Home Science related areas.
	To provide opportunities for hands on experience to students to inculcate a professional attitude in them.
	To improve the quality of life of the individual, the family and the society at large.
	To inculcate positive self concept, awareness of Women’s issues and rights.
	To promote all round development of students through co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.

Growth of the college

The S.N.D.T.College of Home Science has completed 35 years since its inception and has seen over 4000 of its students graduate in this discipline. It is the only college in Pune offering a degree programme in Home Science.

The college grew not only in enrolment but also in the variety of courses it offered. The demand for increased space was realized by launching fund collection drives by arranging regular Funfair, Dandiya Raas, sale of coupons, release of souvenirs and advertisements. The focus on popularizing Home Science education was not lost sight of since one of the prominent stalls in the funfair provided information on Home Science to the visiting public.

Through the money generated by the above means, supplemented by matching funds from the UGC, the college has extended its existing buildings and also raised new buildings to provide space for the academic development.

Prospects after degree

Home Science provides a blend of learning experiences which include theory and practice as well as combining the generalist approach of a multi-disciplinary stream with some elements of scientific investigation. Since the course structure provides an opportunity to develop both analytical and conceptual skills as well as personal skills, the students have the chance to develop talents that they will not outgrow and therefore enjoy exceptional career flexibility.

Apart from the career options directly available to our students, they have made forays in law, sociology, business management, H.R.D., hospitality management, education, psychology, computer management, computer applications, social work, journalism and fashion industry. Initially the college had a role to play in gaining recognition for the students to step into these areas. Students often give the feedback that they draw connections between Home Science courses and their life at large.

Future plans

The future plans of the management for the development and progress of the college are listed below:

	To start Masters programme in all the different specializations of Home Science.
	To start courses in Communication Technology and also on line courses for the society at large.
	To start as an experiment a Nursery School Laboratory on self supporting basis.
	To provide training programme for class III and IV employees on professional ethics and code of conduct.
	To strengthen the alumni association.