Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Prof Hani, who has taught economics at the college since 2000, plans technology-focused courses, ethical finance and new facilities for female students, alongside measures for their health and safety.

Mumbai :

Professor Dr Rakhshanda Hani has become the first woman to be appointed in-charge principal of Maharashtra College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Mumbai. She took charge on August 1.

Hani, who heads the college’s Department of Economics, has been associated with the institution since 2000, when she joined as an assistant professor. She has remained with the economics department throughout her teaching career and was appointed its head in 2015.

Located on Jehangir Boman Behram Marg near Mumbai Central, Maharashtra College is affiliated with the University of Mumbai and managed by the Khairul Islam Higher Education Society. The college’s 2025-26 prospectus lists Hani as head of the Department of Economics.

Speaking about her priorities as in-charge principal, Hani said she would focus on helping students make better use of technology and introducing courses that could support their future careers.

“The present age is the age of technology. Every student has a smartphone, and through its positive use, students can improve their educational abilities. Therefore, we have to explain to them how such devices should be used properly,” she said.

“Along with this, students also need to be introduced to AI and other modern courses that are useful for career-building so that they can move forward with the times,” she added.

Hani began her teaching career at Maharashtra College in 2000, when Professor Ishaq Hawaldar was the principal. According to Hani, Hawaldar interviewed her for the post.

With encouragement and support from her family, she continued her higher studies while working at the college. She also appeared for several competitive examinations and eventually completed a PhD in economics.

Her academic experience and qualifications led to her appointment as head of the economics department in 2015. Over the years, she has also held several other positions at the college.

Focus on Female Students

After taking charge, Hani said she had decided to expand facilities for female students, including making the college gymkhana accessible to them. The facility had previously been used by boys.

“First of all, I decided that facilities should be provided in the college gymkhana for girls as well as boys so that they too can benefit from them,” she said.

She added that measures were also being taken with the health, safety and other needs of female students in mind.

The college prospectus states that the institution places particular emphasis on facilities for female students and aims to create opportunities for higher education, especially for girls from the Muslim community. Its facilities include a college gymkhana, scholarships, a students’ aid fund and campus interviews.

New Courses Planned

Hani said the college was also planning to introduce several new courses, including one in ethical finance. She said the college had entered into an agreement with a British educational institution for the course.

Established in 1968, Maharashtra College offers undergraduate programmes in arts, science and commerce. Hani’s appointment marks a new chapter in the institution’s history, making her its first woman in-charge principal.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslims / by Team Clarion / August 22nd, 2026