J.D. birla INSTITUTE of home science, calcutta

The Calcutta Ladies Association wanted to help women develop well-rounded personalities, so in 1962 it set up an institute that offered courses in social etiquette, flower decoration, needlework, painting, music and cooking. “These proved so very popular that the idea of developing the institute into a regular home science college took root,” says principal Deepali Singhee. And so, from 1963, the J.D. Birla Institute — in affiliation with Jadavpur University — began offering a BSc course in home science.

“The aim of the institute is to create and maintain an environment where the learning process ensures a holistic development of students,” says Singhee.

The last 40-odd years have in no way affected the popularity of the courses offered by J.D. Birla, it is considered one of the best places to study home science even today. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council has awarded it a five-star rating.

The institute offers BSc students the option of specialising in their final year. “Students could opt for food science and nutrition, textile science and clothing, resource management and interior designing, human development or composite home science,” explains Singhee. Bachelors courses that would offer students the chance to specialise right from the beginning are also on the anvil. Qualifications required include a higher secondary pass with at least 50 per cent marks and science and maths as compulsory subjects.

The institute employs a semester pattern of education with six semesters spread across three years. “There is a period of compulsory internship in the last semester that provides students the opportunity to assess their abilities, aptitudes and interests and introduces them to the world of jobs and careers,” says Lilu Mancha, sectional in-charge, food and nutrition.

The J.D. Birla Institute of Home Science also offers a three-year BCom course for girls and a three-year BBA for both sexes. It also has MSc courses in human development, resource management and composite home science. That apart, the institute holds courses that range in duration from a month to a year in artistic craft, montessori training, ceramic design, cookery and bakery, and jewellery design. The syllabus and curricula of these courses are constantly updated in accordance with UGC guidelines. Students need to have passed Plus Two for montessori training, interior designing and home science and Class X for the rest of the courses.

The institute has a computer laboratory that provides students with Internet access and a library that has 8,000 books, journals and periodicals, including some rare books on traditional textiles. Seminars and group discussions constitute an integral part of the education provided and external organisations and institutes are encouraged to give presentations and deliver lectures. There is a 250 seat auditorium and a design studio that provides CAD (computer assisted design) facilities. “The CAD facility is meant for students of textile designing and interior designing,” says the principal.

“The courses offered here are oriented practically which makes them attractive and effective,” says Mancha.

The institute highlights the importance of management studies. “Our students learn that management is as important for home science as in any other field,” says Komal Sharma, sectional in-charge, resource management. Students learn about consumer awareness as well as planning and designing of residential and commercial spaces. They are also encouraged to become self-employed and many spend their time at this institute imbibing entrepreneurship skills.

Although J.D. Birla Institute of Home Science does not have a separate placement cell, the departments guide students about jobs. There is no hostel but the institute helps outstation students find suitable accommodation.

“I chose to study home science at the J.D. Birla Institute since I have always been keen on textiles and I think that my job prospects will be better if I study here,” says Sonam Ruia, a third year student specialising in textile and clothing. “The laboratory here is well equipped and there are proper utensils in the food and nutrition department,” says Abhilasha Bagaria, a final year BSc student specialising in food and nutrition.

So, if you want to make a mark in home science, this is where you should head.

Vital Statistics

WHAT IS IT? An institute offering courses in home science, commerce and management.

WHO’S THE BOSS? Dr Deepali Singhee is the principal.

WHAT DOES IT OFFER? BSc and MSc in home science, BCom and BBA. Also short-term courses in several subjects including montessori training, baking and jewellery design.
Does it have a Hostel? No, but it helps outstation students find suitable accommodation.

WHERE IS IT?
11 Lower
Rawdon Street, Calcutta-700020.
Phone: 24755070, 24767340

Sources: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)