For Dr Indu Rao, principal of three government girls’ colleges in Haryana, education goes beyond classrooms, exams and degrees. Her focus is on helping young women become confident, skilled, employable and capable of making independent choices. Students are being encouraged to learn practical skills such as driving, computer education, communication, entrepreneurship and farming, while gaining hands-on experience through college-run facilities including a canteen, boutique, salon and organic farm.
Rao believes empowering a girl can transform an entire family. “Since the first day of my career, I have been working for girls’ employment and empowerment,” she said. Her approach also includes expanding academic programmes, introducing digital learning, creating greener campuses and strengthening support systems for students and staff. She credits her mother, who raised four daughters to be independent and confident, for shaping her own outlook on women’s empowerment.
Beyond Degrees: Learning Skills For Life And Work
Rao’s approach puts practical learning alongside formal education. Students are encouraged to build skills in communication, computers, driving, personality development, grooming, painting, farming and entrepreneurship. “I want my girls to be confident and independent.
A degree is important, but it is not enough,” she said. She wants students to learn how to communicate, manage responsibilities, use technology and, if they choose, start a business of their own. Entrepreneurship is therefore not confined to the classroom. Students gain practical experience by helping run a college canteen, boutique, salon and organic farm, giving them exposure to responsibility, teamwork, management and basic enterprise skills.
A Personal Belief Shaped By Family
Academic opportunities have also expanded, with courses including BCA, BA Economics (Honours), BA English (Honours), BSc Physical Sciences, MCom and MA Economics. Smart classrooms with audio-video podiums and digital initiatives such as an e-handbook, e-magazine and e-annual report have further strengthened the technology-led learning environment.
Rao’s commitment to girls’ empowerment is rooted in her own upbringing. Born on July 15, 1970, in Haryana, she grew up as one of four sisters. Her father was a Haryana Civil Services officer. Three of the sisters went on to become principals in Haryana’s higher education system, while the youngest became a doctor at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Rao credits their mother for giving all four daughters the confidence to make their own decisions. “My mother made all four of us smart, independent and fiery. She taught us to be confident, to take our own decisions and not to be afraid of anything,” she said.
Her vision also extends to the campus environment. More than 1,800 trees have been planted, alongside a botanical garden, carbon garden and green ground. Students also have access to workshops on emotional well-being and resilience, sports facilities, a creche and a dispensary.
A hostel has been proposed as part of the broader support system. Together, these measures reflect Rao’s belief that education must provide not just qualifications, but also confidence, opportunity and support.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
A degree can open a door, but confidence, skills and opportunity can determine what a student does after walking through it. Rao’s approach highlights the value of making higher education more closely connected to employment, independence and everyday life. For young women, practical exposure to technology, entrepreneurship and communication can complement academic learning, while emotional and physical support can help create an environment where they feel secure enough to participate and grow.
Her own story also underlines how family support and encouragement can influence a woman’s choices and ambitions. “Educate a girl, educate a family” is ultimately a reminder that investing in women’s education can have effects that extend beyond the individual.
How can colleges across India create more opportunities for young women to learn, lead and become independent?
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