{
  "id": 2646799,
  "title": "Dr Rakhshanda Hani Becomes First Woman To Lead Maharashtra College",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/dr-rakhshanda-hani-becomes-first-woman-to-lead-maharashtra-college",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-22T20:29:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/dr-rakhshanda-hani-becomes-first-woman-to-lead-maharashtra-college"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mumbai has witnessed a historic milestone as Dr. Rakhshanda Hani has been appointed as the first woman to lead Maharashtra College of Arts, Science and Commerce, a prestigious institution situated on Bellasis Road. Dr. Hani, an accomplished academic and head of the Economics Department, replaces the long-standing male principal, marking a significant advancement in gender representation in Mumbai’s higher education sector.\n\nDr. Hani commenced her professional journey at Maharashtra College in 2000, initially as an Assistant Professor in the Economics Department. She was chosen under the tenure of the previous principal, Prof. Ishaq Havaldar. While balancing her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Hani focused on her academic development, successfully completing competitive examinations and earning her Ph.D. in Economics.\n\nIn 2015, recognizing her administrative skills and academic prowess, the college appointed her as Head of the Department of Economics. Her experience and dedication paved the way for her current role as the institution’s In-Charge Principal. Dr. Hani outlined her vision for the college, emphasizing the integration of emerging technological tools into higher education. She advocated for responsible digital device usage among students and the introduction of specialized instruction in artificial intelligence and contemporary career-focused disciplines.\n\nBeyond technological advancements, Dr. Hani has prioritized student welfare, security, and health by expanding gymkhana facilities to include female students. Her appointment signifies a substantial institutional transition, blending administrative expertise with a commitment to inclusive campus development.",
  "summary": "Mumbai: In a historic milestone for Mumbai’s higher education landscape, Dr. Rakhshanda Hani has officially assumed the position of In-Charge Principal at Maharashtra College of Arts, Science and Commerce, located on Bellasis Road. A senior academic and long-standing Head of the Economics Department, Dr. Hani becomes the first woman to lead the prestigious institution since its inception. First…",
  "key_points": [
    "Dr. Rakhshanda Hani becomes first woman principal of Maharashtra College.",
    "Appointed from 2000 as Assistant Professor in Economics Department.",
    "Focuses on tech integration, student welfare, and AI instruction."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}