TNN reports: As sunlight would stream in through the rose window, it would illuminate the face of a prominent figure seated in the first row of the Neo-Gothic convocation hall of Mumbai University. That dignified figure would be Mehroo Bengalee, the varsity’s first woman vice-chancellor who would never miss a graduation ceremony even well past her retirement.
Bengalee died here on Wednesday. She was 84.
A fearless educationist, Bengalee started off as a faculty member at St Xavier’s Institute of Education and went on to be a lecturer at St Xavier’s College. Through dint of hard work, she rose to be the head of the department of education at what was then called Bombay University.
Far removed from controversy, she contributed immensely to the field of higher education not just during her time as VC (from 1986 to 1992), but also through her books, many of which are prescribed by colleges even today.
Bengalee, who held a post-graduate degree in economics, a master’s in education and a PhD in psychology, was also a former trustee of Bombay Parsee Panchayat, a founder-member of the minorities’ commission.
The first woman Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University (MU), Dr Mehroo Bengalee, 84, passed away on Wednesday morning after a brief illness. Bengalee served as vice-chancellor of MU from 1986 to 1992.
“I am deeply grieved by the sad demise of Dr.(Miss) Mehroo Bengalee,” said incumbent Vice-Chancellor Dr Rajan Welukar in his condolence message.
Bengalee started her career as a teacher and through her hard work rose to be the Head of the Department of Education at the Mumbai University. She contributed immensely in the field of higher education.
Dr. Bengalee was also a lecturer at St. Xavier Institute of Education till 1984. Between 1984 and 1986 she was appointed as the Head of the Department of Education at the University of Mumbai. She was then appointed as Vice Chancellor of MU from 1986 to 1992 and completed her term.
More than 20 students worked under her guidance and were awarded M.Phil and Ph.D. Degrees in Education. Dr. Bengalee completed her PhD at the department of Applied Psychology at the University of Mumbai. She held a Post Graduate Degree in Economics, Masters In Education and Ph D in Psychology. She authored the famous book ‘Guidance in Counselling’ which was of immense help to students and all.
Welukar’s message further stated, “An illustrious academic, Dr. Bengalee was the first lady Vice Chancellor of the University of Mumbai. Her academic acumen, erudite discourse and visionary approach gave the university very focused leadership gave the University very focused leadership. The University will always cherish her fond memories and derive inspiration from her great achievement.”
Bengalee was also a former trustee of the Bombay Parsee Panchayat and a founder member of the national minorities’commission.
From Afternoon Dispatch and Courier
The first woman Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University, Dr. Mehroo Bengalee, passed away on Wednesday after a brief illness. She was 84.
Dr. Bengalee started her career as a simple teacher and through sheer hard work rose to be the Head of the Department of Education at the varsity. She was a fearless educationist and always stirred clear from controversy. She contributed immensely in the field of higher education.
Dr. Bengalee was a Lecturer at St. Xavier Institute of Education till 1984 then from 1984 to 1986 she was HoD of Education at the University of Mumbai. She was then appointed as Vice-Chancellor from 1986 to 1992 and completed her term. More than 20 students worked under her guidance and were awarded M.Phil and Ph.D. Degrees in Education.
Dr. Bengalee completed her Ph.D. at the department of Applied Psychology at the varsity. She held a Post Graduate Degree in Economics, Master’s In Education and Ph.D. in Psychology. She authored the famous book ‘Guidance in Counselling’ which was of immense help to students. She was also a former trustee of the Bombay Parsee Punchayet (BPP) and a founder member of Minorities’ Commission, founder member of National Minorities’ Commission and professor at the St. Xavier’s College.
“Her visionary approach gave the university very focused leadership,” said incumbent Vice-Chancellor Dr Rajan Welukar in his condolence message. The University of Mumbai will always cherish her fond memories and derive inspiration from her great achievements.