❝ Education is an important tool of social growth, which develops self- confidence and self-respect among the people. Higher education was the privilege of the people belonging to middle/higher income group. But the governments both at the centre and the state took several steps to make higher education available to the poor of rural and urban areas.

The state Government of UP has taken several important steps in this regard. Mahamaya Government Degree College, Mahona, Lucknow in one of the major steps to expand higher education among the youth of the region. The foundation stone was laid down on 3rd july 2009. College is associated to Lucknow University. The college is trying best to provide higher education in spite of its resource and infrastructural constraints.❞

The major objective of the college is to make people educated, cultured and responsible members of the society. The vision of the college is to mould and shape the young fledging minds to strive for a brighter tomorrow. The college has a mission to empower the young with the knowledge and information required for rational decision making and developing skills for earning livelihood. The mission is to translate the vision of the institution by organizing activities on various aspects like intellectual, physical, disciplinary, skill enhancement etc.

The entire educational process is oriented towards dispelling the clouds of doubt in order to enable the students to look at ever widening horizons of opportunity with confidence and hope in the present world. The college is aiming at providing maximum possible learning resources for all sections of society, particularly the poor and backward sections by optimum utilization of its limited resources. The vision of the college is to educate its students with harmonious development of their personality.

The vision and mission of Mahamaya Government Degree College, Mahona, Lucknow, under the able leadership of Principal Dr. Sahla Nusrat Qidwai, is to emerge as a leading rural institution of higher education committed to providing inclusive, accessible, and quality education in Arts (BA), Science (BSc), and Commerce (BCom) to students from rural, semi-urban, and economically weaker sections of society. The college envisions empowering young learners with sound academic knowledge, critical thinking, ethical values, and social responsibility so that they may contribute meaningfully to nation-building and sustainable development. Situated in a rural area, the institution is dedicated to bridging the educational gap between rural and urban learners by offering opportunities for higher education close to studentsÕ homes, especially for first-generation learners and girl students. Its mission is to foster holistic development by creating a learner-centric environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, scientific temper, creativity, and moral integrity. The college strives to impart value-based education through effective teaching–learning practices, and continuous academic mentoring, while also promoting co-curricular and extracurricular activities for personality development. Emphasis is laid on skill enhancement, employability, and self-reliance through academic programs, career guidance, and communityoriented activities. The institution also aims to inculcate discipline, leadership qualities, respect for diversity, and a sense of civic duty among students, preparing them to face contemporary social and professional challenges with confidence. By optimally utilizing available resources, strengthening infrastructure, and encouraging faculty development, the college remains committed to academic excellence and continuous improvement. In alignment with national educational goals, Mahamaya Government Degree College seeks to nurture responsible, enlightened, and socially sensitive graduates who uphold democratic values and contribute positively to society, thereby fulfilling its vision of transforming rural youth into capable, confident, and conscientious citizens.

The objective of the college is to educate and transform young minds in a positive manner. In order to achieve an all-around development of student’s personality. Various programs on these aspects are organized in the college.

The college emphasizes on the intellectual development of the students. The objectives is being achieved by conducting regular lecture sessions, project work, social work, essay writing, debates, poetry recitation, exhibitions, visits, guest-lectures, literacy clubs, work – shops etc.

Co – curricular activities such as Database, Quiz, Essay writing, Exhibitions, Symposia, Hobby course, Guest lectures etc. are regularly. The activities of National Service Scheme, Rovers and Rangers played a very important role in personality development. The College has career counselling cell, guidance and counselling cell, Literary Club, Poor Student Welfare Cell, Eco restoration cell, cultural Association, Departmental Association etc.

For skill and competence among the students in the area of Information Technology, the college will have a well-equipped computer lab and Internet facility in a very short time. Alumni Association is also under consideration after the completion of 3 years of its establishment as it would help to guide and control the behaviour of the students.

1. Community-Engaged Learning and Extension Activities

Mahamaya Government Degree College, Mahona, Lucknow, has adopted community-engaged learning as an important best practice to integrate academic knowledge with real-life rural needs. Being situated in a rural area, the college recognizes its social responsibility toward the surrounding community and regularly organizes structured extension activities involving both students and faculty members. These activities include awareness programs on health, hygiene, sanitation, environmental protection, gender equality, voter awareness, and social welfare schemes. Literacy drives, cleanliness campaigns, tree plantation programs, and environmental clean-up activities are conducted to promote ecological awareness and sustainable practices. Health awareness camps and seminars are organized, to address common rural challenges. Through these initiatives, students actively apply theoretical knowledge gained in BA, BSc, and BCom programs to real-world situations, thereby enhancing experiential learning. Participation in such programs helps students develop leadership qualities, communication skills, teamwork, empathy, and a sense of social responsibility. This practice strengthens the bond between the institution and the community while contributing to holistic student development and nation-building.

2. Remedial and Skill Enhancement Support for Rural Students

Recognizing the diverse academic backgrounds of students coming from rural and economically weaker sections, Mahamaya Government Degree College has implemented a structured Remedial Teaching and Skill Enhancement Support system as a best practice. Many students entering BA, BSc, and BCom programs face challenges such as weak foundational knowledge, limited exposure to digital tools, and lack of confidence in communication skills. To address these gaps, the college identifies academically weaker and slow learners through internal assessments, classroom observations, and academic performance analysis. Remedial classes and tutorial sessions are conducted beyond regular teaching hours to clarify concepts, reinforce subject knowledge, and improve academic performance. In addition, the college organizes digital literacy workshops to familiarize students with basic computer applications, online learning platforms, and information resources. Skill enhancement activities such as English communication training, soft-skills development, and career counselling sessions are also provided to improve employability and self-confidence. This best practice has significantly contributed to improving student retention, academic success, confidence levels, and overall learning outcomes, thereby ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for rural students.