When NMKRV was established in 1973, its first principal was Dr C.N. Mangala. She was an innovative academician, an able administrator, a versatile writer, and a committed social worker. True to her vision, she steered NMKRV to the glorious reputation that it possesses today. She believed that education, to be effective, had to transcend the confines of scholastic pursuits and offer a journey of discovery through cultural and extra-curricular activities. She motivated her colleagues to see the teaching-learning process as both challenging and pleasurable.
Dr. Mangala’s literary achievements are summarized below.
- A translation of R.K Narayan’s ‘The Guide’ brought her the Central Sahitya Academy Award.
- A biography of Helen Keller won her the State Sahitya Academy Award.
- An adaptation of Arthur Miller’s play- Ellaru Nannavare- won her the Mallika Award of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat.
- Among her other works are – Kannada Kavanagalu, Thirumalamba, The Wandering Harp, and Sneha Sindhu.
- She received the Karnataka Rajyothsava Award for education in 1990.
- Various international awards and fellowships have also been conferred on her.
- Dr CNM’s three decades of distinguished service includes the establishment of the department of Women Studies in NMKRV (first in South India) and SHASHWATHI- a woman’s museum.
