Smt. Hansa Mehta, the first vice-Chancellor of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda was a freedom fighter, an educator, a writer, a social activist, and a social reformer. The daughter of Shri Manubhai Mehta (the Diwan of Baroda and Bikaner states), Smt. Hansa Mehta did her graduation in Philosophy from Baroda College and studied Journalism and Sociology later from England. Upon her return from England, she served as the President of the 'Bhagini Samaj' and played a crucial role during the campaign against Simon Commission and went to jail twice. She later became a member of the Constituent Assembly, and President of All India Women's Conference. She represented India in the Joint Human Rights Commission and working committee of UNESCO. Her major contribution though, was in the field of education. She was the Vice Chancellor of the SNDT University (1946-48) and the M. S. University of Baroda (1949-1958). She researched and wrote several books on the problems of women and children. She translated some of the Shakespeare's plays and parts of Valmiki's Ramayana into Gujarati. Many universities conferred upon her the honorary degree of D.Litt. She was also awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1958. Her firm belief in the link between education and women's social problems led her to emphasize women's education. She advocated Home Science education in India and her efforts led to the formation of the Faculty of Home Science in Baroda and the Lady Irwin College of Home Science in New Delhi. She handpicked people of repute around the country to work in the University and sent them abroad to train them in their fields. She undertook steps to create and organize two new faculties: Fine Arts and Home Science. She was instrumental in starting the Post-graduate school of Social work.