The establishment of SKR College for Women took place on September 2, 1968, under the leadership of Sri Krovvidi Lingaraju, a local figure recognised for his involvement in the fight for independence, and Smt. Addepalli Vivekananda Devi, is a renowned educator and notable contributor to social welfare. The college is named after the wife of Rao Bahadur Sri Kandukuri Veeresalingam. Rao Bahadur Sri Kandukuri Veeresalingam, a prominent figure in society, gained recognition for his contributions as a social reformer, author, and philanthropist. Notably, he bequeathed his entire life savings to the Hitakarini Samaj, an organisation that encompasses several educational institutions spanning from kindergarten to postgraduate levels. At the inception of the College, a modest number of 27 students and 15 teachers resided in rudimentary thatched huts situated on a leased parcel of land. The foundation stone of the college was placed by Sri P.V. Narasimha Rao, who held the position of the Andhra Pradesh minister of education at the time and subsequently went on to serve as the Prime Minister of India. The institution transitioned to its present facility in the year 1970.
The institution's origins trace back to its establishment as a privately funded and autonomous college. Rajahmundry had only one women's college. Subsequently, in the year 1973, the institution obtained approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC), thereby being included in the 2(f) and 12(B) lists. Furthermore, the Government of Andhra Pradesh conferred upon it the designation of a Grant-in-Aid College. Throughout its history, the college has experienced substantial growth and has fostered the development of a significant cohort of students who have achieved notable success in diverse professional fields across the globe. They serve as valuable contributors to their educational institution and a significant number of them have attained noteworthy accomplishments in many societal domains. The school has effectively contributed to the educational advancement of a considerable population of girls hailing from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the East and West Godavari regions. This has been achieved via the provision of affordable yet superior-quality education. The institution offers a postgraduate curriculum in Master of Science (Zoology), in addition to undergraduate programmes in Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, and Bachelor of Science.
The slogan of our educational institution is centred around the empowerment of women and the transformative impact it has on their lives. Empowering women entails equipping them with the necessary information, bolstering their self-assurance, and providing them with ample opportunities to realise their utmost capabilities and make constructive contributions to society. The promotion of women's leadership, participation, and rights across several domains of both public and private spheres is facilitated through the means of education and health.
The insignia of the college combines a verse from the ancient Hindu text Manusmriti, which states, "Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra Devata" (In a place where women are revered, divinity flourishes). This statement posits that the act of loving and appreciating women serves as a method for uncovering the inherent divine essence present inside all sentient beings. Moreover, it signifies that women assume a unique societal function, possess a distinct sense of honour, and that the advancement and welfare of women are important for global harmony and economic success. The afore mentioned remark effectively encapsulates the core mission of the college, which is dedicated to fostering women's empowerment and advancing their educational pursuits.
The inaugural principal of the institution was Miss K. Rukmini, who was appointed by the government. Until 1973, she dedicated her efforts towards optimising the administrative procedures and enhancing the overall performance of the college. Following the acquisition of funds, Smt. L. ButchiSundari assumed the role of Principal and proceeded to enhance the organization's operations over a period of 22 years through the provision of exceptional services. Subsequently, notable enhancements have been observed throughout all academic divisions within the college, mostly attributable to the collective endeavors of the esteemed members of the Rajamahendravaram community, alongside generous contributions from benefactors, sponsors, and donors.
As per the official document GO Ms. No. 28 issued on August 10, 2022, the college underwent a transfer of ownership to the Government of Andhra Pradesh, with the intention of safeguarding the institution's welfare and serving the broader community.