Tehelka Web Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University, its history and its alumni during the college’s centenary celebrations. The prestigious institution has built a reputation in India and abroad for its academic excellence and for producing accomplished professionals and leaders across fields.
The story of Shri Ram College of Commerce is as interesting as its long history. On Basant Panchami in 1920, Sir Shri Ram, along with seven leading businessmen of Delhi, established the Commercial Education Trust. The Trust set up a school in Charkhewalan in the walled city of Delhi, where students were offered post-matriculation diploma courses in commerce.
The next major milestone came in 1926, when the Commercial College was established and affiliated with the University of Delhi. The college began with just 12 students and four teachers, with classes being held in hired premises in Kashmere Gate and Daryaganj.
In 1951, on the occasion of its Silver Jubilee, the Commercial College was renamed Shri Ram College of Commerce in recognition of the contribution of its founder, Sir Shri Ram. Three years later, in 1954, the college shifted to its present campus in North Campus, University of Delhi.
The institution continued to expand both academically and in terms of its facilities. In 1957, SRCC became a co-educational college. In 1963-64, a swimming pool, gymnasium, Students’ Centre, Tutorial Blocks and Girls’ Hostel Blocks were added to the campus. SRCC became the first college in the University of Delhi to have a swimming pool. In 1985, it became the first among DU’s co-educational colleges to have its own residential facility for female students.
Today, SRCC is widely regarded as one of India’s premier institutions for commerce, economics and management. The college says it has consistently been ranked the country’s No. 1 commerce college by major surveys over the past three decades and currently holds an A++ NAAC grade.
Notable alumni
The influence of SRCC extends well beyond commerce and economics. Over the decades, its alumni have made their mark in politics, law, journalism, cinema, business, economics and public service.
Among its better-known alumni are:
Arun Jaitley — Former Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence, eminent lawyer and senior BJP leader. He also served as President of the Delhi University Students’ Union.
Vijay Goel — Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister.
Rajat Sharma — Senior journalist, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV, and host of the popular television programme Aap Ki Adalat.
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra — Acclaimed filmmaker known for films including Rang De Basanti, Delhi 6 and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.
Sanjiv Mehta — Former Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited.
Shiv Khera — Author, motivational speaker and author of the bestselling book You Can Win.
Navtej Singh Sarna — Former diplomat and author who served as India’s Ambassador to the United States and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
SRCC has also produced several prominent figures in economics and public service. Sanjeev Sanyal, an economist and author, is a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council.
The list of alumni associated with SRCC reflects the breadth of the institution’s influence. From politics and administration to journalism, business, cinema and economics, its students have gone on to occupy important positions and make significant contributions in their respective fields.
As SRCC completes a century, its journey from a small commercial school in 1920 and a college with just 12 students in 1926 to one of India’s most recognised institutions is a story of the changing face of education and the aspirations of generations of young Indians.
