Sydenham College (Mumbai)

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The need for a commerce college in India led to the conception and subsequently the birth of 'The Government College of Commerce and Economics'. The first day of college - 22nd October 1913 - On a rented portion of Elphinstone College, a hundred students enrolled. Lord Sydenham, the then governor from 1908-1913, took a personal interest in the educational field. By way of monetary contribution, the Lord Sydenham Memorial Fund donated a sum of Rs. 1,80,000 for the building. The newly born college moved into the White way & Laidlaw building near Handloom House (Khadi Bhavan) In 1922, Sydenham shifted once again-to the present day J. J. School of Architecture building. The first decade and a half is also notable for the establishment of a number of societies promoting extra-curricular activities - the Co-operative Stores, the Gymkhana, the Banking Association, the Cotton Association and others. Post-graduate studies and courses were also introduced. During the first two decades, Sydenham was a male dominated bastion. The first female student was Miss Y. K. Surveyor in 1932. She earned the epithet 'College Belle' because of her habit of entering and leaving the college exactly when the bell rang. Until after independence, feminine presence in Sydenham was minimal. There was an increase in the number of students when Commerce became a full four year course in 1937. A few rooms were rented at Sukhadwala Building to serve the additional need of space. However, the soul of the college remained in the old building and the simultaneous conduct of lectures brought in its wake a number of problems. After World War II, a proposal was put forward for the new building - the present one In 1955, Sydenham found its promised land in the environs of B Road, Churchgate. The 1950's, 1960's and 1970's saw the college at its peak. The college produced toppers at the Inter and Final year B. Com. exams with consistency. Extra-curricular activities acquired prominence which is rarely seen in educational institutions. The teaching standards were among the best in the nation. Sydenham then acquired international fame and recognition.

Also houses now a Department of Management Studies called SIMSREE(Sydenham Institute of Management Studies)