New Delhi witnessed a historic homecoming on Friday as generations of alumni returned to the hallowed corridors of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC). The event served as a curtain-raiser for the college's year-long centenary celebrations, marking a remarkable 100-year journey that began in 1926.
A Century of Evolution in Commerce Education
Founded in an era when professional education was a tightly controlled privilege, SRCC's ambition was revolutionary. It aimed to do more than just produce clerks for the colonial economy. The institution was a pioneer in democratizing commerce studies, opening its doors to a wider section of society, including women, long before it became commonplace.
The college's physical journey mirrors India's own transformation. Starting in Daryaganj and later moving to its iconic building on Delhi University's North Campus, SRCC's walls, adorned with archival photos, tell a story spanning colonial rule, Independence, the Emergency, and economic liberalization. Its history reflects how the very idea of commerce education evolved with the nation's political and economic shifts.
Alumni Gather to Relive Vintage Campus Memories
The campus buzzed with nostalgia as old friends reconnected, sharing laughter and stories about formative teachers, classmates, and heated debates. An alumnus from the 1962 batch highlighted the stark contrast in access, recalling, "Only two or three institutions in the city used to offer BA (Commerce), which today is taught by almost every other college."
The changing gender landscape was another poignant theme. Alumni remembered a time with very few women on campus, a stark difference from today where they form a significant student cohort. The college's current principal, Professor Simrit Kaur, is herself the first woman to lead the institute in its 15-principal history. One alumna humorously recalled being the only woman in her class: "I remember walking into the classroom and everyone stood up to offer me a seat."
Foundations in Philanthropy and Future Expansion
The roots of SRCC trace back to 1920 when seven leading Delhi businessmen, led by industrialist-philanthropist Sir Shri Ram, established the Commercial Education Trust. Their goal was to promote vocational and business education in the absence of structured commerce studies in Indian universities.
This led to The Commercial School, which evolved into Commercial College in 1926 before affiliating with Delhi University. In 1951, on its silver jubilee, it was renamed Shri Ram College of Commerce to honor its founder and cement its specialized focus.
Ajay S. Shriram, chairperson of the SRCC governing body, emphasized that the college has always taught students in the context of a changing world, with learning never limited to books alone. He acknowledged the challenge of managing a surge in student intake—from about 1,700 in 2019 to nearly 4,000 after NEP and CUET reforms—while upholding diversity and reservation norms.
Looking ahead, Principal Simrit Kaur announced major infrastructural plans for the centenary year, including a seven-storey academic block and a two-floor expansion of the girls' hostel.
A Globally Recognized Brand Celebrates Its Legacy
The event was presided over by Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh, who hailed SRCC as a "globally recognised academic brand" whose contributions extend far beyond rankings. To commemorate the journey, a coffee table book titled 'Timeless Frames' was released, chronicling the college's move from Daryaganj to its current home.
As the celebrations formally begin, SRCC stands not just as an educational institution, but as a living archive of India's commercial and social history, poised to shape the next century of business leaders.
