Sydenham College was established in October 1913. It was named after the then-governor of Bombay, Lord Sydenham of Combe,[2] K.S. Aiyar acted as first honorary principal of the college. The economist Percy Anstey was appointed Principal in 1914, a position he held until his death in 1920.
Sydenham was the first college to offer Commerce education in Asia. It was only in 1941, twenty-eight years after the establishment of Sydenham College, that any other institute started offering courses in the subject. Indian Jurist and intellectual B.R. Ambedkar was a lecturer of the college. Miss Yasmin Surveyor was the First women Commerce Graduate in Asia in the year 1925 from Sydenham College.
On the college's seventy-fifth anniversary in 1988, the Indian Post Office issued a commemorative stamp.[citation needed]
Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of student-run societies and clubs spanning cultural, literary, academic, professional, and social domains. These forums are primarily student-managed and contribute significantly to the college's tradition of extra-curricular excellence, leadership development, and community service.[4]
Student's Council
The apex student body coordinates major college events, represents student interests, and oversees various committees, including the organization of "Brouhaha" (annual intercollegiate festival) now renamed to "The Rainbow Lane".[4]
Dramatics Society (DS)
Encourages theatre through the organization and performance of plays and dramatic arts activities.[4]
Marathi Wangmaya Mandal (MWM)
Celebrates Marathi language, literature, and culture through various forums and creative writing events.[4]
Nature Club (NC)
Registered under the World Wildlife Fund (India), the Nature Club organizes nature trails, environmental campaigns, eco-initiatives, and raises ecological awareness among students.[5][6]
Performing Arts Society (PAS)
Supports students in dance, music, and allied performing arts, nurturing talent and creating opportunities for stage exposure.[4]
Public Speaking and Debating Society (PSDS)
Facilitates debates, extempore, quizzes, and literary competitions to enhance students' oratory and analytical skills.[4]
Social Service League (SSL/NSS)
Coordinates community service, health drives, and social awareness programs in affiliation with the National Service Scheme.[4]
Sydenham College Co-operative Stores
Student-run co-operative that supports the college community through retail, computer, and publicity divisions.[4]
BMS Society
A dedicated platform for Bachelor of Management Studies students, organizing academic and professional skills activities.[7]
Rotaract Club
The Rotaract Club of Sydenham College (RCSC) is affiliated with Rotary International (District 3141) and Sponsored by Rotary Club of Bombay. It empowers students through volunteer service, leadership opportunities, International Fellowship and community engagement. Notable activities include the "Ambiente" the Annual clean up trek,“Let’s Eco brick” sustainability project and a range of social initiatives.[8][9]
Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell)
E-Cell encourages innovation, business skills, and entrepreneurship among students by organizing workshops, seminars, business plan competitions, and sessions with industry leaders.[10][11]
Alumni Cell and Other Clubs
Active alumni engagement is fostered through the Alumni Cell. Additional societies—such as Sports Club and other discipline-based forums—contribute to the college’s holistic ethos.[4][12]
Student of the Year
The Student of the Year award at Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics is one of the institution's most prestigious honors, recognizing all-round excellence, leadership, and outstanding contributions by students. Each academic year, the college confers this award separately upon one male and one female student from the Junior College and Senior College, celebrating exceptional achievements in academics, co-curricular activities, and social responsibility[1].
Criteria and Selection
Recipients of the Student of the Year award are selected based on:
Academic Excellence: Consistently high academic performance and top results in university and college examinations.
Co-curricular Involvement: Meaningful participation and achievements in clubs, societies, and festivals.
Leadership and Service: Demonstrated leadership within the college community or broader society, including both organizational roles and voluntary service.
Conduct and Integrity: Exemplary conduct, discipline, and a positive influence on peers and campus culture.
The selection process involves self nominations by students, assessment by a dedicated committee, and review of students’ portfolios and achievements.
Past Recipients
Yet to be Released.
Annual Recognition
The award is presented during the college’s annual awards ceremony, attended by faculty, students, families, and distinguished alumni. Awardees receive a certificate, medal, and formal recognition in college publications and the annual magazine[1][14].
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