Podar College of Commerce and Economics (PCCE) is a renowned educational institution of Mumbai. It is located at Lakshmi Napoo Road, Matunga (central railway) in Mumbai. It is situated on the east side of the Central Railway between Dadar and Matunga railway stations. The college was established with certain aims and objectives and is mainly aimed at providing quality education in Commerce and Trade. Podar College of Commerce and Economics was the first private (non-government) commerce college to be started in Mumbai.
Objective of Podar College of Commerce and Economics
The mission of Podar College of Commerce and Economics is to inspire sound principles of Commerce and Trade among the students. The administrations of the college also focus on the overall personality development of the students so that they can work both as leaders and team members. Towards realizing this mission, Podar College of Commerce and Economics has set out planned strategies within the permissible curricular content and coverage. Moreover, the objectives of the mission are periodically reviewed and communicated to all staff members and students.
History of R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics
History of R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics is really old. History of this college commences with freedom struggle of India. The beginners of the college had a vision that they should set up an academic institution which would inculcate the indigenous values. They wanted to bring forth the social and cultural value system that is typical to the grand heritage of our country. In August 1940, a trust known as `Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali`, Pune, made a request to the Bombay University seeking permission for starting a college of Commerce. Industrialist and Philanthropist and a visionary, Seth Ramdeoji Anandilal Podar was deeply interested in the cause of education. The college was named "Ramniranjan Anandilal Podar College of Commerce". Initially the college had started with only 150 students under the Senate of Bombay University. The institution first started the B. Com. Degree course in 1942 and the word Economics was added to the name of College. It now became `Ramniranjan Anandilal Podar College of Commerce and Economics`. The College received permanent affiliation from the University of Mumbai on 17th of August, 1950.
Courses offered at Podar College of Commerce and Economics
Podar College of Commerce and Economics (PCCE) is a single faculty commerce college and it offers many courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Eight academic programmes are offered in the college including four Under Graduate Degree Courses like B.Com in Accountancy; Business Management; B. Com Vocational Course and the BMS. The two vocational courses offered as an integral part of the B.Com. Course in the college include Computer Applications and Travel and Tourism Management. The college also offers Masters in Commerce (M.Com) course to the students. Further, R.A. Podar College of Commerce (Junior College) offers higher secondary course in commerce general as well as vocational. Under general course the college offers various language options. Under vocational courses, the college offers Marketing, Salesmanship and Office Management.
Facilities of Podar College of Commerce and Economics
Facilities offered by Podar College of Commerce and Economics are really extensive. In fact, the infrastructure of this college is considered one of the best in Mumbai. The college has an auditorium that is built in an ancient gothic style, with a seating capacity of 500. There is also a large conference room in the college. The other important facilities of the college include Library, Gymkhana, Computer Laboratories, etc. The college building has a wonderful clock tower that gives the college a British elegance. The PCCE is also flanked by two renowned colleges, the Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research and the Ruia College of Arts and Science. The college is also known for its vast co-curricular activities. The students of the Podar College of Commerce and Economics (PCCE) are involved in various cultural activities and there are many different clubs and organisations located within the college premises. The most popular club of the college is named as the `Artist guild`. The other clubs and organisations operating in the college include the National Service Scheme Unit (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Literary Circles, Hobby Circle, Hikers Club, Gymkhana Committee, Speakers Academy, Group Discussion Cell, Quizzers League, etc. Podar College of Commerce and Economics also organises Youth Festival and an Annual Inter-Collegiate festival, named `Enigma`.
Accreditation of Podar College of Commerce and Economics
Podar College of Commerce and Economics (PCCE) have been awarded an A+ rating by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) of India. The college has been awarded the Best College for cultural activities by the Mumbai University and has also won more than 20 trophies in the Youth Festival held by the Mumbai University. The college is one of the pioneers in conceiving the idea of rural camps in various tribal villages under the aegis of the College National Social Service Unit (NSS). Further, the students of Podar College of Commerce and Economics can avail various types of scholarship given by Central and State Government. The college also provides financial assistance and free education for the students, who have meritorious achievements in sports, athletics and academics.
Alumni of Podar College of Commerce and Economics
Podar college of Commerce and Economics has a renowned past. Students from the college have gone on to excel in diverse domains like Cricket, Politics as well as business. The alumni of Podar College of Commerce and Economics are well known for creating history. Cricket has a long association with the college. Rather it is said that what blood is to human body so is cricket to the college. Legends like Mr. Dilip Vengsarkar, Farookh Engineer, Ravi Shastri and Sanjay Manjrekar have added to the glamour of the college. Even politician Mr. Gurudas Kamath is also a notable alumnus of the college. Many academicians from the college have gone on the head conglomerates.
Thus, it can be said in conclusion that with all its achievements and wonderful academic record so far, the Podar College of Commerce and Economics (PCCE) has established itself as one of the most desired educational institutions in Mumbai. From sports to politics, Podar college of Commerce and Economics has contributed its bit to the society and will keep doing so for years to come. The educational excellence of the college is evident from its impressive alumni list. The college is determined to produce many more great talents for serving the country in future.