About

Shri Ram College Of Commerce founded in 1926 is affiliated to University of Delhi. The college specializes in the field of commerce and economics and offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The motto of the college is “From Darkness Lead Me To Light.” The college is considered to be one of the best commerce colleges in the country. Names of some SRCC Notable alumni are Arun Jaitley, Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, Gulshan Grover, Shiv Khera, Rana Kapoor (CEO – Yes Bank).

HISTORY

Commerce education in India began in 1886 with the establishment of a commercial school in Chennai (erstwhile Madras). Shri Ram College of Commerce embarked on its voyage early in the year 1920 when on the day of Basant Panchmi, seven leading businessmen in Delhi established the Commercial Education Trust. The Trust set up its first school in the same year under the name 'The Commercial School' at Charkhewalan in the walled city of pre-independence Delhi. The school introduced a Post-Matriculation Diploma Programme in Commerce under the supervision of Mr. R.K. Kumar, who later became the first Principal of the Commercial College. The inauguration of the Commercial College paved the entry of commerce education in the University system of Delhi.

The first batch of students was enrolled on the first floor of a 'Hall' opposite the St. James' Church at Kashmere Gate. The classes began with twelve students and four faculty members from a hired bungalow at 8, Darya Ganj, New Delhi. In 1926, the Commercial College got affiliated to the University of Delhi. Six years later, it was upgraded to the status of a Degree College and started awarding its graduates the B.A. (Pass) (Commerce Group) Degree of the University. The B.A. (Honours) (Commerce Group) Degree was introduced in 1943. The same year witnessed the introduction of M.A. (Economics) course, followed by the introduction of Master's degree in Commerce in 1948. In 1949, when B.Com (Honours) was instituted in the University of Delhi, the College also started offering the same. In 1951, on the occasion of its Silver Jubilee, the Commercial College decided to specialize in the field of commerce and economics and hence rechristened itself as Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in recognition of the contribution made by its founder Sir Shri Ram.  Finally, the B.A. (Honours) Economics course was introduced later in 1958.

About The Founder

Lala Shri Ram, the enigmatic visionary behind the institution, was born on April 27, 1884. The first son of Madan Mohan Lal and Chando Devi, Lala Shri Ram got his early education from a Municipal Primary School in Bazaar Sita Ram. He matriculated in March, 1900 and later enrolled for the Intermediate Arts course at Hindu College. In 1909, the 25 years old Lala Shri Ram joined DCM.

He possessed an analytical mind, an infinite capacity for work, and a knack for human relations. His view of business and perhaps of himself was put down by him in later years in rather introspecting statements, “In my humble opinion, business is not merely a matter of attending work for a few hours. It is a matter of thinking, dreaming, imagining and working.”

His election in 1930 at the age of 46 as president of FICCI was the first intimation of his national stature.

During his life, Lala Shri Ram’s main emphasis was on vocational, technical and women’s education. As far back in 1920, he had decided to conduct the first experiment in vocation-oriented education by founding the Commercial Education Trust. The first school taken over by Commercial Education Trust was the Commercial High School. His Association with the Trust continued right upto the end of his life. The Commercial High School was raised in 1926 to the standard of an Intermediate College, in 1930 to a degree college and in 1934 to a post-graduate College.

In 1942, Lala Shri Ram became the Chairman of the Governing Body of the College. By the year 1948, although comparatively young among the colleges of Delhi University, the Commercial College had the maximum enrolment possible under the University rules. The College offered B.A. Pass course and the B.A. Honours course in Commerce and M.A. courses in Economics and Commerce.

In 1949, it was proposed to rename the College as “Shri Ram College of Commerce” but it took three year to implement it due to the reticence of Lala Shri Ram. Until 1949, the College was located at 8, Darya Ganj, New Delhi. In 1950, the proposal to shift the College to the University Enclave was accepted and implemented.

Lala Shri Ram’s association with the College continued till 1962, when because of failing health, he resigned. His health continued to deteriorate and he passed away on January 11, 1963. On the death of Lala Shri Ram, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, the then President of India said, “He was not only a great industrialist but helped many good causes. His contributions to education are memorable”.

https://www.srcc.edu/academics/courses/bcomh