Ashok T. Shah (Batch - 1969-73) (Retd. Company Secretary – Forbes & Co. Ltd.)

I’m very happy to note that Government of Maharashtra has decided to form a new University named after the renowned scientist of India, Dr. Homi Bhabha, with Sydenham College and three other state run colleges as its constituents, thus, upgrading status of the college to an university. The name ‘Sydenham College’ is awe inspiring and internationally renowned. Going through its history, one would find that the college has produced alumni many of which are leading professionals or industrialists or have reached heights in their respective career. When I joined the college in 1969 as a student, and prior to that, it was considered to be the best Commerce college in the whole of Asia, attracting students from various countries. It was an honour to be called a ‘Sydenhamite’. I am sure, under the leadership of the incumbent principal and other faculty members, the college will make best possible use of the new opportunities and take the college to newer heights. All the best.

CA Shri Shailesh Haribhakti Managing Partner, Haribhakti & Co LLP, Mumbai) Batch of 1975

The formation of cluster university Dr. Homi Bhabha State University, which is the first one in Maharashtra and third in the country, is a revolutionary step to bring about the much-needed change in higher education sector in the state. The inclusion of Sydenham College in this cluster, will go a long way in fostering and nurturing quality. We should embrace upon this opportunity and make the most of it by being pioneers of higher education. Sydenham College has nurtured personalities and many of us have become successful chartered accountants. I am sure that this legacy will continue under the banner of the university as well. All the best.

CA Shri Keki Mistry (Vice Chairman & CEO, HDFC Ltd) Batch of 1975

I am happy and excited about the formation of new cluster university Dr. Homi Bhabha State University. My alma mater Sydenham College is a constituent of this university and this doubles my happiness. I owe a lot of my success in the corporate world to the learning which I received in college and the friends I made. The College atmosphere played an important role in making me what I am today. Sydenham College is one of the pioneers of commerce education in the country. My very best wishes for the success of the University. I am sure it will make rapid strides in giving a new qualitative dimension to the education sector in India.

Vir Mullo (Former Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius) Batch of 1973

Joining Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics was one of my dearest dreams in my life. My 4 years at Sydenham college from 1969 to 1973 remains memorable and indelible both in terms of education and experiences. After my studies in 1973 I returned to Mauritius and I must stress that thanks to the training and education acquired at Sydenham College I had a bright and successful professional career in Mauritius. I passed the Administrative Service examsin 1976and became Administrative Officer and was promoted to Deputy Permanent Secretary in 1988 and finally as Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office in 1994. Was also decorated as M.B.E by Queen Elizabeth of England for meritorious services in social field in 1992. In April last our 1969/73 batch composed of around 100 participants had celebrated its 50 years of excellence and friendship at Sydenham College and shortly before that we were all extremely happy to hear that Sydenham College was upgraded to Dr Homi Bhabha State University. What a feat for Sydenham College. Congratulations and I wish all students of the Sydenham College and of the University a wonderful career. Sydenham College brings always luck to its students including the Alumni ones.

Ms. Mansi Kapadia (Founder and CEO, Ra-The Styling Studio, Mumbai) Batch of 2005

My attraction towards Sydenham College was for the extracurricular activities which the college is so famous for. The college atmosphere was full of warmth and zeal. I joined the Performing Arts Society as I was very fond of dancing and related hobbies. I also got the opportunity to become the advisor to the Students Council of the college and Advisor for Brouhaha. .Our events like Sargam, Brouhaha etc are still fresh in my heart. Sydenham was my second home as we use to hang out throughout the day in the college. I have made all my closest friends in college .My spirit of entrepreneurship and dynamism was developed in the college which helped me to set my Styling Studio. I congratulate Sydenham College and all the people associated with it, as it will now be a constituent of Dr. Homi Bhabha State University. Best Wishes.

Shri. Niraj R Bajaj (Director, Bajaj Group) Batch of 1976

I am happy to know that my alma mater Sydenham College and three other Government Colleges have been upgraded to University status. This cluster University known as Dr. Homi Bhabha State University will be a pioneer in Undergraduate and Post-Graduate education in the Country. Sydenham College which is amongst the bestknown Commerce Colleges in Mumbai, will get a boost and academic freedom to start new courses and subjects, which will help to rejuvenate the learning process amongst the student community. The College will have to play the role of a pole star, whereby it gives direction to new arenas of learning. Students will immensely benefit from this development. Just as I have loving memories of the College, which helped me in so many ways. I am sure the new generation will benefit immensely. I give my best wishes to the College and its stakeholders and hope that the College will continue to shine as a preferred Commerce School of Dr. Homi Bhabha State University.

CA Shri Uday Sathye (Founder & Partner, Gokhale & Sathe Chartered Accountants, Mumbai) Batch of 1976.

Sydenham College was my natural college of choice for admission to B.Com. My ambition to become a Chartered Accountant fructified due to the positive and supportive atmosphere built by my Professors and friends. I took part in many events organised by the college societies like debate, mountain hike, NSS rural camp etc. I am still closely associated with the college and even today I see the same enthusiasm in the current batch of students. The formation of Homi Bhabha State University is a development which is happening with the changing times, and this upgradation of Sydenham and three more Government Colleges to a full-fledged university is indeed a new and positive beginning. I congratulate the entire team of Sydenham College and give my best wishes.

CA Shri Nilesh Shah (Managing Director, Kotak Asset Management Company) Batch of 1985

I have lot of fond memories about Sydenham College. The environment of the college then was full of enthusiasm and energy. The friends which I made here are with me even today. I cherish those memories like chatting with friends during lectures and eating idli sambar in the canteen. Whatever I have achieved professionally or personally, the foundation for the same was laid in Sydenham College. I am sure that under Homi Bhabha State University, Sydenham College will continue to excel in academics and extracurricular. I give my best wishes to all the people associated with it and I welcome this new beginning of Dr Homi Bhabha State University.

CA. Shri Pandit Snehal Muzoomdar (Managing Partner, Muzoomdar Associates Pvt Ltd, Mumbai) Batch of 1976

Commerce education in India has come a long way. I remember that during my college days in Sydenham, most of the students either wanted to join some bank or become a C.A. Today with changing times, many new courses have come, and Sydenham College is gearing up for the challenge. Sydenham College and three more Government colleges are being upgraded to Dr. Homi Bhabha University is a welcome step as it will help the university to introduce much more relevant courses which will develop students not merely as job seekers but also as entrepreneurs. I also hope that the college will continue with its rich tradition of extracurricular activities as well. All the best for the future endeavours.