RA Podar College of Commerce and Economics

How much fun can a college that famously walks the cold terrain of accountancy and economics be?

Students have a long reply to that.

There is a speakers' academy, an artists' guild, a super-active hikers' club and a group discussion cell among other little ecosystems at RA Podar College of Commerce and Economics at Matunga.

Besides, the annual inter-collegiate festival Enigma is among the top five college festivals in the city. The college has won the 16 times and is known as one of the strongest contenders in youth fests. It also has an intra-collegiate festival, RAPPORT (RA Podar Presentation's of Rising Talent).

And how many colleges can boast of a hangout named 'cutta' - a boundary wall for Matunga gymkhana - apart from of course the bustling canteen and the Subhash Sandwich stall.

In spite of all that, the place is best known for teaching commerce, and teaching very well. Accredited A+ by National Academic Accreditation Council, the college attracts not only students nationally but from abroad. However, there is no hostel facility available within the college.

"The college is full of opportunities for overall personality development and prepares students for all kinds of challenges. They are trained to become better than the best," said Principal Rajam Rajgopalam.

"Today we live in world of brands. RA Podar has created a brand name. We provide a product which the nation and society needs," said S.K Gujarati, vice principal, degree college.

Podar features No. 1 on every commerce aspirant's wish list. "Professors are enthusiastic and allow us to maintain a balance between academics and co-curricular activities," said Yashshri Soman, third year student.

R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics
Address:
Lakhamsi Napoo Road, Matunga (East), Mumbai-400 019
Tel: 24143178/ 24143350/24142960
Website: www.rapodar.ac.in

The Past:
Run under the flagship of Shikshan Prasarak Mandali, Pune, RA Podar College of Commerce and Economics was the first non-government commerce college started by University of Bombay in January 1941. The college was granted permanent affiliation by the University of Bombay on August 17, 1950.

Best known for:
Commerce courses at both the graduate and post-graduate levels. The annual inter-collegiate fest Enigma is among the top five college festivals in the city. It also has an intra-collegiate festival called RAPPORT (RA Podar's Presentation of Rising Talent).

Previous year's cut off:
Commerce: 84 per cent

Expert quote:
"It is a well-established commerce college and one of the oldest institutes in Mumbai. The extra-curricular activities lend a good flavour."
- Rupa Shah, educationist and former vice chancellor, SNDT Women's University

Alumni:
Cricketer Ravi Shastri, politician Gurudas Kamat, actress Shilpa Shetty, actor Sunny Deol.

Alumni speak:
"RA Podar is my foundation. I was lucky enough to have teachers who challenged me, which in turn motivated me to excel in all areas - be it academics or other activities. The college introduced me to performing arts."
- Siddharth Haldipur of the Band of Boys