Every year, Mumbai-based K.P.B. Hinduja College of Commerce (esb 1974) hosts its Annual Day to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of its students and faculty members over the past year besides featuring a host of cultural performances from folk music, songs, dance, drama and fashion show. This year on its 49th Annual Day on Feb 27, however the special façade lighting, melodious music and new found confidence had an aura of ‘autonomy’.
The college has established a Ph.D. Center and an active Research Cell. It has been re-accredited with an ‘A+’ Grade by NAAC and recognized as a ‘College with Potential for Excellence’ by the UGC. In the current academic year it was granted an Autonomous status. So, the celebrations were visibly more charged and warm. The event was graced by several notable guests including Deepak Kesarkar, Maharashtra Minister for Education & Marathi Language, Achim Fabig, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Kobbi Shoshani, Consul General of Israel.
The college featured a host of cultural performances from folk music, songs, dance, drama and fashion show, it also celebrated the achievements of its faculty and students. Awards were conferred- Best Student of the Year, Best Researcher and Best Research Paper. Faculty members were felicitated for completion of doctoral studies and publication of research works in reputable international and national journals.
In addition to its academic and extension activities, the college also recognised outstanding achievements of its students in both curricular and extra-curricular pursuits. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NSS unit of the College undertook various initiatives to assist those in need. Notably, the unit launched ‘Mission Satisfaction’ and ‘Operation Jeevan.’ The college alumni, including Nirav Koli, who won double Gold for India at the 29th IGSF Kettlebell World Championship and Pratham Gurav, an M.Com student who achieved remarkable success by winning a gold medal at the Maharashtra State Olympics games were also honored.
Speaking at the event, Prakash Hinduja, Trustee, said, “It is a matter of great pride for all of us today to celebrate the first Annual Day of Autonomous K.P.B. Hinduja College of Commerce. This achievement came in the 49th year of the College and I am sure now we shall quickly reach the next big milestone of Deemed University.’’
Achim Fabig, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, said, “It is crucial to learn from different cultures and languages, and I believe that this will be a valuable experience for all of you. I am pleased to share that more than 35,000 Indian students are currently studying in Germany, and I welcome others to join them. Together, we can foster greater international cooperation and understanding.”
Kobbi Shoshani, Consul General of Israel, congratulated the staff and students and said, “I am pleased to inform the students about the various scholarships and opportunities available for pursuing higher education in Israel. I believe that this can be an excellent opportunity for those who are interested in expanding their horizons and exploring new academic avenues.”
Dr. Minu Madalani, Principal, said, “ In the current academic year, we are thrilled to have been granted an Autonomous status. Our goal is to provide a versatile educational experience to our students, where they can excel academically, participate in college activities, and actively involve themselves in community service projects while upholding the values and mission of the college.”