As Shri Ram College of Commerce steps into its 100th year, academic leaders and alumni reflect on its enduring contribution to India’s economic growth and leadership development.
New Delhi | January 2, 2026
Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), a premier institution in commerce and economics education, formally began its centenary celebrations with a Curtain Raiser event at its North Campus on Friday, marking 100 years of academic excellence and national contribution.
Entering its centennial year (1926–2026), SRCC used the occasion to revisit its legacy of shaping India’s economic, administrative and corporate leadership. The event brought together senior academicians, policymakers, industry leaders and eminent alumni, while also unveiling a year-long roadmap of academic conferences, policy dialogues, alumni interactions and international collaborations planned as part of the centenary year.
The ceremony was presided over by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi, Prof. Yogesh Singh, who attended as Chief Guest, along with Ajay S. Shriram, Chairman of the SRCC Governing Body. The programme began with a floral tribute to Sir Shri Ram, the visionary industrialist who founded the institution in 1920 as The Commercial School, laying the foundation for indigenous business education in India.
A commemorative coffee table book titled Timeless Frames was also released, documenting SRCC’s journey from its early days in Daryaganj to its emergence as a globally recognised academic institution.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Yogesh Singh described SRCC as a globally respected academic brand whose impact extends far beyond rankings and reputation. He noted that over the past century, the college has not only educated generations of students but has also contributed meaningfully to the nation’s institutional and economic development.
Referring to India’s recent achievement of becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy, Prof. Singh said such milestones underline the importance of institutions like SRCC in producing economists, entrepreneurs and policymakers of global calibre. He encouraged the college to focus its future efforts on entrepreneurship, business incubation, artificial intelligence and digital finance, emphasising the need to create job creators and ethical leaders.
Speaking on the occasion, Ajay S. Shriram said the centenary curtain raiser was both a moment of introspection and a platform to chart the road ahead. He highlighted SRCC’s transformation from modest beginnings to becoming a leading centre for commerce education and paid tribute to the late Arun Jaitley for his lasting association with the institution. He said the college’s greatest strength lies in its faculty, students, staff and alumni, and outlined future priorities including research, infrastructure development, AI-enabled learning, inclusion, sustainability and stronger alumni engagement.
Welcoming the guests, SRCC Principal Prof. Simrit Kaur said the centenary celebrations reflect the collective achievements of generations associated with the institution. She reaffirmed SRCC’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible leaders grounded in ethics, sustainability and national service.
Several distinguished alumni and well-wishers shared reflections on SRCC’s influence across public life, industry and civil society. Sangeeta Jaitley recalled how the college shaped the thinking and values of late Arun Jaitley, while former Supreme Court judge Justice A.K. Sikri, FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi, industrialist Sminu Jindal, former Union Minister Vijay Goel and entrepreneur Neeraj Ghei highlighted SRCC’s academic culture, inclusivity and leadership ethos.
The event concluded with the illumination of the historic campus, symbolising the beginning of SRCC’s next century, followed by a cultural presentation featuring a Kathak–Bharatanatyam jugalbandi and musical tributes celebrating the institution’s journey through time.
