R.A. Podar College of Commerce & Economics, Mumbai has had a long history, which commenced with the freedom struggle of India. The visionaries of that time realized that they should start an institution which would inculcate the indigenous values and
on which would inculcate the indigenous values and have the thrust of social and cultural value system that are typical to the grand heritage of our country.
In August 1940, the trust known as 'Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali', Pune, made an application to the Bombay University for permission to start a Commerce College. The Industrialist and Philanthropist and a visionary, Seth Ramdeoji Anandilal Podar was deeply interested in the cause of education. He wished to build an institution in the memory of his brother Ramniranjan Anandialal Podar who had died at a young age. At the cost of Rs.1,50,000/- he constructed the building that houses the college today, and gifted it to the S.P. Mandali on the 7th of February 1941.
The Senate of Bombay University granted permission to start the College initially for a period of two years, with 150 students on its rolls. The College building with its famed clock tower was handed over by Seth Ramdeoji Anandilal Podar to the S.P. Mandali. Barrister M.R. Jayankar inaugurated the college building formally. The college was named "Ramniranjan Anandilal Podar College of Commerce". The Mandali has been rendering notable service under its motto of unflinchingly carrying out the mission undertaken and has kept up its well- defined objectives. The objectives in regard to Commerce education has been to extend popular and reasonably affordable higher education in Maharashtra and to develop an institution that would impart appropriate education both in Commerce and Economics.
The institution first started the B. Com. Degree course in 1942 and the word Economics was added to the name of the College. It has now become 'Ramniranjan Anandilal Podar College of Commerce and Economics'. The College received permanent affiliation from the University of Mumbai on 17th August, 1950.
Vision : 'Samaani va aakooti samaanaa hridayaani vaha' (one in mind and one in heart )- may this be the atmosphere in which we work in Podar, so that a spirit of healthy competition prevails - one, in which, each lives and lets another live a more purposeful life. The meaning of this verse is that God has created us all equal. We have the same soul. Our thoughts and feelings are the same, irrespective of our region, religion and culture. The ethos of universal brotherhood is brought to the fore through the vision as the students, faculty and every other functionary believe that we are one - one nation, one community and one religion. The admission process bears testimony to this underlying philosophy which ensures equality and fairness. The college also firmly acknowledges talent in every form and believes in nurturing it. The potential talent of the students and staff are allowed to flourish and blossom.
'Nahi gnyaanen sadrasham pavitramiha vidyate'. (There is nothing in this universe as pure as knowledge). It needs to be shared and exchanged freely, without any inhibition. It is very important to state that the 'vision' and 'mission' as stated by our founder members still resonates in our campus, echoing its relevance and importance.
In an era where discrimination is an acceptable norm and acting with prejudice is considered populist, the Podar mission of spreading knowledge without any preference and prejudice needs a special mention. It is said 'Knowledge is Power', but the mission of R.A. Podar is to empower all sections of the society, so that the entire society becomes stronger.
The philosophy of Podar College, translated into the mission and vision statements, is an integral part of any written material communicated by the college. A well mounted college logo at the college auditorium, which has stood the test of time , ensures the statements are visible to everybody, so that their actions reflect the philosophy and the ethos of Podar.
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