HSNC Board
The history of institutions in the first few years of their
inception are the most fascinating narratives, for they speak
volumes for the times, the dynamics, the leadership and the
people for whom they were built. One such history, unique and
inspiring, is the trajectory of growth of Hyderabad (Sind)
National Collegiate Board and its institutions.
A dream, a strategy, a hope and a changed political situation
seem to have been the basic ingredients of what is today a
reputed chain of well-managed colleges. Hyderabad (Sind)
National Collegiate Board (HSNC Board) was first founded in
Hyderabad (Sind) in 1921. It took over the management of Rishi
Dayanand Gidumal College in Sind in the year of its inception.
In the next two decades, HSNC Board had expanded and built an
additional wing to house a Commerce College.
Then in 1947, partitioning of the subcontinent into India and
Pakistan struck a cruel blow to any further consolidation in the
field of higher education. Shri. K. M. Kundnani, then the newly
appointed Principal of the college and as a man of infinite
vision had begun to dream about the future of the colleges. To
him, 'Hyderabad was the heart of Sind and his colleges the heart
of Hyderabad'. In the changing political scenario, laced with
feelings of hatred, such sentiments did not hold good. Mass
exodus towards India had upset the routine of everyday life and
safety. It is troubled times that test the endurance as well as
the limits of human ingenuity. The entire subcontinent was in a
state of flux and the atmosphere in the colleges was one of
gloom and uncertainty. Principal K.M. Kundnani consoled his
staff with the assurance that he was going to start a college in
Bombay. Inspired by a new mission, guided by his pragmatic
no-nonsense approach and sense of thrift, he shipped equipments,
books and a prized chair with the insignia of the college to
Bombay. Three qualities that he was endowed with in good measure
were to play a seminal role in the setting up of the HSNC
Board's colleges in the future.
The journey into another moment in history had already begun.
Principal Kundnani's arrival in Bombay marked the turning point
of the next chapter in the history of the HSNC Board. After
extensive search, a plot was located in the suburban outskirts
of Bandra and was procured on lease. In November 1948 the
construction started at an incessant pace and within six months
the structure was ready to allow the college to function from
June 1949. Thus, Rishi Dayanand National College made its debut
in Bandra.
Barrister
H. G. Advani played a pivotal role in tapping sponsors, getting
donations and providing leadership. Principal K. M. Kundnani and
Barrister H. G. Advani were the founding fathers and pillars of
the various institutions of higher learning in and around Bombay.
Both these great men provided the institutions direction and
leadership throughout their lives: Barrister Advani as President
and Principal Kundnani as Secretary for several decades. Mr.
Kishinchand Chellaram, Mr. Wassiamull Assomull and Mr. J. Watumull
provided financial assistance and infrastructure.
The second institution set up was K. C. College at Churchgate.
It stands today on a plot which was leased from Mrs. Ratanben
Fauzdar. The then minister for education, Shri Dinkarrao Desai
laid the foundation stone of the building. However, with limited
funds, Principal Kundnani took over both the nitty gritty as
well as the mighty tasks of constructing yet another college
within the record time of six months in June 1954.
Then in 1947, partitioning of the subcontinent into India and
Pakistan struck a cruel blow to any further consolidation in the
field of higher education. Shri. K. M. Kundnani, then the newly
appointed Principal of the college and as a man of infinite
vision had begun to dream about the future of the colleges. To
him, 'Hyderabad was the heart of Sind and his colleges the heart
of Hyderabad'. In the changing political scenario, laced with
feelings of hatred, such sentiments did not hold good. Mass
exodus towards India had upset the routine of everyday life and
safety. It is troubled times that test the endurance as well as
the limits of human ingenuity. The entire subcontinent was in a
state of flux and the atmosphere in the colleges was one of
gloom and uncertainty. Principal K.M. Kundnani consoled his
staff with the assurance that he was going to start a college in
Bombay. Inspired by a new mission, guided by his pragmatic
no-nonsense approach and sense of thrift, he shipped equipments,
books and a prized chair with the insignia of the college to
Bombay. Three qualities that he was endowed with in good measure
were to play a seminal role in the setting up of the HSNC
Board's colleges in the future.
The journey into another moment in history had already begun.
Principal Kundnani's arrival in Bombay marked the turning point
of the next chapter in the history of the HSNC Board. After
extensive search, a plot was located in the suburban outskirts
of Bandra and was procured on lease. In November 1948 the
construction started at an incessant pace and within six months
the structure was ready to allow the college to function from
June 1949. Thus, Rishi Dayanand National College made its debut
in Bandra.
Barrister
H. G. Advani played a pivotal role in tapping sponsors, getting
donations and providing leadership. Principal K. M. Kundnani and
Barrister H. G. Advani were the founding fathers and pillars of
the various institutions of higher learning in and around Bombay.
Both these great men provided the institutions direction and
leadership throughout their lives: Barrister Advani as President
and Principal Kundnani as Secretary for several decades. Mr.
Kishinchand Chellaram, Mr. Wassiamull Assomull and Mr. J. Watumull
provided financial assistance and infrastructure.
The second institution set up was K. C. College at Churchgate.
It stands today on a plot which was leased from Mrs. Ratanben
Fauzdar. The then minister for education, Shri Dinkarrao Desai
laid the foundation stone of the building. However, with limited
funds, Principal Kundnani took over both the nitty gritty as
well as the mighty tasks of constructing yet another college
within the record time of six months in June 1954.