A statue of Yasmin Surveyor, the first woman in Asia to earn a commerce degree, was unveiled to mark the 100th anniversary of her graduation in 1925. An endowment fund of Rs 20 lakh was set up jointly by the College and the Central Bank of India where Surveyor worked for 35 years after completing her studies. The scholarship, of one lakh rupees each year, will be awarded to the top-performing female commerce student from the College.
Unveiling of statue of Yasmin Surveyor in Sydenham College
Photo: Mahasamvad
"The Bank approached us to honor Surveyor and we jointly decided to announce a scholarship program,” Sydenham principal Shriniwas Dhure said. "Surveyor set an example a century ago and the scholarship and her sculpture will inspire future generations of women,” he told the Hindustan Times (HT) of August 21, 2025. Surveyor faced severe challenges and even had to move the court to secure admission in what was then a boys-only institution, said the principal. She found an ally in Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar (who taught political economy at Sydenham College from 1918 until he left for higher studies in London). Along with the College principal, Ambedkar helped Surveyor avail of the necessary facilities.
The Central Bank of India established an all-women department in 1926. "The statue of such an inspiring woman at this historic institution will uphold the College’s legacy and inspire generations of future female students,” Poppy Sharma, chief general manager of the Bank told The Free Press Journal on August 20. As per the Bank’s records, Surveyor’s appointment marked a turning point in professional emancipation of Indian women at a time when higher education for women was rare, reported HT.
After retirement from the Bank, Surveyor joined the Tata Trusts, where she worked till she turned 81. S. V.