In the 1930s, the then archbishop of Bombay approached the Society of Sacred Heart of Jesus, a Rome-based congregation of Catholic sisters, for help to start a college for women in Mumbai. Responding to the call, Reverend Founder Mother Catheridine Andersson left England with a team of three sisters to get the project rolling. The Spohia College is the fruit of the initiative they took. Founder in 1941, Sophia got Bombay University affiliation the same year.  

One of the prettiest institutions in the heart of Mumbai, the Sophia College buildings are painted pink. The campus has wide stretches of green where, in between classes, girls relax. The Maharaja of Bhavnagar was the last owner of the complex and this was where the royals came to relax and spend their holidays.

Says vice-principal Sister Anila Verghese: "The ground and first floors of the arts block are part of the original structure. We have retained the white arched windows with shutters and the wooden staricases . The second floor and the extension block were later additions. But we have taken care to ensure that the new blends with the old."

The classrooms are small but airy and the library stocked with the latest magazines and books. The canteen is where the girls gather when they are free. Clad in trendy outfits, they sit chatting over burgers and coffee. The place has the feel of a school where discipline is the watchword.

Says Aviva Dharmaraj, a student "We feel too sheltered and protected. Though this is meant for our own good, it does get stifling at times .We miss the energy and vitality of co-ed institutions."

The year the college opened doors to students, only 30 to 40 came. Today, the numbers have shot up to 2,500. 

 "Our focus is on empowering women," says principal Jeanette Pinto. "Our admisson policy is, therefore, need-based. We don't just look at merit. Sophia takes girls who have scored only 40 per cent in thier SSC. But such candidates must have potential and motivation. We do get outstanding students, but most of those we take are average. We do our best to make education available to every girl who wishes to pursue it." Dharamaraj agrees: "The college is always willing to give you an opportunity, triumph with effort being our motto. Our college has students from very orhthodox families, many of them first-generation learners. In fact, we have special racks where Muslim girls from conservative homes keep their burkhas." The college offers degree courses in science, arts and vocational studies. The vocational subjects at the junior level include office management and food technology. Post-graduate classes are also held at the college. 

Sophia has a dedicated faculty, comprising both men and women. For the academically inclined and brilliant student, the college has two excellence programmes in science and arts.  

Students passing the Maharashtra Board's SSC examination may apply for the arts, vocational and science courses. Students from other boards too can apply, but after obtaining an eligibility certificate from the joint secretary, Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Education. 

Hostel accommodation costs Rs22,000. This is for terms. It's not subsidised because the college doesn't get any grant-in-aid for this facility. The college has about 120 rooms and they are in demand. Tuition fees are as stipulated by the Bombay University.   

This college has produced many outstanding women of the corporate world, journalists and media personalities. They include author Gita Mehta; union minister Vasundhara Raje; Bharat Natyam dancers Leela Samson and Vani Ganapathy; filmstars Kajol and Karishma Kapoor; novelist and winner of the Commonwealth Prize for the Best First Novel Githa Hariharan. 

Attendance is strict. They debar you from appearing for your examnations if you've skipped classes too often. There is also a stern dress code in force -- no strappy little things or skirts above the knees. Recently, the college hosted it's annual inter-college youth fest--- Kaleidoscope. Now, students are getting ready for the Christmas carol singing nite. A host of clubs---- music, dramatics, elocution, literary and sport--- keep the girls busy round the year. They are working on the Millennium Year Book: Sophia Over the years.