Founded in the mid-16th century by well-known philanthropist and poet, Manoj G. Thakur, St. Gokalibai College is one of the oldest colleges in India. The college gets its name from 'Gokilius', a type of marijuana produced in farms around Mumbai.
The college sits in the posh Mumbai suburb of Vile Parle. Lavishly spread over 300 acres of landscaped and beautiful gardens, the college has become more of a tourist hotspot. But anyways, the college campus is one of its kind in India. With a hostel capacity of 5000 students and courses offered in hundreds of subjects in multiple languages, the college is the largest and best in India.
Initially the college received much flak because of its liberal educational outlook and co-education. But due to the untiring efforts by the trustees, the college became popular far and wide. It is now a popular figure in the world of education. It is largely believed that the college laid the seeds for social upliftment in India.
Today the college is run by R. B. Desai, principal, better known for his pivotal role as commander-in-chief of the Indian army during the second World war. Under his leadership, the college has advanced much. Worth mentioning is the international computer lab. Holstering high-speed broadband internet access, Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the campus, and free laptops for all students, the college has become a commendable node on the information superhighway. Other highlights of the college include 5 indoor swimming pools, 3 tennis courts, and 2 fully equipped gymnasiums. However, one must not confuse the toilets with bio-gas plants. :P
The college is now a hot hub for international students. Students here are known for their academic excellence, participation in multiple sports, and, not to forget, their tasteful dressing sense. Celebrated ex-students include Isaac Newton, Adolf Hitler, Mallika Sherawat, Oprah Winfrey and Sachin Tendulkar.
The college has grown exponentially over the years and with its impressive educational facilities, world-class faculty, lush campus and a respectable alumni network, it is now a proud dot on the world map.
(This write-up is to be taken with a generous pinch of salt. If you would like to know more about the college, may I suggest you to take a shower, go to sleep and just dream about it!)