Jai Hind College at Churchgate was granted autonomy by UGC last month. It awaits a nod from Mumbai University. Pics/Bipin Kokate

Sitting in his cosy workspace at the Jai Hind College campus in Churchgate, Dr Ashok Wadia displays mixed emotions. On the one hand, there is triumph — his college was on the list of seven institutions in Mumbai (see box), which were granted autonomy by the University Grants Commission last month — and on the other, there is scepticism. "It's not time to celebrate yet," he says, showing restraint. "Autonomy is a huge challenge. It means responsibility and accountability in equal measure. Only three years into becoming autonomous, would we know if we've succeeded."