Latest news with #Maharaja's
New Indian Express
7 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Maharaja's College @150: Time to reclaim the 'regal' glory
Highs & lows There was a time when the campus was celebrated for its excellence in every sphere. 'It was a campus where healthy socio-political dialogues happened,' recalls Yusuf K A, former registrar of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady. 'Political differences used to be settled through fierce dialogues and discussions. I remember after arriving on the campus as a young student, we felt as if being beckoned by the positive energy left behind by the stalwarts who had walked the soil before us.' Former Nabard chief general manager C P Mohan, who studied at the college from 1972 to 1975, believes he was 'fortunate' to have experienced its 'golden era'. 'Those days, it was every student's dream to study at Maharaja's. Those were the times when several literary doyens visited the campus for kavi arangus (poetry sessions) and street plays. Academics, literature, arts and culture thrived. It helped build a living society.' Prasanna K, former principal of Manimalakunnu Government College, who studied at Maharaja's for 7 years and later taught economics there for 12 years, gushes similar views. 'The years that I spent at the college as a student and then as a teacher were the best,' she says. 'I saw raw talents blossom. They got honed and polished. The campus was not all about academic excellence, but making a better person out of the students through positive interaction among the peers.' However, over time, the campus lost some of its sheen. Instead of headlines celebrating the college's achievements — including high ranks in the National Institutional Ranking Framework — stories of campus violence and administrative mismanagement began to dominate the media. 'Sad but true,' says Prasanna. To reclaim the glory, she suggests involving former teachers as mentors. 'I am not a big fan of politics. But that being said, it is always good for the students to have political awareness. All political parties should come together for the good of the institution and welfare of students,' she adds. Today, many students appear more involved in furthering the interests of their political parties. Studies should not take the backseat. This applies to all colleges.' Mohan believes this is all part of a cycle. 'As times change, it brings with it a lot of changes. And when changes happen, we can say that degradation also happens along with,' he says. 'Changes are cyclic. It is just a wave. This one, too, will pass. And the onus for it lies on the government and the authorities concerned.' According to Yusuf, political strife existed in the past as well. 'However, today, with the advent of social media, instead of the positive things happening on the campus, all the negatives are being highlighted,' he says. 'Also, you must note that, earlier, the cream of the crop used to seek admission to Maharaja's. Now, students have more options to choose from – institutions with much better infrastructure and placement opportunities.' Filmmaker Amal Neerad, an alumnus, slams the government: 'How can an institution not undergo degradation when nothing is being done for its betterment?' he fumes. He is particularly upset about parts of the campus being 'chopped' and allocated for other development projects. Censuring the neglect, he adds: 'This is a campus that has the potential to become the Harvard of Kerala or India.'
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Maharaja's College begins year-long celebration marking 150th anniversary of inception
Kochi: The year-long celebrations kicked off on Tuesday at Maharaja's College marking its 150th year of inception. Students, teachers and former students assembled at the college to mark the event, as well as the inauguration of a new college auditorium by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. "In the academic domain, Maharaja's has always been among the top educational institutions in the state. The college is also known in the field of politics as well. The visit of Mahatma Gandhi to the college is historic. The contributions made by the students here to the national movement are a shining chapter of history," said Vijayan. The minister of higher education, R Bindu, said that over the past four years, the govt implemented various development projects at Maharajas College. "Rs 10 crore was allocated for the construction of the boys' hostel, Rs 9.4 crore for academic block, Rs 12.21 crore for library complex, and Rs 6.9 crore for the construction of a synthetic track," she said. According to Bindu, infrastructure projects worth Rs 15.94 crore were realised. The renovation of the auditorium, staff hostel and development of the chemistry block were included in the project. "Additionally, Rs 9.51 crore was allocated for a synthetic hockey turf during this period," said Bindu. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo College principal Shajila Beevi said the celebrations will feature a wide array of academic and non-academic events, coordinated by various committees. "We plan to involve our distinguished alumni from diverse fields to lead and contribute to these committees," she said. The inaugural event was also attended by minister P Rajeeve, prominent alumni and elected representatives from Ernakulam district were also present.
