Latest news with #P.Raveendran
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Textbook on knowledge systems: Calicut varsity to take decision on June 11
The University of Calicut is expected to take a decision soon on whether to follow Knowledge Systems of Kerala, the textbook brought out by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) as the compulsory multi-disciplinary course of the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUGP), or use its own syllabus prepared for the purpose. A senior official told The Hindu on Sunday (June 8, 2025) that a steering committee for undergraduate courses would meet on June 11 to discuss the issue. The course is mandatory for third-semester students. The KSHEC's publication in English and Malayalam covers Kerala's traditional knowledge, including cultural practices, oral narratives, performing arts, and documented literary sources. Vice-Chancellors of State universities were requested to direct their Boards of Studies to consider it a foundational resource for course design and syllabus preparation. A section of academics, however, had objected to the council imposing the textbook on universities, saying it was an infringement on the authority of the statutory academic bodies tasked with curriculum development. Meanwhile, in a letter to Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran, Senate member Abida Farooqui sought to clear the confusion over the issue. She pointed out that the university's Board of Studies had prepared the syllabus for the Kerala Knowledge Systems course in line with the National Education Policy framework in 2024. It was later vetted by the Academic Council and faculty members. Ms. Farooqui claimed that prescribing a uniform syllabus—one that would have to be taught in translation by the departments of English, Malayalam, Arabic, Urdu, Sanskrit, and other languages—went against the grain of academic autonomy. She said that textbooks had already been prepared and classes had begun based on the university's syllabus. Ms. Farooqui added that the university should proceed with its own syllabus and inform the council of its decision.
The Hindu
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Calicut varsity plans to seek CSR funds for development projects
The University of Calicut is planning to seek funds under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme of companies and from philanthropic individuals for some of its future development projects. A Syndicate meeting held on the campus at Tenhipalam in Malappuram district on April 28 approved a proposal for the purpose, moved by Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran to take up 11 such projects. According to sources, the projects are, a centre for music and performing studies, student science centre, placement and training centre, renovation of the auditorium at the Dr. John Matthai Centre in Thrissur under the university that also houses the School of Drama, interpretation centre and meeting hall at the botanical garden, convention centre and new library complex, a multi-purpose centre titled Unity Square, new ladies' hostel, open stage and architectural beautification, Freedom Park in memory of the Independence struggle, and an international hostel and guest house. The proposal says that the work shall be conducted by the university or an external agency decided by the grantor organisation. It will be based on a memorandum of understanding signed between the university and the organisation. Such buildings or facilities shall remain the property of the university. Based on individual cases, branding or commemoration of such buildings shall be permitted based on mutual agreement. It shall also be possible for the agencies/individuals to construct the facility and hand it over to the university on mutually agreeable terms and conditions. The mode of operations and auditing for such expenditure shall be as per the terms and conditions arrived at jointly by the university and the donor agency. Mr. Raveendran points out in the proposal that the major source of funding for the university continues to be the limited grants received from the government. As a people's university, it is essential to involve the community in the university's developmental journey and vision, he says.
