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The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Kalaignar Centenary Library expands academic outreach through MoUs and inclusive programmes
Kalaignar Centenary Library is expanding its academic and community engagement through a series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with higher education institutions. Following a recent MoU signed with Lady Doak College, discussions are under way to formalise similar agreements with The American College, Thiagarajar College, and Madurai Kamaraj University after their reopening on June 16. According to the MoU, the initiative aims to foster educational and literary development among students. The proposed cooperation includes reading habit campaigns that focus on nurturing a culture of reading, improving literacy rates, and expanding access to diverse literary resources for people of all age groups. It also plans to establish literary platforms for students to present their creative works, thereby encouraging expression and literary engagement. Further, the MoU outlines provisions for interactive sessions with publishers, authors, and other literary figures, especially during international book fairs, along with facilitation of internship opportunities, faculty collaborations, and mutual academic exchanges. Partner institutions are entitled to institutional membership, a provision of 25 books, reserved seats for library programmes, orientation sessions for competitive examinations, and access to IT-based learning solutions and storytelling internships. As of June 6, the library had recorded a footfall of 18,32,648 users which includes 227 international users and 6,548 registered members, said Deputy Chief Librarian and Information Officer V. Santhana Krishnan. Students preparing for competitive examinations have also been benefiting from the mock tests and lectures conducted by the library on a regular basis, he said. Mr. Krishnan said that the library also provides translation services to support students facing language barriers while preparing for competitive exams. 'We help students by translating complex English news into simpler English and Tamil, as we believe that language should not be a barrier to education,' he said. He added that these translated materials are also being shared with other district libraries and questions based on this content have appeared in the TNPSC examinations, reflecting its academic relevance. In addition, the library has been offering vocational training programmes aimed at enhancing employability. A six-month VFX (visual effects) training programme has already led to placements for two students, and a new training session is scheduled from June to November. 'The in-house studio can also be accessed by students to aid their learning and creative projects,' Mr. Krishnan added. Assistant Librarian and Information Officer K. Sivagama Sundari highlighted that the Tamil section of the library has been actively contributing to the promotion of Tamil literature. Events including talks by Tamil department heads and poets, along with special observances titled Indru were held on the death anniversaries of prominent Tamil writers. The library's outreach extends beyond college students. During the summer, the library hosted a programme titled 'Kodai Kondattam' from May 1 to 31, offering training in abacus, story writing, drawing, video editing, traditional games, zumba, chess, and basic design for children. In addition to these, the programme also included music therapy for children, a comic making workshop, and training in the traditional Tamil folk dance oyilattam. Ms. Maimoona, a Mathematics graduate who regularly uses the library to prepare for competitive examinations, said that the atmosphere in the library was particularly vibrant during May due to the presence of young children. 'It brought a positive energy to the space,' she said. She also added that the library had been extremely useful for aspirants like her, and that she had seen students coming from various towns and residing in Madurai solely to make use of the library's resources. Initiatives for women and senior citizens are also a part of the library's efforts. The library recently offered a beautician course and physiotherapy training to promote self employment among women , especially among economically disadvantaged and those lacking familial support. Eleven students have completed the beautician course and received certification, and 75 have benefited from physiotherapy training programmes. Monthly women-focused sessions titled Yaadhumagi Nindrai Sakthi address topics such as legal rights, health awareness, cybercrime, and entrepreneurship. This month's session, scheduled for June 21 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., will feature author B. Maha Lakshmi. The monthly programme Vergal, conducted on the fourth Saturday of every month at 6 p.m., focuses on the well being of senior citizens. Sessions typically include expert talks by doctors on managing health and mental wellness in old age. K. Devi Meenakshi
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
American College principal suspended days before retirement amid corruption probe
Madurai: Just two days before his scheduled retirement, Dr M Davamani Christober, principal and secretary of The American College, Madurai, was suspended from service by the directorate of collegiate education, effective May 29. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The action follows allegations of amassing disproportionate assets, currently under investigation by the directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption (DVAC), Tamil Nadu. The suspension order, signed by commissioner E Sundaravalli, was served on Friday morning by officials from the regional joint director's office. The timing of the suspension—just ahead of Dr Christober's official retirement on May 31—has stirred discussion within academic and civic circles. In the wake of his suspension, G Kannabiran, associate professor and head of the economics department, was appointed interim principal. To ensure administrative continuity, the college's governing council held an emergency meeting on Saturday, during which Dr J Paul Jayakar, head of the postgraduate and research department of English, was selected as the new principal. Dr Christober, who was appointed in Oct 2011, remained in office for over 12 years—far exceeding the standard three-year term. Sources within the institution allege that this extended tenure, combined with limited oversight, may have enabled financial irregularities now under scrutiny. In a related development, R Prabahar Vedamanickam, a retired associate professor of the college, filed a petition before the Madras high court in 2025, urging the higher education department and DVAC to initiate an inquiry against Dr Christober and his associates. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The petition cited allegations of financial mismanagement, misappropriation of funds, and disproportionate asset accumulation. During court proceedings, the state government informed that a preliminary inquiry was underway and that DVAC had already gathered documents and examined several witnesses. The court subsequently directed DVAC to expedite and complete the investigation without delay. MSID:: 121535255 413 |
