Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Senate chamber gets a new look

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Senate chamber of Kerala University - the venue of not just the meetings of the Senate but also of many international seminars and symposia - now has a swanky look.

The chamber has been air-conditioned, has a new public address system and a completely redesigned seating arrangement. The renovated chamber - which cost the university Rs.87.09 lakh - was inaugurated on Wednesday by Minister for Education M.A. Baby.

There are 180 revolving chairs in the new chamber. Earlier, the heavy chairs in the chamber were nailed in place.

The redesigned aisles allow for more space to move around and there is also an overhead projection facility. A lobby, a toilet facility and a pantry have been installed as part of the renovation.

In order to improve the acoustics of the room, wood panels have been installed on the walls while the floors sport synthetic carpets. The chamber also has a new lighting system. The installation of a lift that opens out to a corridor leading to the Senate chamber is nearing completion.

The University Grants Commission had given financial assistance to the university for the lift, which is intended to benefit the aged and the physically challenged.

According to information made available by the university, the civil works at the chamber cost Rs.52.37 lakh and the electrical works, Rs. 14.29 lakh.

The chamber was air-conditioned at a cost of Rs.6.32 lakh, the public address system cost Rs.8.29 lakh and the new chairs Rs.6.08 lakh. A sum of Rs.60 lakh was received from the UGC as grant. The university had budgeted Rs.94 lakh for the renovation work.

The architect firm Chandramohan Associates were the consultants for the redesigning and renovation of the chamber. This is for the first time that the university has made use of the services of a consultant for a construction project.

Vice-Chancellor A. Jayakrisnan was among those who attended the inaugural ceremony.

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