INSTITUTION IN FOCUS
On a high pedestal
Thiagarajar college. -- Photo: K. Ganesan.
"His life was an inspiration; his memory, a benediction." These are the guiding words of Karumuttu Thiagarajan Chettiar, founder of Thiagarajar College, a well-known autonomous co-educational institution for arts and science courses affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj University.
Founded in 1949 by the committed philanthropist, the rise and growth of this educational institution has been as notable as its landmark location in the Temple City. The college is located on a 13.5-acre campus situated opposite the famous Teppakulam (temple tank). The college has retained its purpose — to cater to the higher education needs of rural youth and maintain high academic standards.
The college, which is as old as the Indian Republic, witnessed various trends in higher learning in this part of the State as it gradually became an autonomous college, qualified itself as a research centre and applied for an early accreditation (5-star) from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council.
The founder's family has been continuously striving for its development. This arts and science college is among a handful of institutions to attract a large demand for seats during the admission season each year.
Managed by the Kalaithanthai Karumuttu Thiagarajan Chettiar Memorial Trust, the college was started with just three courses and 120 students. It has now grown to contain 11 departments comprising 12 postgraduate courses, 13 undergraduate courses, four M.Phil., departments and six research departments. The student strength stands at 1,250.
"Ours is one of the few arts colleges to give importance to job placements for graduates. As the number of students admitted from rural areas surrounding Madurai is large, the management is keen that the students get placement immediately. We have an active placement cell to take care of that," says M. Arunagiri, Principal. The college has already found placements for 67 of its students in leading companies, he says.
The courses that are in demand are B.Com., B. Sc. (Biotechnology) and B.Sc. (Microbiology), besides the usual science courses. The number of girls opting for the postgraduate courses is larger than the number of boys.
The University Grants Commission funds several of the projects as the college takes the lead in introducing career-oriented courses. The novel feature here is the onus on computer literacy for all students.
"As our college president, Radha Thiagarajan, former Vice-Chancellor of Alagappa University, is an excellent academic, and the secretary, Karumuttu T. Kannan, always thinks of development, we are able to go beyond our routine," the Principal says, adding that imparting communication skills is given top priority.
Cadets of the National Cadet Corps unit in the college have been regularly taking part in the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi in the last 15 years.
"Most of our students are first generation college-goers and we carry the responsibility of paving their way to a good life", Prof. Arunagiri explains.
Implementing the Choice Based Credit System, the college offers a wide range of course options. Its next major plan is to introduce an MBA course soon and construct a ladies hostel.
The faculty strength of the college is 129, of which 33 have completed their doctorates in various fields. The alumni of the college have made their presence felt in all spheres such as the judiciary, civil services, police and defence forces.
Shastry V Mallady
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Education Plus
Karnataka
Chennai
Coimbatore
Hyderabad
Madurai
Tiruchirapalli
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
