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CAMPUS HANGOUT

Of life around a tree

Photo: H.Vibhu

Under the shade of a tree Students relax at Tripunithura Government College

Government College, Tripunithura

The Hangout: The Tree Shade. The Government College has been around for a very long time. But, the campus seems to be still in its infancy, at least when it comes to the point of popular hangouts. However, the well-grown, lush green tree at the courtyard of the campus shadows all the deficiencies.

Well past its silver jubilee and tucked away from the heart of Kochi’s temple town Tripunithura, the Government College is perhaps the only college in the city to have earned the dubious distinction of having shifted campus on a number of occasions. It began functioning from the RLV Upper Primary School campus and then moved to the Government Boy’s High School before finally settling down at the present location near Mekkara.

Rush Hour: Almost throughout the day. This is because it’s perhaps the only popular (or possible) hangout in the campus. With too little amenities and space, the exterior of Government College hardly projects the feel of a campus despite the presence of jovial students, mostly girls.

Where it’s at: The Tree Shade is located right in front of the college’s New Block. The elevated circular rostrum around the tree is always inhabited by students. Small groups of gossiping students can always be seen hanging around the Tree Shade. This is the first thing that grab’s one attention the moment one enters the college. It’s also the place where, during Onam, swings are hung, a time which students savour with much delight.

What’s to love: Established more than a quarter century ago, the Government College in spite of all its shortcomings looks young and vibrant. As one steps into the campus, one can sense the jubilance in the air. The mood is upbeat for, finally, the New Block of the college is being inaugurated this week. With this, the campus will have a more spacious library and airy classrooms. It also signifies that the fortunes of the college are slowly taking a turnaround. Plans are also afoot to effectively utilise the seven acres of land belonging to the college.

This year the Department of Commerce has more reasons to rejoice as the last batch scored hundred per cent results this year. The Commerce and Economics departments have had a consistent track record in the university exams. The college authorities have also sent a proposal to add three more degree courses and introduce four PG programmes in both arts and commerce. They have also received a nod to opt for NAAC accreditation. With all these and more, the college appears to be taking off from its stage of hibernation.

What’s not to:

There are no embargos and stipulations as such for the students. A cordial relationship exists among the boys, girls and the faculty. The SFI-led students’ union is quite active and the NSS unit promotes extra-curricular activities in a big way.

Alternatives:

Truly, the Government College, with meagre infrastructure support, has only few hangouts to boast of. But that does not deter the students from enjoying their campus life. In a campus which has its existence in less than an acre of land, it’s a luxury for the students to have a couple of more hangouts. But still the students, in a true spirit of campus life, have ‘discovered’ a few hangouts within and even beyond the college boundaries.

The second year Economics classroom is one such place for some (obviously not for academic reasons but for their die-hard romanticism) and thus is referred to as Subhash Park by the students.

Even though the college does not have a canteen, the students have made a tea stall right in front of the campus as yet another favourite destination.

sunilnaliyath@gmail.com

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