AMERICAN COLLEGE WILL BE BACK ON TRACK ...

Date:27/08/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/08/27/stories/2009082756480200.htm Back

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

“American College will be back on track in 6 months”

Special Correspondent

MADURAI: The Principal of American College here, T. Chinnaraj Joseph Jaikumar, has assured that he will take steps to put the college, both in academic and administrative terms, back on track in six months.

A parents’ meeting would be called shortly in order to instil confidence among all stakeholders — students, parents and general public — who were well-wishers of the institution, he said.

Dr. Jaikumar took charge as Principal almost close to midnight on Tuesday following the Madras High Court judgement. (The Madras High Court Bench here on Monday declared as illegal the dismissal of T. Chinnaraj Joseph Jaikumar from the post of Principal of the American College.)

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, he said that the immediate focus would be on students’ needs, purchase of laboratory equipment, renovating damaged classrooms and implementing the ‘Vision Document’ prepared for the college in 2006.

“I can say that we (college) will be on track in another six months. The campus will be free from police presence and all steps will be taken to restore academic atmosphere,” said Dr. Jaikumar.

Describing the High Court verdict as a “well fortified judgement,” the Principal said that even though the American College was a Christian institution, it would maintain an “inclusive outlook” with non-sectarian approach.

“The college is not just for Christian students alone. When secular space is being lost, it is our duty to be inclusive to all sections even while doing the Christian work,” Dr. Jaikumar said.

The Principal alleged that several research equipment for laboratories, purchased with grants from the University Grants Commission (UGC), were found missing when the college was undergoing confusion in the past two years.

“One college vehicle was taken away by some persons…Some land documents of college also are missing. It is a theft on the college campus and hence, we have to take police help to trace the property,” he said.

“As head of the institution, I am responsible for the UGC property. It is public money and we will go to police or court after consulting lawyers,” said Dr. Jaikumar.

Stating that all challenges would be met to restore the image of American College, the Principal said that “destructive activity done by some persons was a nightmare to the college.”

“The examination results and issuing mark sheets will be done on time. There will not be any revenge against any section of college staff,” he said.

On Tuesday, at about 11.45 p.m., the Regional Joint Director of Collegiate Education (Tiruchi Region), T. Nallathambi, handed over charge to Dr. Jaikumar.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu