A MAIL FROM Dr. A.R.V.

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Dear Sam,

People acquainted with the American College, its traditions, values and the way it conducts itself in all circumstances, have reason to feel terribly worried over the recent developments at the College. The College's 127-year history makes it one of the oldest in Tamilnadu and India. Is it the third or fourth oldest college in Tamilnadu? I reckon that only the Presidency College, Madras and the St.Joseph's College, Tiruchi are older institutions. Perhaps the Madras Christian College, Tambaram too is ancient. Each of these is a unique college with its own individual personality. That is what the faculty, past and present, the students, alumni/alumnae and well-wishers rave about. What is now happening at AMC can neutralize all of that, the individuality, the traditions, the uniqueness. It is very sad.

Faith and love built the AMC. History records the selfless hard work of many with piety in the building of the College. To them, 'education was second only to piety in the regeneration of a people'. They believed, they prayed, they laboured hard. We had at last a great temple of learning. It took 127 years of progress to get where we were until recently. Are we going to lose all of that now? If piety built the College over 127 long years, what kind of piety is it that is trying to destroy it in a short span of time?

There are alumni/alumnae in Madurai and elsewhere, and also the pious laity of the Madurai-Ramnad CSI. They must all know what is going on. Can they not get together with the faculty of the College, past and present, and other well-wishers to save the College? The DRO's was a logical and well-written Report supporting the College's status quo ante. So what backfired? It is very sad.

May the friends and well-wishers of the College along with alumni/alumnae and the faculty, past and present, help God to save the College. My good wishes and prayers.

A.R.Venkitaraman