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Union Christian College, Aluva

2021-10-13T20:01:03Z

2401:4900:4C6A:2F8C:EE81:9D07:7187:3F30:

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}}

'''Union Christian College''', Aluva (known as '''UC College''') is a college affiliated to [[Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala|Mahatma Gandhi University]], [[Kottayam]]. {{Infobox university
|name = Union Christian College, Aluva
|logo = Union Christian College Logo.png
|motto = ''The Truth shall make you free''
|established = 1921
|city = [[Aluva]] (Alwaye)
|state = [[Kerala]]
|country = [[India]]
|website = [http://www.uccollege.edu.in/ www.uccollege.edu.in]
}}

It is one of the earliest colleges in India to be established and managed by Indian Christians. It was founded in 1921 by four young graduates and teachers of Madras Christian College - Prof. K. C. Chacko, Prof. C. P. Mathew, Prof. V. M. Ittiyerah and Prof. A. M. Varki. It is situated by the banks of [[Periyar (river)]] in [[Aluva]] (Alwaye), [[Kerala]], [[India]].

==History==
The founders of the college were graduates of the Madras Christian College where they were contemporaries of [[Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan]], the distinguished Indian Philosopher, academician and statesman, and the second President of India. They increasingly felt the need to establish a college in [[Travancore]] on the lines of their alma mater, but with a commitment to ideals of Christian ecumenism and national reconstruction.
[[File:UC-collage-Aluva.jpg|right|thumb|UC College, ALuva]]
The decision to establish a college was taken at a time when the churches in Travancore were involved in various legal and property disputes and would not see eye to eye. It was felt that the college would be able to bring the feuding churches together and enable it to witness the love of Christ in Indian society.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Holland |first1=W. E. S |title=The St. Thomas's Christians |journal=Church Missionary Outlook |date=October 1926 |pages=203–205}}</ref> The founders of the college also expected the college to contribute towards national reconstruction on the lines of national education that personalities like [[Mahatma Gandhi]] and [[Rabindranath Tagore]] envisioned. In fact, Gandhi visited the college in 1925 on his way to [[Vaikom Satyagraha]] and wrote in the visitor's diary of the college: "Delighted with the ideal situation". Tagore too visited the college in 1922 and remarked about the striking resemblance of the college with his own institution, [[Visva-Bharati]], in Shantinikethan.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Tagore |first1=Rabindranatha |title=Education in India (1922) |journal=Silver Jubilee Souvenir (UCC) |date=1946 |pages=50–54}}</ref>

The college began in an old court house situated in the 18 acres of land donated by [[Moolam Thirunal]] Rama Varma, the Maharaja of Travancore with the financial support of well wishers. It began as a residential college with 63 students enrolled in the Junior Intermediate Class in Group III, and was affiliated to the Madras University.

The college was elevated as a first grade college under University of Madras in July 1923 and it is the first non-government college in Kerala to achieve that status.

The academic life of the college was envisioned on the lines of the traditional gurukula system of education. The founders sought to make the college rooted in the best of what the eastern tradition represented and ‘keep the college near to the spirit and genius of our people.’ At the same time, they were keen to keep its doors and windows open ‘to profit from the best counsel that western educational experience can provide’, especially its ‘humanistic and liberal tradition.’ Needless to say, it is this spirit of owning one’s own civilization yet being open to ‘cultures of all lands’ that drew the attention of personalities like Gandhi and Tagore to the college.

The only missionary society to have co-operated with this Indian initiative in higher education was the [[Church Missionary Society]] (CMS) who had various mission centres in Travancore. The CMS missionaries who associated with the college as teaching faculty included Canon W. E. S. Holland, L. W. Hooper, B. G. Crowley, [[Stephen Neill]]. Well known English journalist and satirist, [[Malcolm Muggeridge]] taught at the college for a brief period.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Muggeridge |first1=Malcolm |title=Chronicles of Wasted Time I: The Green Stick |date=1972 |publisher=William Morrow & Co. Inc. |location=New York |isbn=0-688-00191-2 |pages=91–115}}</ref> The college also received much encouragement from Dr William Skinner and Dr E. M. Macphail, both principals of Madras Christian College, and Dr L. P. Larsen, the well known Danish theologian and missionaries.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ittiyerah |first1=V. M. |title=Union Christian College: A Survey of the First Twenty Five Years |journal=Silver Jubilee Souvenir |date=1946 |page=2}}</ref>

==Present Status==
[[File:UC college, Aluva.jpg|thumb|right|college Campus]]
Today, the college has become a first grade college with about 2200 students, enrolled in 14 graduate and 14 postgraduate courses in diverse disciplines. The college is now affiliated to the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, with eight of its departments being Research Centres recognized by the university, providing guidance and resources to more than 120 research scholars. It is one of the two colleges that went in for the first cycle of NAAC accreditation in 1999 and received five star accreditation. It had completed the fourth cycle of accreditation in 2017 with an A grade (3.47 score). It had also been awarded an A grade during the last cycle.

==Administration==
The College is owned and administered by the Association and its Standing Council, which is constituted of representatives of the Inter Church Fellowship (ICF), an association of the permanent Christian members of the faculty who belong to the co-operating Churches and representatives of the four cooperating churches. The association elects the Board of Directors; the Standing Council runs the administration of the College through its Governing Board/Executive Committee. ICF ensures the participation of the faculty in the governance of the College and also carry forward the legacy of the founding fathers.<ref>{{cite book |title=Constitution: Memorandum and Articles of Association with Regulations |publisher=Union Christian College}}</ref>

==Notable Landmarks==
[[File:Kacheri Malika at UC College, Aluva, Kerala, India IMG 20180821 173303.jpg|thumb|Kacheri Malika at UC College, Aluva, Kerala, India]]
'''Kacheri Malika''' is a three-storey building situated in the heart of the campus. In the beginning of 19th Century, this was a European Bungalow. From 1811-1896, it was used as a Zilla court of the [[Travancore]] state. It was one of the five ''kacheries'' (courts) built in AD 1811 during the reign of [[Gowri Lakshmi Bayi|Maharani Gowri Lakshmi Bhai]]. Thereafter, till it was gifted to the college, it remained abandoned. It is built on a hill top known as Kacheri Kunnu and when it was a kacheri, the access to this hill was only by ferry. The ferry would be stationed at what was called Kacheri Kadavu. The architecture of the Kacheri Malika is a blend of Dutch, British and Indian styles. The structure, flooring, wood work of this building have been kept intact. In 1993, the [[Government of Kerala]] declared Kacheri Malika as a protected monument.

The '''Chapel''' is situated behind the Kacheri Malika. It is a place of worship that incorporates important aspects of both Eastern and Western traditions of Christianity. It is symbolic of the ecumenical tradition that the college embraces. The chapel was designed by Rev George Edward Hubbard in February 1940.

The '''mango tree''' situated in front of the administrative block was planted by Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to the college in 1925. [[File:യുസി കോളേജില്‍ ഗാന്ധിജി നട്ട മാവ്.JPG|thumb|The tree planted by Gandhi in 1925]]

'''Mahaganitham''' is a sculpture commemorating the large mahogany tree that stood in front of the Kacheri Malika. The tree was struck by a lightning in 2002 and the remnants of it was designed as Mahaganitham. 'Maha' signifies the Mahogany tree and 'ganitham' [[Mathematics]]. Concepts like the Golden ratio and Fibonacci series are used in the design. More than thousand mathematical entities and geometrical shapes are engraved in the sculpture. The five [[Platonism|Platonic]] bodies - tetrahedron, hexahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron and icosahedron - are present in it. An iron bell, which was used during the early period of the college, is also a part of the sculpture.

==Notable alumni==
{{alumni|people|date=April 2018}}
* [[Philipose Mar Chrysostom]] Valiya Metropolitan
* [[Paravoor T. K. Narayana Pillai]], last [[Prime Minister of Travancore]] and the first [[Chief Minister of Travancore-Cochin]]
* [[P. K. Vasudevan Nair]], Communist politician and former [[List of chief ministers of Kerala|Chief Minister of Kerala]]
* [[Nitya Chaitanya Yati]], Philosopher and Writer
* [[NF Varghese]], Actor
* [[Rajan Gurukkal]], Historian
* [[Sathaar]], Actor
* [[Dileep (actor)|Dileep]], Actor
* [[Lijo Jose Pellissery]], Director
* [[Baburaj (actor)]], Actor
* [[Vineeth Mohan]], actor<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sudhi|first1=C. J.|title=Vineeth Mohan gave up banking for acting|url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/interview/vineeth-mohan-on-adi-kapyare-koottamani-and-filmi-paths.html|access-date=2 April 2018|work=OnManorama|date=12 January 2016}}</ref>
* [[A. Jayashankar]]
* [[Malayattoor Ramakrishnan]]<ref name="Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal">{{Cite web |url=http://www.keralasahityaakademi.org/sp/Writers/PROFILES/Malayattoor/Html/Malayattoorgraphy.htm |title=Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal |date=2019-03-10 |website=Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal |access-date=2019-03-10}}</ref>
* [[Mathukkutty]], RJ, TV Host

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{commons category|Union Christian College, Aluva}}
{{coord|10.1262|76.3340|type:edu_region:IN-KL|display=title}}
{{Education in Kerala}}
{{Christianity in Kerala}}

[[Category:Christian universities and colleges in India]]
[[Category:Colleges affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala]]
[[Category:Arts and Science colleges in Kerala]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Ernakulam district]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1921]]
[[Category:1921 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Aluva]]
[[Category:Academic institutions formerly affiliated with the University of Madras]]

St. Paul's College, Kalamassery

2021-10-13T19:57:45Z

2401:4900:4C6A:2F8C:EE81:9D07:7187:3F30: /* Notable alumni */

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2015}}
{{Infobox university
| motto = Life Nobly Lived
| name = St. Paul's College, Kalamassery, Ernakulam
| image =
| image_size = 200px|
| established = {{Start date and age|16 July 1946}}
| founder = [[Servant of God]] Archbishop Dr. [[Joseph Attipetty]]
| principal = Dr. Savitha K S
| affiliation = [[Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala|Mahatma Gandhi University]], [[Kottayam]]
| religious_affiliation = [[Archdiocese of Verapoly]]
| chairman = Rev. Fr. Antony Arackal
| free = SPC
| type = Government Aided
| city = [[Kochi, India|Kochi]]
| state = [[Kerala]]
| campus = 13.63 acres (Total)
| country = [[India]]
| undergrad = 2120
| postgrad = 400
| doctoral = 100
| other_students = 1,200
| website = {{url|http://www.stpauls.ac.in}}
}}

'''St. Paul’s College, Kalamassery''' located at [[Kochi (India)|Kochi]] was founded by [[Joseph Attipetty]], the late Archbishop of Verapoly to commemorate the historic visit of Pope Paul VI to India in connection with the 38th International Eucharistic Congress held in November - December 1964. The foundation stone of the college was blessed by the pope on 3 December 1964 and was solemnly laid by Samuel Mathai, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kerala in the presence of Joseph Attipetty on 13 February 1965. Out of his filial devotion to the Pope, the founder desired that the college be named after the [[Apostle Paul]], the patron saint of the Pope.

The college started functioning from 13 July 1965 imparting instruction to students for the two year pre-degree course. The first degree course, B.Com. was introduced in the year 1978 and gradually other degree courses such as B.Sc. Physics, B.Sc. Mathematics and B.A. Economics were introduced. St. Paul’s College became a first grade college with the introduction of M.A. Economics in the year 1982. At present the college offers postgraduate courses in economics, physics, mathematics, chemistry, commerce and English. The Department of Physics and Commerce are research centres of Mahatma Gandhi University. Co-education was introduced in the college in the year 1983. Vocational degree courses in English and chemistry have been introduced in 1998 and 1999 respectively. In October 1983 [[Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala|Mahatma Gandhi University]] came into existence and St. Paul’s College was affiliated to it.

The college received the first [[National Assessment and Accreditation Council]] (NAAC) accreditation in the year 2004 and was graded at the ‘B+’ level and second cycle of accreditation graded the college with ‘B’ grade in the year 2010. A change in the academic and infrastructural domains accredited the college ‘A’ grade in the cycle of re-accreditation by NAAC in 2016.

== Undergraduate courses (13) ==
*Bachelors of Science - B.Sc. Mathematics - 6 semesters - Aided
*Bachelors of Science - B.Sc. Physics - 6 semesters - Aided
*Bachelors of Science - B.SC. Chemistry - 6 semesters - Aided
*Bachelors of Arts - B.A Economics - 6 semesters - Aided
*Bachelors of Commerce - B.Com with Computer Application - 6 semesters - Aided
*Bachelors of Commerce - B.Com with Taxation - 6 semesters - Aided
*Bachelors of Arts - B.A. English Model 2 - 6 semesters - Aided
*Bachelors of English - B.A. English Model I - 6 semesters - Self Finance
*Bachelors of Science - B.Sc. Computer Science - 6 semesters - Self Finance
*Bachelors of Commerce - B.Com with Computer Application - 6 semesters - Self Finance
*Bachelors of Business Administration - B.B.A. - 6 semesters - Self Finance
*Bachelors of Vocation - B.Voc. Tourism and Hospitality - 6 semesters - Aided
*Bachelors of Vocation - B.Voc. Banking and Financial Service - 6 semesters - Aided

== Postgraduate courses (6) ==
*M. A. in Economics (Master of Arts) - 4 semesters - Aided
*M.Sc. in Mathematics (Master of Science) - 4 semesters - Aided
*M.Sc. in Physics with specialization in Computer Science (Master of Science) - 4 semesters - Aided
*M.Com. Finance (Master of Commerce) - 4 semesters - Aided
*M.Sc. in Chemistry (Master of Science) - 4 semesters - Self Finance
*M. A. in English Language and Literature (Master of Arts) - 4 semesters - Self Finance

== Research programmes (Ph.D.) ==

Four of the postgraduate departments are recognized research centers under the [[Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala|Mahatma Gandhi University]], [[Kottayam]]. These centers offer full-time and part-time research facilities.
*Mathematics
*Economics
*Physics
*Commerce

==Notable alumni==
* [[Binoy Viswam]], Ex-MP
* [[Chemban Vinod Jose]], [[Actor]]
* [[P. Rajeev (Kerala)|P. Rajeev]], Ex-MP, [[Kalamassery]] MLA, Minister for Law & Industries, [[Government of Kerala]]
* [[T. J. Vinod]], MLA
* [[Nadirsha]], [[Actor]]
*[[Arun Cherukavil]], [[Actor]]
* [[Beena Antony]], [[Actress]]
* [[Basil Thampi]], [[cricketer]]
* [[Bentla D'Coth]], International football referee
* [[Shaiju Damodaran]], sports commentator and journalist

== Succession list of patrons ==
*Joseph Attipetty (Late)
*Joseph Kelanthara (Late)
*Cornelius Elanjikkal (Late)
*Daniel Acharuparambil (Late)
*Francis Kallarakal (Emeritus)
*Joseph Kalathiparambil (Incumbent)

== Succession list of managers/chairmans ==
*Jose Chelangara
*Felix Chakkalakal, 2014 - 2019
*Antony Arackal, 2019 - continuing

==Cultural clubs==
*Football Club
*Tennis Club
*Hockey Club
*Cricket Club
*Basketball Club
*Volleyball Club
*Athletic Club
*Indoor Games
*Gymnasium
*Martial Arts
*Badminton Club
*Tables Tennis Club
*Film Club
*Quiz Club
*Debate Club - Oratory Club
*Literary Club
*Sahityavedi
*Music Club
*Fine Arts Club
*Nature Club
*Photography Club
*Encon Club
*Mindsports
*Tourism Club
*Astronomy Club
*Theatre Club

== Associations ==
*Vincent de Paul
*Jesus Youth
*AICUF
*Xavier Board of Higher Education

== References ==
<references/>

{{Kochi (India)}}
{{Education in Kerala}}
{{Christianity in Kerala}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Saint Paul's College}}
[[Category:Catholic universities and colleges in India]]
[[Category:Arts and Science colleges in Kerala]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Kochi]]
[[Category:Colleges affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1965]]
[[Category:1965 establishments in Kerala]]