ascent
TRANSCRIPT
Volume 1 Issue 2 August - October 2012l l
Prof. K.A. JaleelHomage to
23
WISDOM SHARING
4 AN EVENTFUL YEAR 6 45 YEARS OF
EXCELLENCE 17 GURUS HONORED
2 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Chief Editor
Editor
Members
Design
Photos
Dr. M. Abdul SalamVice Chancellor
Prof. K. RaveendranathPro Vice Chancellor
Dr. P.P. MohamedRegistrar
Dr. Muhammadali N.Reader, Dept. of Journalism
Dr. Janaki SreedharanAssociate Professor, Dept. of English
Dr. K.V. LazarAssociate Professor, Dept. of Zoology
Dr. P. RaveendranAssociate Professor, Dept. of Chemistry
Dr. P. SomanathanAssistant Professor, Dept. of Malayalam
Dr. Burton CleetusAssistant Professor, Dept. of History
Dr. Umer O ThasneemAssistant Professor, Dept. of English
Sri. V. OmprakashPublication Officer
Sri. T.P. Varghese Superintendent, Calicut University Press
Sri. V. Asuthosh
Dept. of Art & Photography
Editorial Board
Volume 1 Issue 2 August - October 2012
3 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
P.O. Calicut University, Pin - 673 635 Kerala, India
Tel: 0494 2407104
e-mail: [email protected]
www.universityofcalicut.info
6
8
V.R.Krishna Iyer Visits University
People expect progressive steps only from Universities,
not from any other fields like industries. -Justice Iyer
15
Vice ChancellorCONFERRED WITH COLONEL RANK
16
An Action-packed
and Thrilling Year 4C.H. Mohammed Koya
University of Calicutthe Architect of 10
Gurus Honored 17
Dr. K.S. ManilalNetherlands honours
Botanical Garden a Marvelous Isle
Keeping Abreast
of the Times
US opens ITS DOORS
TO EMPOWER SC/ST STUDENTS
PROGRAMME
THE ART OFPARENTING
W O R K S H O P O N
Facts on Projects 3
MASCAA conducts Communion 2012
Campus getting green
Out-genderedThe endangered Male
Magnificent Climber
Deccani Souls
The Last Poem
Prof. K.A. Jaleel
CU ties up with INO
Screened
Homage to
18
20
22
23
24
25
27
28
30
32
33
34
36
37
38
2 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Chief Editor
Editor
Members
Design
Photos
Dr. M. Abdul SalamVice Chancellor
Prof. K. RaveendranathPro Vice Chancellor
Dr. P.P. MohamedRegistrar
Dr. Muhammadali N.Reader, Dept. of Journalism
Dr. Janaki SreedharanAssociate Professor, Dept. of English
Dr. K.V. LazarAssociate Professor, Dept. of Zoology
Dr. P. RaveendranAssociate Professor, Dept. of Chemistry
Dr. P. SomanathanAssistant Professor, Dept. of Malayalam
Dr. Burton CleetusAssistant Professor, Dept. of History
Dr. Umer O ThasneemAssistant Professor, Dept. of English
Sri. V. OmprakashPublication Officer
Sri. T.P. Varghese Superintendent, Calicut University Press
Sri. V. Asuthosh
Dept. of Art & Photography
Editorial Board
Volume 1 Issue 2 August - October 2012
3 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
P.O. Calicut University, Pin - 673 635 Kerala, India
Tel: 0494 2407104
e-mail: [email protected]
www.universityofcalicut.info
6
8
V.R.Krishna Iyer Visits University
People expect progressive steps only from Universities,
not from any other fields like industries. -Justice Iyer
15
Vice ChancellorCONFERRED WITH COLONEL RANK
16
An Action-packed
and Thrilling Year 4C.H. Mohammed Koya
University of Calicutthe Architect of 10
Gurus Honored 17
Dr. K.S. ManilalNetherlands honours
Botanical Garden a Marvelous Isle
Keeping Abreast
of the Times
US opens ITS DOORS
TO EMPOWER SC/ST STUDENTS
PROGRAMME
THE ART OFPARENTING
W O R K S H O P O N
Facts on Projects 3
MASCAA conducts Communion 2012
Campus getting green
Out-genderedThe endangered Male
Magnificent Climber
Deccani Souls
The Last Poem
Prof. K.A. Jaleel
CU ties up with INO
Screened
Homage to
18
20
22
23
24
25
27
28
30
32
33
34
36
37
38
On August 12, 2012, Vice-Chancellor
Colonel (Prof.) M. Abdul Salam
completed one year in office with an
array of students-friendly and research-
oriented, administrative and academic
reforms to his credit. The most crucial task at
hand during the last year was to get rid of the
backlog of all the sort. The University took
special initiatives to clear the pending files,
applications for degree certificates and
revaluations, and settled 1,500 litigations
related to delayed results. It also conducted
special sports convocation to distribute five
years overdue scholarships.
Total e-governance introduced with a
dedicated network of 800 plus computers in
the administrative and examination wings
and teaching departments under the direct
control of Calicut University Computer
Centre (CUCC) was the most revolutionary
initiative last year. Global online certificate
verification system and launching of
placement portal and School of Distance
Education website are some other innovative
steps on the technological front.
The organizational structure of Examination
Wing (Pareekshabhavan) was monolithic
and not conducive for systematic conduct of
examinations. Therefore, its administration
was decentralized, and put under the control
of seven Joint Controllers of Examinations
fixing specific responsibilities based on
permanent academic and examination
calendar.
To make the University an excellent centre
for research, an exclusive Directorate of
Research, for the first time in its history, was
set up and entrusted with overseeing
An Action-packed
and Thrilling Year
the research projects and admissions. The University
also instituted Directorate of Self-Financing Courses
(DSFC) to maintain quality of self-financing courses
under its direct control.
Quality management of the Institute of Engineering &
Technology (IET), self-finacing engineering colleges run
directly by the University, was ensured by appointing
excellent academics with a handsome pay package.
Focusing on the tribal development, Institute of Tribal
Studies was set up at Chethalayam in Wayanad. The
project costs ̀ 4.5 crores. The integrated post-graduate
programmes for the tribals at the centre will be
commenced soon. Yet another progressive move was to keep discipline and
punctuality on the campus declaring it strike-free in line
with the court order and introducing bio-metric punching
systems for employees' attendance verification. CCTV
cameras were installed in strategic points to heighten
campus security.
An Estate Development Office (EDO) was instituted
under Estate Development Officer to oversee campus
development. The Office took initiatives to keep the
campus green and clean and to facilitate proper solid
waste management. A mango orchard spread over four
hectares with 800 plants of rare mango verities is a
commendable step taken by the EDO. Apart from this,
University expects a grant of Rs 14 crore under Rashtriya
Krishi Vikas Yojana scheme over five-year period.The
State Horticulture Mission has agreed to provide Rs 25
lakh to establish a model nursery on the campus. Rain
Water Harvesting Project of the EDO is expected to
replenish the ground water sources benefiting the
campus and the surrounding villages. For this purpose,
around 5,000 moisture conservation pits along with two
large size (20X20X6 m) water conservation pits were also
arranged on the campus.
Rain Water
Harvesting project
of the EDO is
expected to
replenish the
ground water
sources benefitting
the campus and the
surrounding
villages.
Brigadier Subramaniam, Deputy Director General
in charge of Kerala and Lakshadweep NCC
conferring honorary rank of Colonel
on Vice Chancellor Dr.M. Abdul Salam.
Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Abdul Salam receiving award from
Amity University for academic excellence
4 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Abdul Salam and higher officials
of the University along with Olympians
Irfan Kolothum Thodi, Diju V. and Tintu Luka
at the function organised to honour them for their great
achievements the London Olympics 2012
On August 12, 2012, Vice-Chancellor
Colonel (Prof.) M. Abdul Salam
completed one year in office with an
array of students-friendly and research-
oriented, administrative and academic
reforms to his credit. The most crucial task at
hand during the last year was to get rid of the
backlog of all the sort. The University took
special initiatives to clear the pending files,
applications for degree certificates and
revaluations, and settled 1,500 litigations
related to delayed results. It also conducted
special sports convocation to distribute five
years overdue scholarships.
Total e-governance introduced with a
dedicated network of 800 plus computers in
the administrative and examination wings
and teaching departments under the direct
control of Calicut University Computer
Centre (CUCC) was the most revolutionary
initiative last year. Global online certificate
verification system and launching of
placement portal and School of Distance
Education website are some other innovative
steps on the technological front.
The organizational structure of Examination
Wing (Pareekshabhavan) was monolithic
and not conducive for systematic conduct of
examinations. Therefore, its administration
was decentralized, and put under the control
of seven Joint Controllers of Examinations
fixing specific responsibilities based on
permanent academic and examination
calendar.
To make the University an excellent centre
for research, an exclusive Directorate of
Research, for the first time in its history, was
set up and entrusted with overseeing
An Action-packed
and Thrilling Year
the research projects and admissions. The University
also instituted Directorate of Self-Financing Courses
(DSFC) to maintain quality of self-financing courses
under its direct control.
Quality management of the Institute of Engineering &
Technology (IET), self-finacing engineering colleges run
directly by the University, was ensured by appointing
excellent academics with a handsome pay package.
Focusing on the tribal development, Institute of Tribal
Studies was set up at Chethalayam in Wayanad. The
project costs ̀ 4.5 crores. The integrated post-graduate
programmes for the tribals at the centre will be
commenced soon. Yet another progressive move was to keep discipline and
punctuality on the campus declaring it strike-free in line
with the court order and introducing bio-metric punching
systems for employees' attendance verification. CCTV
cameras were installed in strategic points to heighten
campus security.
An Estate Development Office (EDO) was instituted
under Estate Development Officer to oversee campus
development. The Office took initiatives to keep the
campus green and clean and to facilitate proper solid
waste management. A mango orchard spread over four
hectares with 800 plants of rare mango verities is a
commendable step taken by the EDO. Apart from this,
University expects a grant of Rs 14 crore under Rashtriya
Krishi Vikas Yojana scheme over five-year period.The
State Horticulture Mission has agreed to provide Rs 25
lakh to establish a model nursery on the campus. Rain
Water Harvesting Project of the EDO is expected to
replenish the ground water sources benefiting the
campus and the surrounding villages. For this purpose,
around 5,000 moisture conservation pits along with two
large size (20X20X6 m) water conservation pits were also
arranged on the campus.
Rain Water
Harvesting project
of the EDO is
expected to
replenish the
ground water
sources benefitting
the campus and the
surrounding
villages.
Brigadier Subramaniam, Deputy Director General
in charge of Kerala and Lakshadweep NCC
conferring honorary rank of Colonel
on Vice Chancellor Dr.M. Abdul Salam.
Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Abdul Salam receiving award from
Amity University for academic excellence
4 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Abdul Salam and higher officials
of the University along with Olympians
Irfan Kolothum Thodi, Diju V. and Tintu Luka
at the function organised to honour them for their great
achievements the London Olympics 2012
Uthniversity of Calicut celebrated its 45 foundation day on July 23 with
the launching of a couple of new projects – placement portal and e
verification system. Former vice-chancellors whose effort had
significant role in the development of the University were honoured at the
function. Calicut University, the second to be set up in Kerala came into being in
1968 with the objective of developing human resources in the northern
districts of the State by extending higher education and promoting research
with particular emphasis on technology ,art and culture.
thDr T.K. Raveendran inaugurating the 45 foundation day of Calicut University
Calicut University,
the second to be set
up in Kerala came
into being in 1968
with the objective of
developing human
resources in the
northern districts of
the State by extending
higher education and
promoting research
with particular
emphasis on
technology,
art and culture.
CUTURNS 45
Former Vice Chancellor and well known historian Dr. T. K.
Raveendran inaugurated the function. 'Universities can
achieve a lot by the joined efforts of the vice chancellor,
syndicate, and campus fraternity. The syndicate should
take the lead to make the university a centre of
excellence, he said.
Vice chancellor Dr. M. Abdul Salam presided over the
function. ''Many projects are on the cards to keep up the
University with the needs of the modern world. Eco
friendly, litter free green campus, smart class rooms,
better hostel facilities, cafeteria, digital library and rest
houses are the upcoming projects. They would be of
immense help to the students, Dr. Abdul Salam said.
Former Vice Chancellor ANP Ummer Kutty launched the
placement portal developed by the university placement
cell to streamline campus placements. The global online
verification system was inaugurated by Dr.KKN Kurup,
former vice chancellor. The system helps verify University
certificates and mark sheets online.
Dr Salam honoured his predecessors draping them with
shawls and presenting mementos. Syndicate member
R.S Panicker ,TV Ibrahim, Adv PM Niyas ,TP Asharafali
and University union vice chairman Ansan C Joy
felicitated the function. Pro- vice Chancellor Prof K
Raveedranath welcomed the gathering and Registrar PP
Mohamed proposed a vote of thanks.
A musical treat by the University Music Club followed.
Santhosh Mithra, artist at Art and Photography
department, did a painting in tune with the music.
- Mujeeb Cheriyampuram (III Sem. MCJ)
6 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 7 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Uthniversity of Calicut celebrated its 45 foundation day on July 23 with
the launching of a couple of new projects – placement portal and e
verification system. Former vice-chancellors whose effort had
significant role in the development of the University were honoured at the
function. Calicut University, the second to be set up in Kerala came into being in
1968 with the objective of developing human resources in the northern
districts of the State by extending higher education and promoting research
with particular emphasis on technology ,art and culture.
thDr T.K. Raveendran inaugurating the 45 foundation day of Calicut University
Calicut University,
the second to be set
up in Kerala came
into being in 1968
with the objective of
developing human
resources in the
northern districts of
the State by extending
higher education and
promoting research
with particular
emphasis on
technology,
art and culture.
CUTURNS 45
Former Vice Chancellor and well known historian Dr. T. K.
Raveendran inaugurated the function. 'Universities can
achieve a lot by the joined efforts of the vice chancellor,
syndicate, and campus fraternity. The syndicate should
take the lead to make the university a centre of
excellence, he said.
Vice chancellor Dr. M. Abdul Salam presided over the
function. ''Many projects are on the cards to keep up the
University with the needs of the modern world. Eco
friendly, litter free green campus, smart class rooms,
better hostel facilities, cafeteria, digital library and rest
houses are the upcoming projects. They would be of
immense help to the students, Dr. Abdul Salam said.
Former Vice Chancellor ANP Ummer Kutty launched the
placement portal developed by the university placement
cell to streamline campus placements. The global online
verification system was inaugurated by Dr.KKN Kurup,
former vice chancellor. The system helps verify University
certificates and mark sheets online.
Dr Salam honoured his predecessors draping them with
shawls and presenting mementos. Syndicate member
R.S Panicker ,TV Ibrahim, Adv PM Niyas ,TP Asharafali
and University union vice chairman Ansan C Joy
felicitated the function. Pro- vice Chancellor Prof K
Raveedranath welcomed the gathering and Registrar PP
Mohamed proposed a vote of thanks.
A musical treat by the University Music Club followed.
Santhosh Mithra, artist at Art and Photography
department, did a painting in tune with the music.
- Mujeeb Cheriyampuram (III Sem. MCJ)
6 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 7 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Iam very happy to be present here today when for
the first time, the executive body of the new
university's meeting. It would be premature on my
part to venture to address you on an occasion like this.
You are all mostly veteran educationists who have had
almost a life time of experience in looking at the
problems of higher education and university
administration. As you know, I am only a novice in the
line. There is therefore considerable diffidence in me.
However, there is one saving element; I am very
sensitive to your pressing problems and deeply anxious
to solve them or at least help to solve them. Whatever
help the government machinery can give to render the
working of the university more efficient and more
relevant to the current state of affairs, I shall try my best
to make available to you. It is more to reassure you in this
simple and vital matter that I have decided to come here
today.
I have not hesitated to give public expression to my
desire and resolve that Calicut University shall not be just
one more or another university for the state, but it shall
be a new university for the state, Kerala has pioneered in
many fields of education and I do feel that we will be able
to evolve the pattern of a dynamic, creative even
adventurous system of education, that would draw forth
all the natural and material resources of the region and
would evidence the infinite capacity of our human
potential to rise equal to the contemporary challenges.
Institutions of higher education should be viewed as
servants of society, created and maintained to meet the
needs of the people comprising the society. Since needs
change, colleges and universities are expected to
change. If institutions through decisions of their
faculties, board members of administrators refuse to
modify practices to confirm to new conditions, their
existence or multiplication is hardly justifiable.
Only such institutions are alive and open to such timely
changes are viable, the others becoming moribund as
time goes by.
Now let's look closely at conditions prevailing here and
ask a few questions.
1. What is the role of the junior colleges? Should they
all, in due course be up-graded as first grade
colleges? Is it necessary, is it even desirable? Should
they increase in larger and larger numbers, at such
terrific cost to the exchequer? Should they continue
to be attached to, or controlled by university, or shall
it be controlled by an independent board forged out
of the secondary educationist and university men?
What shall be the qualifications for the teachers
there? What about fee levels? I would like you to
examine this question in all seriousness and suggest
an optimum number and their location during the
next plan period.
2. You are aware of the anxiety of all the colleges to start
fresh courses at graduate and post graduate levels.
Of course the managements are willing to put up
physical facilities with or without the quantum of
grants. But the recurring expenditure with deficits
more or less subsidised by government, is mounting
tremendously. Here again a natural policy of
discretionary limitation or selection appears to be
called for. There should be a planned approach to
such expansion of a routine nature. It is not easy for
any single executive head to tackle this problem. The
syndicate, I hope would give its anxious
consideration to this question. It is here that I hope
the university will not be a replica of the older models
but will boldly cry a halt repetitive expansion for
parochial or other reasons and should conserve its
resources for expansion of a more worth- while type.
It is proposed to constitute a development council
with experts from different parts of India to help us
with suggestions in this regard. But, remember their
suggestions are to be made relevant and live for our
situation by the responsible executive body of this
university. I congratulate you for the confidence the
chancellor has placed in you for starting this work of
great importance for the future of education in the
land.
3. How can the university effectively make a salutary
impact on the milieu which ultimately pays for the
services thus set up in their midst. What specific steps
the members of the staff and the senior students can
take to make their knowledge the property of the
common man? The universities are to be the criticism
of the life around them. What practical sustainable
form can this criticism take? How far can the medium
of the press and publicity concerns like the radio and
the cinema and the journals be engaged to co-
operate with the work of the university?
4. During the discussion which Mr. Chacko and I had
with the University Grants Commission, we have
gathered the impression that the University Grants
Commission is certainly willing to consider any
dynamic process of evolution of the education
system. Mr. Chacko has suggested to me that he
would like to send some of our youth into the major
industrial concerns in this region, provide them with
facilities for theoretical instruction there and qualify
them to be graduates emerging from actual life
environments- graduates in technology not coming
out of colleges of technology but out of centres of
technological excellence. May be, it is such men who
will be better equipped to exploit the local resources
than the usual college type of technologist. I do not
want to repeat again and again my hopes on the new
faculties we have proposed for the university. I wish
that you take the challenge that nature places before
you here and evolve ways and means by which the
youth of the land whose prosperity is our aim is
enabled to enjoy a higher standard of living.
5. I shall not take more of your time. I shall conclude
observing that while I attach great importance to
science, technology and research in these lines, I do
not minimise the great values of a cultural evolution.
The faculties of philosophy and oriental studies and
fine arts and extension services must all grow from
any possible role of passivity and speculation to one of
tangible action. Greater understanding of our
sociological and cultural problems, more enlightened
and harmonious acceptance of a fusion of values, an
enviable measure of tolerance and spirit of co-
existence – these must also be the visible contribution
of the new university. We are thinking of building up a
big unit of intellectuals living together as a homestead
or community supra-sectarian in outlook and
behaviour. What shape you will give to it is in your
hands. That task is not simple. The problems are
numerous. Temptations will be too strong. Challenges
from a society in ferment may prove too trying for us
of the older generation. But the satisfaction from
achievement will be high if out of such conditions we
can produce and bequeath to posterity a centre of
excellence which trading upon the best of values in
man will shine forth as a beacon and tell them that out
of sincere work prosperity for the brethren will
emerge. What will be intrinsic worth of any project if it
cannot ultimately transform the life of all our brethren
to one of peace and prosperity?
Thank you for the opportunity you have given me to meet
you all on this momentous occasion. I wish you all
success. I promise once again the most sympathetic
consideration of your problems at the level of
government.
Source: Minutes of the Calicut University Syndicate
meeting 2 November 1968 Appendix II
by
at the first meeting of Calicut University Syndicate
C H MOHAMMED KOYA
A r c h i v e
8 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 9 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
C.H. Mohammed Koya at a function at the University
Iam very happy to be present here today when for
the first time, the executive body of the new
university's meeting. It would be premature on my
part to venture to address you on an occasion like this.
You are all mostly veteran educationists who have had
almost a life time of experience in looking at the
problems of higher education and university
administration. As you know, I am only a novice in the
line. There is therefore considerable diffidence in me.
However, there is one saving element; I am very
sensitive to your pressing problems and deeply anxious
to solve them or at least help to solve them. Whatever
help the government machinery can give to render the
working of the university more efficient and more
relevant to the current state of affairs, I shall try my best
to make available to you. It is more to reassure you in this
simple and vital matter that I have decided to come here
today.
I have not hesitated to give public expression to my
desire and resolve that Calicut University shall not be just
one more or another university for the state, but it shall
be a new university for the state, Kerala has pioneered in
many fields of education and I do feel that we will be able
to evolve the pattern of a dynamic, creative even
adventurous system of education, that would draw forth
all the natural and material resources of the region and
would evidence the infinite capacity of our human
potential to rise equal to the contemporary challenges.
Institutions of higher education should be viewed as
servants of society, created and maintained to meet the
needs of the people comprising the society. Since needs
change, colleges and universities are expected to
change. If institutions through decisions of their
faculties, board members of administrators refuse to
modify practices to confirm to new conditions, their
existence or multiplication is hardly justifiable.
Only such institutions are alive and open to such timely
changes are viable, the others becoming moribund as
time goes by.
Now let's look closely at conditions prevailing here and
ask a few questions.
1. What is the role of the junior colleges? Should they
all, in due course be up-graded as first grade
colleges? Is it necessary, is it even desirable? Should
they increase in larger and larger numbers, at such
terrific cost to the exchequer? Should they continue
to be attached to, or controlled by university, or shall
it be controlled by an independent board forged out
of the secondary educationist and university men?
What shall be the qualifications for the teachers
there? What about fee levels? I would like you to
examine this question in all seriousness and suggest
an optimum number and their location during the
next plan period.
2. You are aware of the anxiety of all the colleges to start
fresh courses at graduate and post graduate levels.
Of course the managements are willing to put up
physical facilities with or without the quantum of
grants. But the recurring expenditure with deficits
more or less subsidised by government, is mounting
tremendously. Here again a natural policy of
discretionary limitation or selection appears to be
called for. There should be a planned approach to
such expansion of a routine nature. It is not easy for
any single executive head to tackle this problem. The
syndicate, I hope would give its anxious
consideration to this question. It is here that I hope
the university will not be a replica of the older models
but will boldly cry a halt repetitive expansion for
parochial or other reasons and should conserve its
resources for expansion of a more worth- while type.
It is proposed to constitute a development council
with experts from different parts of India to help us
with suggestions in this regard. But, remember their
suggestions are to be made relevant and live for our
situation by the responsible executive body of this
university. I congratulate you for the confidence the
chancellor has placed in you for starting this work of
great importance for the future of education in the
land.
3. How can the university effectively make a salutary
impact on the milieu which ultimately pays for the
services thus set up in their midst. What specific steps
the members of the staff and the senior students can
take to make their knowledge the property of the
common man? The universities are to be the criticism
of the life around them. What practical sustainable
form can this criticism take? How far can the medium
of the press and publicity concerns like the radio and
the cinema and the journals be engaged to co-
operate with the work of the university?
4. During the discussion which Mr. Chacko and I had
with the University Grants Commission, we have
gathered the impression that the University Grants
Commission is certainly willing to consider any
dynamic process of evolution of the education
system. Mr. Chacko has suggested to me that he
would like to send some of our youth into the major
industrial concerns in this region, provide them with
facilities for theoretical instruction there and qualify
them to be graduates emerging from actual life
environments- graduates in technology not coming
out of colleges of technology but out of centres of
technological excellence. May be, it is such men who
will be better equipped to exploit the local resources
than the usual college type of technologist. I do not
want to repeat again and again my hopes on the new
faculties we have proposed for the university. I wish
that you take the challenge that nature places before
you here and evolve ways and means by which the
youth of the land whose prosperity is our aim is
enabled to enjoy a higher standard of living.
5. I shall not take more of your time. I shall conclude
observing that while I attach great importance to
science, technology and research in these lines, I do
not minimise the great values of a cultural evolution.
The faculties of philosophy and oriental studies and
fine arts and extension services must all grow from
any possible role of passivity and speculation to one of
tangible action. Greater understanding of our
sociological and cultural problems, more enlightened
and harmonious acceptance of a fusion of values, an
enviable measure of tolerance and spirit of co-
existence – these must also be the visible contribution
of the new university. We are thinking of building up a
big unit of intellectuals living together as a homestead
or community supra-sectarian in outlook and
behaviour. What shape you will give to it is in your
hands. That task is not simple. The problems are
numerous. Temptations will be too strong. Challenges
from a society in ferment may prove too trying for us
of the older generation. But the satisfaction from
achievement will be high if out of such conditions we
can produce and bequeath to posterity a centre of
excellence which trading upon the best of values in
man will shine forth as a beacon and tell them that out
of sincere work prosperity for the brethren will
emerge. What will be intrinsic worth of any project if it
cannot ultimately transform the life of all our brethren
to one of peace and prosperity?
Thank you for the opportunity you have given me to meet
you all on this momentous occasion. I wish you all
success. I promise once again the most sympathetic
consideration of your problems at the level of
government.
Source: Minutes of the Calicut University Syndicate
meeting 2 November 1968 Appendix II
by
at the first meeting of Calicut University Syndicate
C H MOHAMMED KOYA
A r c h i v e
8 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 9 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
C.H. Mohammed Koya at a function at the University
I am quoting the above from the proceedings of the
Kerala Legislative Assembly, the words uttered by
the then education minister Mr. C.H.Mohammed
Koya in a tone that reverberated inside the assembly hall
for a number of years.
Yes, that was his wish, his dream-a university that would
become world famous.
I was elated on hearing that statement on that occasion.
When the assembly was discussing the University Bill, I
was present in the visitor's gallery. It was my lot then to
be the organiser of the University and its temporary
administrator in the initial stages.
'A university that is likely to be world famous'-there was
hope, self confidence and determination in the words of
its far sighted founder. I am recording my memories here
with the sad thought that he could witness its growth
only for a short period of a decade and half.
He enjoyed a great sense of satisfaction, a feeling of a
great victory when he was piloting the bill in the
“I haven't shown any impropriety in giving the name of a world famous city to a
university which, I hope, would become world famous one day-indeed, there is
a great possibility, that this university would become world famous in future.”
C.H. Mohammed Koya
University of Calicutthe Architect of
Legislative Assembly. There was no model before him for
a new university having been established in Kerala.
However he had no misgiving about the need for such a
university. He told the Assembly.
“Everyone knows that the northern districts of Kerala are
educationally backward. I believe that the establishment
of a new university would certainly be a remedy for that
situation”
I wish that somebody would write a complete history of
the university of Calicut. My aim is just to indulge in
reminiscences, pointing out, at the same time, a few
relevant facts. It was in accordance with the
recommendation of a public committee with the Vice
Chacellor of the University of Kerala or its chairman, that
the Government of Kerala decided to establish an
affiliating University in Calicut and a federal University in
Cochin.
The making of university legislation was a complex
problem in Kerala. It was a matter of common
knowledge that private managements were considered
to have vested interests and teachers were taken as an
organized group perfectly demanding their rights. The
relationship between the management and the teachers
was taken to be one like the relationship between
capitalists and the proletariates. This state of affairs led
to all sorts of conflicts. Many provisions in the Kerala
University Bill were questioned in courts. In these
circumstances it was not an easy job to make a university
bill which would satisfy the administration, teachers,
students and the management. Moreover, framework of
the existing university bill, in toto had to be followed as a
model. Taking these limiting factors in to consideration,
an act was drafted and to avoid delay the university was
established after having got the act passed as an
ordinance.
Sri.Koya wished that the new university should have a
new approach that would facilitate its growth in
consonance with his dreams. An expert committee was
thus appointed with Sri.Koya himself as its chairman. Its
members were experienced men like Dr. Nag Choudhary,
planning commission member, Dr, Tayabji who had been
vice-chancellor in several universities, Dr.K.G Saiyiddeen,
who was secretary for education to the Government of
India, I was the member secretary of the chief executive
officer of the university. We met several times at Calicut
and prepared many long term projects. The U.G.C
appointed an expert committee to examine them. The
committee, in turn approved the projects. In the light of
the development of the new campus at Thenjipalam the
U.G.C recorded that the University of Calicut would be a
model for new universities.
The practice of granting exemptions for teachers in
qualifications and age limit was stopped forthwith. It
was suggested that university departments should not be
satisfied with traditional M.A/MSc courses and that they
should engage themselves in original research. It was
also envisaged that teachers in the university
departments should go and teach, occasionally, in
affiliated colleges. However, these programmes could
not be implemented as there was opposition to these
moves from some quarters.
New projects were planned, in which the educational and
industrial sectors could cooperate. These too were short
lived. However, later experience proved that these
projects could be revivied.
The development of the Thenhipalam campus received
high priority. In all these the minister himself showed a
personal interest and provided all help and cooperation.
Two years later, when the University of Cochin was
established, Mohammed Koya was anxious about the
growth and shortcomings of the University of Calicut.
Whatever may be his dreams and expectations, it is true
that the delay in the implementation of projects,
unavoidable obstructions and the negative response
from many who were expected to help disheartened him.
This could be seen in the speeches that he made in the
Assembly on the occasion of the passing of Cochin
University Bill.
Nobody should expect that this would change the face of
the country and that as if with the help of Aladdin's magic
lamp, all unemployed young men and women would get
jobs. This is just a small beginning to solve a big problem
that our country faces. As the poet says,
In this small boat do I cross the waters
To reach the other shore of the ocean.
This is just an earnest attempt to find solutions to our
problems. Education should be linked with industry. The
University of Calicut had, right from its inception, made
some attempts to generate employment opportunities by
linking education with industry. I hope this university
would also follow suit. No doubt it would have some effect.
C.H. Mohammed Koya
(Vol.XXiX-17-8-71 Kerala Assembly proceeding)
U n i v e r s i t y H i s t o r y
10 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 11 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
I am quoting the above from the proceedings of the
Kerala Legislative Assembly, the words uttered by
the then education minister Mr. C.H.Mohammed
Koya in a tone that reverberated inside the assembly hall
for a number of years.
Yes, that was his wish, his dream-a university that would
become world famous.
I was elated on hearing that statement on that occasion.
When the assembly was discussing the University Bill, I
was present in the visitor's gallery. It was my lot then to
be the organiser of the University and its temporary
administrator in the initial stages.
'A university that is likely to be world famous'-there was
hope, self confidence and determination in the words of
its far sighted founder. I am recording my memories here
with the sad thought that he could witness its growth
only for a short period of a decade and half.
He enjoyed a great sense of satisfaction, a feeling of a
great victory when he was piloting the bill in the
“I haven't shown any impropriety in giving the name of a world famous city to a
university which, I hope, would become world famous one day-indeed, there is
a great possibility, that this university would become world famous in future.”
C.H. Mohammed Koya
University of Calicutthe Architect of
Legislative Assembly. There was no model before him for
a new university having been established in Kerala.
However he had no misgiving about the need for such a
university. He told the Assembly.
“Everyone knows that the northern districts of Kerala are
educationally backward. I believe that the establishment
of a new university would certainly be a remedy for that
situation”
I wish that somebody would write a complete history of
the university of Calicut. My aim is just to indulge in
reminiscences, pointing out, at the same time, a few
relevant facts. It was in accordance with the
recommendation of a public committee with the Vice
Chacellor of the University of Kerala or its chairman, that
the Government of Kerala decided to establish an
affiliating University in Calicut and a federal University in
Cochin.
The making of university legislation was a complex
problem in Kerala. It was a matter of common
knowledge that private managements were considered
to have vested interests and teachers were taken as an
organized group perfectly demanding their rights. The
relationship between the management and the teachers
was taken to be one like the relationship between
capitalists and the proletariates. This state of affairs led
to all sorts of conflicts. Many provisions in the Kerala
University Bill were questioned in courts. In these
circumstances it was not an easy job to make a university
bill which would satisfy the administration, teachers,
students and the management. Moreover, framework of
the existing university bill, in toto had to be followed as a
model. Taking these limiting factors in to consideration,
an act was drafted and to avoid delay the university was
established after having got the act passed as an
ordinance.
Sri.Koya wished that the new university should have a
new approach that would facilitate its growth in
consonance with his dreams. An expert committee was
thus appointed with Sri.Koya himself as its chairman. Its
members were experienced men like Dr. Nag Choudhary,
planning commission member, Dr, Tayabji who had been
vice-chancellor in several universities, Dr.K.G Saiyiddeen,
who was secretary for education to the Government of
India, I was the member secretary of the chief executive
officer of the university. We met several times at Calicut
and prepared many long term projects. The U.G.C
appointed an expert committee to examine them. The
committee, in turn approved the projects. In the light of
the development of the new campus at Thenjipalam the
U.G.C recorded that the University of Calicut would be a
model for new universities.
The practice of granting exemptions for teachers in
qualifications and age limit was stopped forthwith. It
was suggested that university departments should not be
satisfied with traditional M.A/MSc courses and that they
should engage themselves in original research. It was
also envisaged that teachers in the university
departments should go and teach, occasionally, in
affiliated colleges. However, these programmes could
not be implemented as there was opposition to these
moves from some quarters.
New projects were planned, in which the educational and
industrial sectors could cooperate. These too were short
lived. However, later experience proved that these
projects could be revivied.
The development of the Thenhipalam campus received
high priority. In all these the minister himself showed a
personal interest and provided all help and cooperation.
Two years later, when the University of Cochin was
established, Mohammed Koya was anxious about the
growth and shortcomings of the University of Calicut.
Whatever may be his dreams and expectations, it is true
that the delay in the implementation of projects,
unavoidable obstructions and the negative response
from many who were expected to help disheartened him.
This could be seen in the speeches that he made in the
Assembly on the occasion of the passing of Cochin
University Bill.
Nobody should expect that this would change the face of
the country and that as if with the help of Aladdin's magic
lamp, all unemployed young men and women would get
jobs. This is just a small beginning to solve a big problem
that our country faces. As the poet says,
In this small boat do I cross the waters
To reach the other shore of the ocean.
This is just an earnest attempt to find solutions to our
problems. Education should be linked with industry. The
University of Calicut had, right from its inception, made
some attempts to generate employment opportunities by
linking education with industry. I hope this university
would also follow suit. No doubt it would have some effect.
C.H. Mohammed Koya
(Vol.XXiX-17-8-71 Kerala Assembly proceeding)
U n i v e r s i t y H i s t o r y
10 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 11 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
When a new university is established and it passes
through teething troubles, the society would not take into
consideration all the factors when it passes its
judgement. Even two years after its establishment, the
University of Calicut and its activities were not well known
to the public. The people were ignorant of its
achievement. As such there was a lot of adverse
criticism in the mass media. Keeping all these things in
mind, Mohammed Koya was outlining the future
programme of the University. Mr.Triguna Sen, the then
Union minister for education said a few things to the
thousands of people assembled at Mananchira maidan on
the occasion of the unveiling of a plaque to
commemorate the founding of the university. One of the
things that he suggested was when a new university was
being established it should be through proper legislation
and not through an ordinance. He also expressed
genuine doubts about the promulgation of another
ordinance aimed at the improvement of the new
university. He also queried whether the same dull routine
processes to establish outdated departments, curricula,
and the meaningless ritual of research could be
unimaginatively repeated here too just to boast of the
size and stature of the university perhaps even about the
number of universities in the state. The Education
minister C.H Muhamammed Koya, the architect of Calicut
University obviously must have been pained by these
stringent observations.
In his characteristic way he remarked that to do
something new was really difficult though it was
customary to be criticized for the lapses. In Kerala,
education ministers had been changing at short intervals
and hence the educational policy too.
A general complaint is that experimental and innovative
educational policies are harmful. So there has ever been
a cry for pursuing the tested and trusted path in matters
of education. However, C.H. made it very clear in a
statement that after the formation of the Calicut
University, within a short period it could do something
original at least in the form of new attempts.
What were those new experiments? Calicut Unviersity
was not formed just with the intention to reduce the size
and problems of Kerala University. Northern Kerala, as
hinted earlier, has ever been backward in education. But
it is blessed with boundless natural resources, tradition,
history and culture and highly imaginative people gifted
with creative talents. The prime aim behind the
formation of Calicut University was to transform the
people of this region into educated people of action with
an abounding sense of dedication. A meaningful rapport
between the university and the industrial sector and a
pioneering effort to transform the whole mass were
woven into the very concept of Calicut University.
The introduction of an adult education department, not
very common in other universities, was a step in this
direction. The hope was to make use of the service of
college and university professors and teachers to spread
education and information among the older people, men
and women through evening and night classes. CH
himself took part in many such classes and inspired
others to futher this project.
Another effort was to lint the educational experiments
and the industrial sector. He thought, a degree in
technology or engineering was important but it was more
important for such personnel to gain actual work
experience. He firmly believed that industries could
provide the base for this and in turn receive the benefits
of newfound, sound technological knowledge. The
appointment of Sri Kaderkutty, a proven industrialist of
north Malabar, as the first dean of technology faculty,
was a bold step in this line. A mere degree was not
reckoned as a must for this appointment. On the
contrary, the organizational ability, vision and planning
evinced by that industrialist were the sole criteria. We
tried to solicit the co-operation of the industrial sector as
a whole to educate and evolve a set of high calibre
technologists and scientists. The very same point he
highlighted in his later speech at the Assembly. Bachelor
of technology courses in four subjects-forestry resources
and development, fisheries, harnessing and utilization of
chemicals, use of iron and steel. These courses of four
years duration(8semester) were expected to be practical
and actual work experience oriented under the prevailing
conditions in factories. Western India Plywoods,
Western India Steel Rolling Mills, Gwalior Rayons, Kerala
Soaps Factory, etc. gave the facilities for practical
training and actual work experience. The students also
worked in distant and different processing, preserving,
developing, and sales depots pertaining to
fisheries,forestry, chemicals and iron and steel.
At a time when big factories were unwilling to take even
qualified engineers and scientists as apprentices on a
meager stipend basis, the education minister used his
own personal influence to train more than fifity students
in the above mentioned prestigious and fully developed
factories. Perhaps this vital factor was not known to
many. Some central institutions with the backing of
Indian government objected to the courses on forestry
and fisheries and even threatened that the degrees
conferred by Calicut University would not be recognized.
C.H. stuck to his guns at least during his tenure and
masterminded the running and completion of these
innovative courses; even granting its experimental
nature and the inherent inevitable drawbacks.
But all obstacles were overcome and all the four degree
courses were started. Subject experts of neighbouring
institutions, factories and governmental departments
were appointed as teachers on a temporary basis.
Classes were held in places like the Y.M.C.A on every
working day students received lectures for two to three
hours, besides vocational training. Koya himself
inaugurated the courses at an informal gathering. It was
a new experiment at the university level of education,
innovative and exciting.
Endeavors of this kind were not easy. In the meantime,
we had to find a new location for the university and also
provide essential facilities for its smooth functioning. In
tackling these problems too, we had Koya's unstinted
moral support and encouragement so that we could be
bold and innovative.
Professor Samuel Mathai happended to visit
Thenhipalam where Kerala university had planned to
12 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 13 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
When a new university is established and it passes
through teething troubles, the society would not take into
consideration all the factors when it passes its
judgement. Even two years after its establishment, the
University of Calicut and its activities were not well known
to the public. The people were ignorant of its
achievement. As such there was a lot of adverse
criticism in the mass media. Keeping all these things in
mind, Mohammed Koya was outlining the future
programme of the University. Mr.Triguna Sen, the then
Union minister for education said a few things to the
thousands of people assembled at Mananchira maidan on
the occasion of the unveiling of a plaque to
commemorate the founding of the university. One of the
things that he suggested was when a new university was
being established it should be through proper legislation
and not through an ordinance. He also expressed
genuine doubts about the promulgation of another
ordinance aimed at the improvement of the new
university. He also queried whether the same dull routine
processes to establish outdated departments, curricula,
and the meaningless ritual of research could be
unimaginatively repeated here too just to boast of the
size and stature of the university perhaps even about the
number of universities in the state. The Education
minister C.H Muhamammed Koya, the architect of Calicut
University obviously must have been pained by these
stringent observations.
In his characteristic way he remarked that to do
something new was really difficult though it was
customary to be criticized for the lapses. In Kerala,
education ministers had been changing at short intervals
and hence the educational policy too.
A general complaint is that experimental and innovative
educational policies are harmful. So there has ever been
a cry for pursuing the tested and trusted path in matters
of education. However, C.H. made it very clear in a
statement that after the formation of the Calicut
University, within a short period it could do something
original at least in the form of new attempts.
What were those new experiments? Calicut Unviersity
was not formed just with the intention to reduce the size
and problems of Kerala University. Northern Kerala, as
hinted earlier, has ever been backward in education. But
it is blessed with boundless natural resources, tradition,
history and culture and highly imaginative people gifted
with creative talents. The prime aim behind the
formation of Calicut University was to transform the
people of this region into educated people of action with
an abounding sense of dedication. A meaningful rapport
between the university and the industrial sector and a
pioneering effort to transform the whole mass were
woven into the very concept of Calicut University.
The introduction of an adult education department, not
very common in other universities, was a step in this
direction. The hope was to make use of the service of
college and university professors and teachers to spread
education and information among the older people, men
and women through evening and night classes. CH
himself took part in many such classes and inspired
others to futher this project.
Another effort was to lint the educational experiments
and the industrial sector. He thought, a degree in
technology or engineering was important but it was more
important for such personnel to gain actual work
experience. He firmly believed that industries could
provide the base for this and in turn receive the benefits
of newfound, sound technological knowledge. The
appointment of Sri Kaderkutty, a proven industrialist of
north Malabar, as the first dean of technology faculty,
was a bold step in this line. A mere degree was not
reckoned as a must for this appointment. On the
contrary, the organizational ability, vision and planning
evinced by that industrialist were the sole criteria. We
tried to solicit the co-operation of the industrial sector as
a whole to educate and evolve a set of high calibre
technologists and scientists. The very same point he
highlighted in his later speech at the Assembly. Bachelor
of technology courses in four subjects-forestry resources
and development, fisheries, harnessing and utilization of
chemicals, use of iron and steel. These courses of four
years duration(8semester) were expected to be practical
and actual work experience oriented under the prevailing
conditions in factories. Western India Plywoods,
Western India Steel Rolling Mills, Gwalior Rayons, Kerala
Soaps Factory, etc. gave the facilities for practical
training and actual work experience. The students also
worked in distant and different processing, preserving,
developing, and sales depots pertaining to
fisheries,forestry, chemicals and iron and steel.
At a time when big factories were unwilling to take even
qualified engineers and scientists as apprentices on a
meager stipend basis, the education minister used his
own personal influence to train more than fifity students
in the above mentioned prestigious and fully developed
factories. Perhaps this vital factor was not known to
many. Some central institutions with the backing of
Indian government objected to the courses on forestry
and fisheries and even threatened that the degrees
conferred by Calicut University would not be recognized.
C.H. stuck to his guns at least during his tenure and
masterminded the running and completion of these
innovative courses; even granting its experimental
nature and the inherent inevitable drawbacks.
But all obstacles were overcome and all the four degree
courses were started. Subject experts of neighbouring
institutions, factories and governmental departments
were appointed as teachers on a temporary basis.
Classes were held in places like the Y.M.C.A on every
working day students received lectures for two to three
hours, besides vocational training. Koya himself
inaugurated the courses at an informal gathering. It was
a new experiment at the university level of education,
innovative and exciting.
Endeavors of this kind were not easy. In the meantime,
we had to find a new location for the university and also
provide essential facilities for its smooth functioning. In
tackling these problems too, we had Koya's unstinted
moral support and encouragement so that we could be
bold and innovative.
Professor Samuel Mathai happended to visit
Thenhipalam where Kerala university had planned to
12 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 13 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Universities are meant for social uplift and they are
the only source of guidance for social progress,
said former Supreme Court Judge and veteran
social activist Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer. The doyen of
Indian judiciary, who visited the University on October
10, 2012, was interacting with the higher officials and
academicians at the University Guest House.
Every university has a mission to accomplish. Calicut is
also no difference. People expect progressive steps only
from Universities, not from any other fields like
industries. If you aim at social development, your
V.R.Krishna Iyer Visits University
University can set out on a real odyssey, he inspired the
teachers encircled him with reverence.
The University community led by Vice Chancellor Prof. M.
Abdul Salam, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. K Raveendranath
and Registrar Dr. P.P.Mohamed and other statutory
officers and Syndicate members received Krishna Iyer
with a guard of honour. Syndicate member T.V Ebrahim
handed over to him a copy of the draft project proposal
for setting up the Department of Legal Studies on the
campus and requested his patronage for the project.
People expect progressive steps
only from Universities,
not from any other fields like industries.
Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Abdul Salam receiving Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer
develop a centre of learning. He was the chairman of the
committee constituted for this purpose and among other
members who visited the spot were Prof. Mundasseri
and myself. That day I secretly shared one of my doubts
with Mundasseri.
'Why should this great centre of learning be established
in a locale so isolated and cut off from the haunts of
social activities?' Indeed the place was desolate.
Mohammed Koya himself described it as a God-forsaken
barren land'. That is another story to which I shall return
later.
The administrative offices of the university were shifted
from the Government Polytechnic, Calicut to
Thenhipalam on October 2, 1969 _the day of Gandhiji's
birth anniversary. Arrangements had been made for
housing all the employees of that time on the campus
itself. The supply of water and electricity was ensured
right from the beginning. Facilities for travel,
communication and shopping were also been made
available prior to the shifting of the office. In due course
the head office and the teaching departments were
moved in to the campus. These were accomplished at
an incredibly short space of time thanks to Koya's
foresight and timely guidelines as well as the
confidence that he reposed in me. It may not be out of
place to cite here a brief note that he wrote about the
role that I had in effecting these changes: 'The Calicut
University he built up from scratch. It was Alladin's
wonderful lamp. He planned it and managed the
execution of the plans. In no time, the God-forsaken
barren land at Thenhipalam became a model university'.
As a matter of fact he himself was the Alladin who gave
me the magic lamp. With a dignified humility he was
only concealing his role while complimenting me.
All the experiences of the new campus were not sweet.
Some were bitter. But Mr.Koya shared our problems by
visiting the campus almost every week. He was very
fond of the university guest house. During his journeys
to north Malabar he often halted enroute at the guest
house. He would discuss our problems with us for hours
together.
K.C. Chacko
(First Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Calicut)
The prime aim behind the
formation of Calicut University was
to transform the people of this
regions into educated people of
action with an abounding sense of
dedication. A meaningful rapport
between the university and the
industrial sector and a pioneering
effort to transform the whole mass
were woven into the very concept
of Calicut University.
15 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Universities are meant for social uplift and they are
the only source of guidance for social progress,
said former Supreme Court Judge and veteran
social activist Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer. The doyen of
Indian judiciary, who visited the University on October
10, 2012, was interacting with the higher officials and
academicians at the University Guest House.
Every university has a mission to accomplish. Calicut is
also no difference. People expect progressive steps only
from Universities, not from any other fields like
industries. If you aim at social development, your
V.R.Krishna Iyer Visits University
University can set out on a real odyssey, he inspired the
teachers encircled him with reverence.
The University community led by Vice Chancellor Prof. M.
Abdul Salam, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. K Raveendranath
and Registrar Dr. P.P.Mohamed and other statutory
officers and Syndicate members received Krishna Iyer
with a guard of honour. Syndicate member T.V Ebrahim
handed over to him a copy of the draft project proposal
for setting up the Department of Legal Studies on the
campus and requested his patronage for the project.
People expect progressive steps
only from Universities,
not from any other fields like industries.
Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Abdul Salam receiving Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer
develop a centre of learning. He was the chairman of the
committee constituted for this purpose and among other
members who visited the spot were Prof. Mundasseri
and myself. That day I secretly shared one of my doubts
with Mundasseri.
'Why should this great centre of learning be established
in a locale so isolated and cut off from the haunts of
social activities?' Indeed the place was desolate.
Mohammed Koya himself described it as a God-forsaken
barren land'. That is another story to which I shall return
later.
The administrative offices of the university were shifted
from the Government Polytechnic, Calicut to
Thenhipalam on October 2, 1969 _the day of Gandhiji's
birth anniversary. Arrangements had been made for
housing all the employees of that time on the campus
itself. The supply of water and electricity was ensured
right from the beginning. Facilities for travel,
communication and shopping were also been made
available prior to the shifting of the office. In due course
the head office and the teaching departments were
moved in to the campus. These were accomplished at
an incredibly short space of time thanks to Koya's
foresight and timely guidelines as well as the
confidence that he reposed in me. It may not be out of
place to cite here a brief note that he wrote about the
role that I had in effecting these changes: 'The Calicut
University he built up from scratch. It was Alladin's
wonderful lamp. He planned it and managed the
execution of the plans. In no time, the God-forsaken
barren land at Thenhipalam became a model university'.
As a matter of fact he himself was the Alladin who gave
me the magic lamp. With a dignified humility he was
only concealing his role while complimenting me.
All the experiences of the new campus were not sweet.
Some were bitter. But Mr.Koya shared our problems by
visiting the campus almost every week. He was very
fond of the university guest house. During his journeys
to north Malabar he often halted enroute at the guest
house. He would discuss our problems with us for hours
together.
K.C. Chacko
(First Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Calicut)
The prime aim behind the
formation of Calicut University was
to transform the people of this
regions into educated people of
action with an abounding sense of
dedication. A meaningful rapport
between the university and the
industrial sector and a pioneering
effort to transform the whole mass
were woven into the very concept
of Calicut University.
15 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Vice Chancellor Prof. M Abdul Salam was conferred
with the honorary rank of Colonel by the Ministry
of Defense for his outstanding contributions to
the National Cadet Corps. Brigadier Subramaniam,
Deputy Director General in charge of Kerala and
Lakshadweep NCC, along with NCC Malabar Wing
Commander Colonel M Purushothaman awarded the
rank to the Prof. Salam by fixing the insignia on his
shoulders at a function held at the Seminar complex on 7
August.
“Today is a memorable and historic day in my life.
Indeed with great honor and humility, I receive this
prestigious title – the honorary rank of Colonel
Commandant of the armed forces,” said Prof. Salam
receiving the much coveted title.
“I am deeply moved by the sense of patriotism and
commitment to the mother nation and am fully aware of
the responsibility. With this title, I have a responsibility to
support all causes of NCC and Armed Forces with added
spirit and enthusiasm. This title also confers more
Vice Chancellor
Brigadier Subramaniam, Deputy Director General in charge of Kerala
and Lakshadweep NCC conferring honorary rank of
Colonel on Vice Chancellor Dr.M. Abdul Salam.
CONFERRED WITH COLONEL RANK
- Vindhya P (III Sem. MCJ)
At a special function titled 'Guruvandanam', Calicut
University honored two luminaries who
immensely contributed to the establishment of
the Department of History and Department of Physical
Education, which fetched many accolades to the
institution from national and international circuits of
intelligentsia. Prominent historian, social critic and
former Head of the Department of History Prof. M G S
Narayanan and Sri. E J Jacob, former Director of
Physical Education and mastermind behind many
victories of the University in sporting arena were the
Gurus Honored
Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Abdul Salam Honoring Prof. M G S Narayanan. Also seen are
Dr. Mohamedunni Alias Musthafa M.N. (Director, SDE), Prof. K. Raveendranath (PVC), T.V. Ibrahim (Member, Syndicate) and E J Jacob
Vice Chancellor presenting certificate
to Mohamed Arshad
Muhammadali N.
H o n o u r
responsibility on me to promote NCC in all the affiliated
colleges,” he said.
NCC helps the youth develop good character, patriotism,
comradeship, discipline, leadership, secular view and
selflessness. Without the uniform, we may have caste,
religion, politics, regional or linguistic spirits, and several
diverse feelings, but in uniform, we shed all these
feelings away to become one, just an Indian, he said.
Brigadier Subramaniam read the citation at the function.
“The NCC aims to add two lakh more cadets to the
present number of 13 lakh in the country. It is our
pleasure to honor great personalities in the country. That
is why we recommended Prof. Salam to the Defence
Ministry for the honorary rank, he said.
University Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. K. Raveendranath,
NCC Group Commander Colonel M Purushothaman,
Syndicate members Navas Jan, T V Ibrahim and PM Niyas
felicitated. Colonel Manjeet welcomed the gathering and
Battalion Commanding Officer Colonel KN Vijayan
proposed a vote of thanks.
17 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
stalwarts honoured for their outstanding contributions
to the University.
Vice Chancellor Prof. M. Abdul Salam inaugurated
Guruvandanam on October 5, 2012 at the Seminar
Complex. “We are happy to imbibe lessons from the rich
experiences of former leaders like Prof. M G S Narayanan
and Sri. Jacob. It is nothing but their commitment to the
University and perseverance to the knowledge that
motivate these octogenarians to still serve us with
valuable guidance. The new generation has many
lessons to learn from their zeal and vigour”, Vice
Chancellor said draping them with golden shawls in their
honour. Prof. Narayanan and Sri. Jacob recollected good
old days they spent on the campus. Integrity of
Mohamed Arshad, an eight year old student, who gave
back the lost money to its owner, was also acknowledged
at the function. Vice Chancellor presented him with a
memento..
Prof. M G S Narayanan launched the website and Sri.
Jacob released the brochure of the School of Distance
Education, University of Calicut at the session chaired by
Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. K. Raveendranath.
Syndicate member T V Ebrahim, Head of the Department
of History Prof. Asokan Mundon, Deputy Director of
Department of Physical Education Dr. V P Zakeer Husain
facilitated. Dr. Muhammadunni alias Mustafa, Director,
SDE welcomed the gathering and Sri. M V Zacharia, PRO
in charge proposed a vote of thanks.
Vice Chancellor Prof. M Abdul Salam was conferred
with the honorary rank of Colonel by the Ministry
of Defense for his outstanding contributions to
the National Cadet Corps. Brigadier Subramaniam,
Deputy Director General in charge of Kerala and
Lakshadweep NCC, along with NCC Malabar Wing
Commander Colonel M Purushothaman awarded the
rank to the Prof. Salam by fixing the insignia on his
shoulders at a function held at the Seminar complex on 7
August.
“Today is a memorable and historic day in my life.
Indeed with great honor and humility, I receive this
prestigious title – the honorary rank of Colonel
Commandant of the armed forces,” said Prof. Salam
receiving the much coveted title.
“I am deeply moved by the sense of patriotism and
commitment to the mother nation and am fully aware of
the responsibility. With this title, I have a responsibility to
support all causes of NCC and Armed Forces with added
spirit and enthusiasm. This title also confers more
Vice Chancellor
Brigadier Subramaniam, Deputy Director General in charge of Kerala
and Lakshadweep NCC conferring honorary rank of
Colonel on Vice Chancellor Dr.M. Abdul Salam.
CONFERRED WITH COLONEL RANK
- Vindhya P (III Sem. MCJ)
At a special function titled 'Guruvandanam', Calicut
University honored two luminaries who
immensely contributed to the establishment of
the Department of History and Department of Physical
Education, which fetched many accolades to the
institution from national and international circuits of
intelligentsia. Prominent historian, social critic and
former Head of the Department of History Prof. M G S
Narayanan and Sri. E J Jacob, former Director of
Physical Education and mastermind behind many
victories of the University in sporting arena were the
Gurus Honored
Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Abdul Salam Honoring Prof. M G S Narayanan. Also seen are
Dr. Mohamedunni Alias Musthafa M.N. (Director, SDE), Prof. K. Raveendranath (PVC), T.V. Ibrahim (Member, Syndicate) and E J Jacob
Vice Chancellor presenting certificate
to Mohamed Arshad
Muhammadali N.
H o n o u r
responsibility on me to promote NCC in all the affiliated
colleges,” he said.
NCC helps the youth develop good character, patriotism,
comradeship, discipline, leadership, secular view and
selflessness. Without the uniform, we may have caste,
religion, politics, regional or linguistic spirits, and several
diverse feelings, but in uniform, we shed all these
feelings away to become one, just an Indian, he said.
Brigadier Subramaniam read the citation at the function.
“The NCC aims to add two lakh more cadets to the
present number of 13 lakh in the country. It is our
pleasure to honor great personalities in the country. That
is why we recommended Prof. Salam to the Defence
Ministry for the honorary rank, he said.
University Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. K. Raveendranath,
NCC Group Commander Colonel M Purushothaman,
Syndicate members Navas Jan, T V Ibrahim and PM Niyas
felicitated. Colonel Manjeet welcomed the gathering and
Battalion Commanding Officer Colonel KN Vijayan
proposed a vote of thanks.
17 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
stalwarts honoured for their outstanding contributions
to the University.
Vice Chancellor Prof. M. Abdul Salam inaugurated
Guruvandanam on October 5, 2012 at the Seminar
Complex. “We are happy to imbibe lessons from the rich
experiences of former leaders like Prof. M G S Narayanan
and Sri. Jacob. It is nothing but their commitment to the
University and perseverance to the knowledge that
motivate these octogenarians to still serve us with
valuable guidance. The new generation has many
lessons to learn from their zeal and vigour”, Vice
Chancellor said draping them with golden shawls in their
honour. Prof. Narayanan and Sri. Jacob recollected good
old days they spent on the campus. Integrity of
Mohamed Arshad, an eight year old student, who gave
back the lost money to its owner, was also acknowledged
at the function. Vice Chancellor presented him with a
memento..
Prof. M G S Narayanan launched the website and Sri.
Jacob released the brochure of the School of Distance
Education, University of Calicut at the session chaired by
Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. K. Raveendranath.
Syndicate member T V Ebrahim, Head of the Department
of History Prof. Asokan Mundon, Deputy Director of
Department of Physical Education Dr. V P Zakeer Husain
facilitated. Dr. Muhammadunni alias Mustafa, Director,
SDE welcomed the gathering and Sri. M V Zacharia, PRO
in charge proposed a vote of thanks.
Three and half decades of investigations of the
flora and in depth study of the translations 12
volumes translation of Horthus Malabaricus has
fetched the renowned taxonomist Dr.K.S. Manilal, the
highest Civilian Award given by the Netherlands
Government. Representing Her Majesty Queen Beatrix,
Ms. Marijke A. Van Drunen Littel, Consel General in
Mumbai, kingdom of the Netherlands honoured him with
“Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau Award'' at an
august gathering held at Taj Gateway Hotel, Kozhikode.
Prof. K.S.Manilal, Emiratus Professor, Department of
Botany, University of Calicutwas chosen for this rare
honour in recognition of his signal achievement in
interpreting and translating Hortus Malabaricus, which is
the most extensive study of the medico-botanical
resources of Asia published in 17thcentury Europe. The
treatise is considered to be an important testimony of the
historical contact between Netherlands and India.
Hortus Indicus Malabaricus was the result of a project
launched by Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede, the then
Dutch Governor of Malabar. The 12 Volumes of the Latin
book were published during 1678-1693 from
Amsterdam. The compilation and publication of Hortus
Malabaricus is intimately connected with the history of
India, politics of the 17th century Netherlands and the
social conditions of Malabar, now part of Kerala.
Interpretation and translation of Hortus Malabaricus brings award
An important development in the study of Hortus
Malabaricus was its translation from Latin into English
and Malayalam, with annotation and modern botanical
and historical interpretation, a 35-year work by Prof.
Manilal. These 12 volumes in English were published in
2003 by the Univesity of Kerala. The information on the
medicinal uses of plants described in this book is of
immense significance in the context of attempts being
made in several countries to recover the traditional
knowledge and native wisdom related to various
scientific disciplines. Scattered throughout the Hortus
Malabaricus are details of aspects of life and culture in
South India. The importance given to Itty Achuthen the
local physician whose knowledge forms the key pillar in
the Hortus Malabaricus in spite of his lower caste origin
tells us a great deal about the complex social structure of
south Indian society 300 years ago. Achuthen's
selection by the Dutch Governor van Rheede highlights
the respect and high regard placed on merit of the
individual in the ancient south Indian society.
Despite the uniqueness and importance of the book,
Hortus Malabaricus is seldom mentioned in scholarly
discussions onthe scientific heritage of Asia, because the
book was written in old Latin and soinaccessible to most
Asians. The significance of Prof. Manilal's translation to
English and Malayalam lies in this context. Yet, the
Dr. K.S. ManilalNetherlands honours
significance ofHortus as a scientific treatise with
immensecontemporary value remains to be properly
appreciated and its translator remainslargely unknown
outside theacademic community. The award and its
publication during the Netherlands-India heritage day
celebration were actually a belated tribute to a well-
deserved academic.
Eminent Botanists, from across the country attended the
function which wasinaugurated by Hon. Minister Dr.M.K.
Muneer. Dr.C.K. Ramachandran presided over. Prof.
M.G.S. Narayanan, and Dr.P.A. Indira Balachandran
offered felicitations. Dr.M.Sabu, Professor and Head
Department of Botany welcomed the gathering and Dr.P.
Sunoj Kumar proposed a vote of thanks.
Pro. (Dr.). Kattungal Subramaniam Manilal started his career as one of the earliest taxonomic
researchers in South India in 1960 at the University of Calicut. He played a pivotal role in
establishing theSchool of Floristic and Plant Taxonomy at the University, now recognized as
one of the foremost institutions of its kind in Asia. As a teacher he was involved in the training
of several young taxonomists at a time when taxonomy received little attention and
institutional support. His explorations at Silent Valley helped reveal the status of the rare
flora there and provedcrucialin prompting the Central Govt. declaration of the site as a
national park.
Dr. Manilal verified the botanical identity of several traditional Indian ayurvedic medicinal
plants, and established the identity of over 650 plants described in Hortus Malabaricus.
During the years 1972-2002, he and his students discovered and described over 240 new
species and prepared records of newly identified flowering plants. Dr. Manilal has published
11 books and as many as 200 papers on various aspects of plant taxonomy. Through his
timely initiative, he helped establish the Indian Association for Angiosperm (IAAT), with over
700 dedicated Life Members on its rolls. Dr. Manilal is also the founder of the international
research journal Rheedea,specializing in taxonomy.
He has conducted extensive studies on the social, cultural, political, historical and linguistic
aspects of botanical researches, proving the relevance of taxonomy to both laymen and the
nation. His work has also won him international reputation. He has been a visiting scientist at
various universities such as London University, Smithsonian Institution and Leiden University.
In the present scenario, when our natural plant resources assume great economic and
political importance, in thecontext of issues related to patent and Intellectual Property
Rights, the significant contributions made by Dr. Manilal in nurturing, maintaining and
developing expertise in taxonomy needs to be further acknowledged and appreciated.
Pro. (Dr.). K. S. Manilal
H o n o u r
Profile
18 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 19 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Three and half decades of investigations of the
flora and in depth study of the translations 12
volumes translation of Horthus Malabaricus has
fetched the renowned taxonomist Dr.K.S. Manilal, the
highest Civilian Award given by the Netherlands
Government. Representing Her Majesty Queen Beatrix,
Ms. Marijke A. Van Drunen Littel, Consel General in
Mumbai, kingdom of the Netherlands honoured him with
“Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau Award'' at an
august gathering held at Taj Gateway Hotel, Kozhikode.
Prof. K.S.Manilal, Emiratus Professor, Department of
Botany, University of Calicutwas chosen for this rare
honour in recognition of his signal achievement in
interpreting and translating Hortus Malabaricus, which is
the most extensive study of the medico-botanical
resources of Asia published in 17thcentury Europe. The
treatise is considered to be an important testimony of the
historical contact between Netherlands and India.
Hortus Indicus Malabaricus was the result of a project
launched by Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede, the then
Dutch Governor of Malabar. The 12 Volumes of the Latin
book were published during 1678-1693 from
Amsterdam. The compilation and publication of Hortus
Malabaricus is intimately connected with the history of
India, politics of the 17th century Netherlands and the
social conditions of Malabar, now part of Kerala.
Interpretation and translation of Hortus Malabaricus brings award
An important development in the study of Hortus
Malabaricus was its translation from Latin into English
and Malayalam, with annotation and modern botanical
and historical interpretation, a 35-year work by Prof.
Manilal. These 12 volumes in English were published in
2003 by the Univesity of Kerala. The information on the
medicinal uses of plants described in this book is of
immense significance in the context of attempts being
made in several countries to recover the traditional
knowledge and native wisdom related to various
scientific disciplines. Scattered throughout the Hortus
Malabaricus are details of aspects of life and culture in
South India. The importance given to Itty Achuthen the
local physician whose knowledge forms the key pillar in
the Hortus Malabaricus in spite of his lower caste origin
tells us a great deal about the complex social structure of
south Indian society 300 years ago. Achuthen's
selection by the Dutch Governor van Rheede highlights
the respect and high regard placed on merit of the
individual in the ancient south Indian society.
Despite the uniqueness and importance of the book,
Hortus Malabaricus is seldom mentioned in scholarly
discussions onthe scientific heritage of Asia, because the
book was written in old Latin and soinaccessible to most
Asians. The significance of Prof. Manilal's translation to
English and Malayalam lies in this context. Yet, the
Dr. K.S. ManilalNetherlands honours
significance ofHortus as a scientific treatise with
immensecontemporary value remains to be properly
appreciated and its translator remainslargely unknown
outside theacademic community. The award and its
publication during the Netherlands-India heritage day
celebration were actually a belated tribute to a well-
deserved academic.
Eminent Botanists, from across the country attended the
function which wasinaugurated by Hon. Minister Dr.M.K.
Muneer. Dr.C.K. Ramachandran presided over. Prof.
M.G.S. Narayanan, and Dr.P.A. Indira Balachandran
offered felicitations. Dr.M.Sabu, Professor and Head
Department of Botany welcomed the gathering and Dr.P.
Sunoj Kumar proposed a vote of thanks.
Pro. (Dr.). Kattungal Subramaniam Manilal started his career as one of the earliest taxonomic
researchers in South India in 1960 at the University of Calicut. He played a pivotal role in
establishing theSchool of Floristic and Plant Taxonomy at the University, now recognized as
one of the foremost institutions of its kind in Asia. As a teacher he was involved in the training
of several young taxonomists at a time when taxonomy received little attention and
institutional support. His explorations at Silent Valley helped reveal the status of the rare
flora there and provedcrucialin prompting the Central Govt. declaration of the site as a
national park.
Dr. Manilal verified the botanical identity of several traditional Indian ayurvedic medicinal
plants, and established the identity of over 650 plants described in Hortus Malabaricus.
During the years 1972-2002, he and his students discovered and described over 240 new
species and prepared records of newly identified flowering plants. Dr. Manilal has published
11 books and as many as 200 papers on various aspects of plant taxonomy. Through his
timely initiative, he helped establish the Indian Association for Angiosperm (IAAT), with over
700 dedicated Life Members on its rolls. Dr. Manilal is also the founder of the international
research journal Rheedea,specializing in taxonomy.
He has conducted extensive studies on the social, cultural, political, historical and linguistic
aspects of botanical researches, proving the relevance of taxonomy to both laymen and the
nation. His work has also won him international reputation. He has been a visiting scientist at
various universities such as London University, Smithsonian Institution and Leiden University.
In the present scenario, when our natural plant resources assume great economic and
political importance, in thecontext of issues related to patent and Intellectual Property
Rights, the significant contributions made by Dr. Manilal in nurturing, maintaining and
developing expertise in taxonomy needs to be further acknowledged and appreciated.
Pro. (Dr.). K. S. Manilal
H o n o u r
Profile
18 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 19 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
A floating leaf that does not sink even if a 10 kg
stone is placed on it…a carnivorous plant that
eats insects… a tree that mimics the sound of a
cannon firing…a tree looking as if it has been planted
upside down….These are not scenes from a Harry Potter
movie but feasts that entertain the beholders' eyes as
they wind their way down the leafy fringes of the
Botanical Garden at Calicut University Campus.
Amozon Lily is an aquatic plant that should make it to the
Olympics in weight lifting. Its leaf can coolly carry a
weight of upto 10 kg . The carnivorous plant that eats
insects is known by the innocuous name Pitcher plant.
Cannon Ball tree's fruits when collide with each other,
make the sound of a cannon: Boom! Boom!! Boom!!!
The Botanical Garden is a magical feast to eyes that can
inspire even the dullest of you to a poetic ecstasy.
“With around 2500 species of plants and trees from all
over the world, it is regarded as the best botanical
garden among universities in India,” says Dr. M. Sabu,
Head of Botany Department which maintains the garden.
Medicinal plants, ginger plants, aroides, aquatic plants,
ferns, aromatic grasses, wild bananas, spices and
Botanical Garden
- Sanish. M.S.(III Sem. MCJ)
various exotic trees grow here.
“Due to the existence of diverse geographical features,
we could cultivate almost all types of plants ,” Dr. Sabu
adds. There are low lands, uphill slopes and wet patches
in the Botanical Garden that gives it the appearance of a
sylvan collage complete with exotic flora.
Rudraksha, Andaman Padok, Autograph, Ficus Krishnae,
African Tulip, Camphor, Iron Wood, Octopus, Aeroplane
Wood, Sausage and Baobab are among the rare trees
growing here. The 40 acre greenery project was
launched in 1972 under the stewardship of Dr. B.K. Nayar,
the then Head of the department. It was inaugurated by
Prof. R.E. Holttum, Director of Singapore Botanical
Garden.
Students from various educational institutions visit the
garden with prior permission. The entrance fee is
nominal and the money is used solely for the
maintenance of the garden. The miniature jungle path in
the garden serves to provide visitors the delights of a
virtual trekking experience. For the adventure seekers
there is also an erumadam to pump up their adrenaline.
The garden is a member of Botanic Gardens
Conservation International which is the largest plant
conservation network in the world. It was adjudged the
best stall at Calicut Flower Show during 2006 and 2007.
go, the project still remains incomplete. The Garden is
also in urgent need of footpaths and street lights.
Green brigade is the eco club of the Botany department.
It is an Environmental Science division initiative to
conserve nature and spread awareness of eco-friendly
projects. They undertake various initiatives like planting
trees, training students on planting and conserving trees
etc. Recently they planted 50 Sapota saplings along
University roadsides and in department premises. “All the
52 club members actively took part in the venture. Their
job is not simply planting trees. Instead they are taking
turns to do watering, manuring and other nurturing
activities to ensure their proper growth,” said C.C. Harilal,
Green brigade
a Marvelous Isle
20 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 21 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
faculty of botanical department who is in charge of the
club. “We wanted the departmental club to be upgraded
to a university level club. The process is expected to
complete soon. Then all students of the university can
take part in it,” he added.
Ginger House and Ginger Villa are projects for
multiplication, popularization and domestication of
endangered and wild ornamental plants. It is done by Dr.
M Sabu, Head of Botany Department. Under the projects,
department grows 200 species of ginger and its 2000
accessions. Ginger House is funded by Botanic Gardens
Conservation International and Ginger Villa by
Department of Bio Technology and Department of
Science and Technology. Through these novel schemes
and projects, Calicut University is reasserting its
commitment to nature, ecology and sustainable
development.
Ginger house and Ginger villa
A floating leaf that does not sink even if a 10 kg
stone is placed on it…a carnivorous plant that
eats insects… a tree that mimics the sound of a
cannon firing…a tree looking as if it has been planted
upside down….These are not scenes from a Harry Potter
movie but feasts that entertain the beholders' eyes as
they wind their way down the leafy fringes of the
Botanical Garden at Calicut University Campus.
Amozon Lily is an aquatic plant that should make it to the
Olympics in weight lifting. Its leaf can coolly carry a
weight of upto 10 kg . The carnivorous plant that eats
insects is known by the innocuous name Pitcher plant.
Cannon Ball tree's fruits when collide with each other,
make the sound of a cannon: Boom! Boom!! Boom!!!
The Botanical Garden is a magical feast to eyes that can
inspire even the dullest of you to a poetic ecstasy.
“With around 2500 species of plants and trees from all
over the world, it is regarded as the best botanical
garden among universities in India,” says Dr. M. Sabu,
Head of Botany Department which maintains the garden.
Medicinal plants, ginger plants, aroides, aquatic plants,
ferns, aromatic grasses, wild bananas, spices and
Botanical Garden
- Sanish. M.S.(III Sem. MCJ)
various exotic trees grow here.
“Due to the existence of diverse geographical features,
we could cultivate almost all types of plants ,” Dr. Sabu
adds. There are low lands, uphill slopes and wet patches
in the Botanical Garden that gives it the appearance of a
sylvan collage complete with exotic flora.
Rudraksha, Andaman Padok, Autograph, Ficus Krishnae,
African Tulip, Camphor, Iron Wood, Octopus, Aeroplane
Wood, Sausage and Baobab are among the rare trees
growing here. The 40 acre greenery project was
launched in 1972 under the stewardship of Dr. B.K. Nayar,
the then Head of the department. It was inaugurated by
Prof. R.E. Holttum, Director of Singapore Botanical
Garden.
Students from various educational institutions visit the
garden with prior permission. The entrance fee is
nominal and the money is used solely for the
maintenance of the garden. The miniature jungle path in
the garden serves to provide visitors the delights of a
virtual trekking experience. For the adventure seekers
there is also an erumadam to pump up their adrenaline.
The garden is a member of Botanic Gardens
Conservation International which is the largest plant
conservation network in the world. It was adjudged the
best stall at Calicut Flower Show during 2006 and 2007.
go, the project still remains incomplete. The Garden is
also in urgent need of footpaths and street lights.
Green brigade is the eco club of the Botany department.
It is an Environmental Science division initiative to
conserve nature and spread awareness of eco-friendly
projects. They undertake various initiatives like planting
trees, training students on planting and conserving trees
etc. Recently they planted 50 Sapota saplings along
University roadsides and in department premises. “All the
52 club members actively took part in the venture. Their
job is not simply planting trees. Instead they are taking
turns to do watering, manuring and other nurturing
activities to ensure their proper growth,” said C.C. Harilal,
Green brigade
a Marvelous Isle
20 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 21 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
faculty of botanical department who is in charge of the
club. “We wanted the departmental club to be upgraded
to a university level club. The process is expected to
complete soon. Then all students of the university can
take part in it,” he added.
Ginger House and Ginger Villa are projects for
multiplication, popularization and domestication of
endangered and wild ornamental plants. It is done by Dr.
M Sabu, Head of Botany Department. Under the projects,
department grows 200 species of ginger and its 2000
accessions. Ginger House is funded by Botanic Gardens
Conservation International and Ginger Villa by
Department of Bio Technology and Department of
Science and Technology. Through these novel schemes
and projects, Calicut University is reasserting its
commitment to nature, ecology and sustainable
development.
Ginger house and Ginger villa
Keeping Abreast
of the Times
Govt. Arts & Science college was established in
1964 following popular pressure to cater to the
higher educational needs of the students of the
Kozhikode district and its adjacent districts. In the
beginning, it started functioning on the Training College
Campus, Mananchira , Kozhikode. In 1970, the college
moved to the present location in Meenchanda with 20.15
acres of land. One of the pertinent facts about this
college is that a predominant section of the students
belong to economically and socially underprivileged
families. Besides students from Lakshadeep Islands and
the tribal belts of Waynad, students from Cannanore to
Trissur districts are studying here.
The college has 84 teachers, 42 non teaching staff and
around 1600 students. It is to be noted that 80% of the
students are girls nowadays. The College offers 12
under graduate courses and 6 post graduate courses
.Apart from these, the college has an excellent Research
Centre at the Hindi Department. The degree courses
include Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Botany,
Mathematics, Malayalam, English, Hindi, Economics,
Commerce, History and Arabic & History. PG courses
comprise Physics, Hindi, Economics, History, Commerce
and Malayalam. The college has a Computerized Library
with more than 75,000 books. Besides an automated
office, the college has internet facilities which give access
to the students free of cost. INFLIB NET facility in the
college gives students as well as teachers access to e-
books and journals.
College offers coaching classes and training sessions to
various competitive examinations conducted at the
National and State levels. These include UPSC – Civil
Service Exam, UGC – NET Exam and exams of the Kerala
Public Service Commission. Last year alone nearly 20
students got admission to various Central Universities
after completing their degree courses and 15 students
cleared the NET exam in different disciplines. The college
has a vibrant Placement Cell as well.
The college excels in cultural and extra - curricular realms
through the activities of an array of clubs such as Film
Club, Media Club, Literary Club and so on. Recently the
college has started a Publication Division too. Annually
the students published their new letters 'Arts Post' and
'Arts Focus'. The students have already produced half a
dozen short films which were aired on prominent
Malayalam Television Channels. Eminent public figures
such as late Sukumar Azeekode, O.N.V.Kurup,
M.G.S.Narayan etc. visited the college last year and
conversed with the students. Seminars were conducted
focusing on socially sensitive issues such as
Mullapperiyar and Koodamkulam.
NSS and NCC units have been doing exemplary work in
Kozhikode and neighboring districts. Special mentioned
deserves to NSS units which are instrumental in
changing the faces of many remote villages in Kozhikode
and Wayanad districts. The work done by the NSS units in
the Marad area got immense appreciation from the
general public. The Blood Donation Forum in the college
has 117 members.
With the completion of the Ladies' Hostel, a long
cherished dream of the students of this college has come
true. As there was no Ladies' Hostel, students and
teachers from distant places had to depend on private
hostels in Kozhikode town. For the construction of the
same, UGC has granted Rs. 1 crore and the State
Government Rs. 97.7 lakhs. Apart from this amount, the
State Government has agreed to give Rs. 25 lakhs for the
construction of a compound wall for the hostel and Rs. 2
lakhs for setting of a kitchen. The state Plan Fund has
also allotted Rs. 10 lakhs for various miscellaneous works
such as auditorium echo proofing, repair of Ladies' Haven
and Canteen, extension of Library building and for
providing projectors and Laptops to each department.
There is not an iota of exaggeration in telling that Govt.
Arts & Science College, despite its various limitations, can
cop up with the changing times.
GOVT. ARTS & SCIENCE COLLEGE
C o l l e g e P r o f i l e
The best available verses to portray the
magnanimity and erudition of Prof. K A Jaleel (90),
former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calicut,
who passed away on September 12, 2012, after leaving
indelible marks in the history of higher learning in
Malabar.
Passionate scholar and committed warrior of social
cause, Prof. Jaleel served the society in many capacities.
Born to the late B. Kunhali and Naseema in North Paravur
on September 22, 1922, Prof Jaleel graduated from
University College, Trivandrum in 1945 and received
Post-graduate degree from Travancore University in
1946.
After obtaining his Masters in English and a short stint
with Islamiah College, Vaniampadi, Prof. Jaleel shifted
his domain of activities to Malabar in 1948 joining Farook
College as Professor of English. In 1957, he assumed the
charge of Principle of the college; a small step in his
personal life, but a giant leap in the advancement of
Malabar since the college, under his wise leadership, fast
became the most professionalized higher education hub
in the region. Considering his visionary leadership,
Government of Kerala nominated him as Vice Chancellor
of the University in 1979 and he continued in the post till
1983.
Apart from these crucial roles, Prof. Jaleel served in many
positions like Chairman, Task Force for Establishing
University in Kannur University, Member, Special
Committee appointed by Govt. of Kerala for advising the
Govt. on starting of more universities in the state (1967),
Member, Special Committee appointed by Govt. of Kerala
for advising the Govt. on starting of more universities in
He was a scholar and a ripe and good one;
Exceeding wise, fair spoken and persuading;
Lofty and sour to them that loved him not;
But to those men that sought him, sweet as summer.
(Shakespeare, Henry VIII)
Prof. K.A. JaleelHomage to
T r i b u t e
22 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 23 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
the state (1967), Member, Kerala Public Examination
Board, Govt. of Kerala(1979-83),Member, Task Force for
Planning for Higher Education (VI plan) appointed by
govt. of Kerla, Member, Special Committee, Central
Wakf Council for co-ordination of Modern Education and
Deeni Taleem (1973-75), Member, UGC Committee for
Academic Centres (1975), Member, Syndicate, University
of Calicut (1968-76), Dean, Faculty of Languages,
University of Calicut (1976-78).
Prof. Jaleel has many publications in English and
Malayalam to his credit. 'Humour in Ancient Greek
Literature' (1958), '“Education in the Ancient World'
(1970), 'V idyabhasanir ikshanangal ' , 'New
Horizons','Thirinchi Nokkumbol' are some of them.
For his achievement and contributions, Prof Jaleel
clinched many awards like IC Chakko Award by Kerala
Sahithya Academi (1991), Sha Saheb Award (1992),
Senior Citizen Excellence Award (1994) Ramashramam
Award (1997), Rotary Award for Excellence in Education
(1997) and Gem Serve Award.
Prof. M. Abdul Salam, Vice Chancellor of the University
along with Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. K. Raveendranath
paid homage to Prof. Jaleel at his residence at Feroke.
The University community also expressed its deep
condolence on the demise of the former Vice Chancellor
at a meeting held at the Seminar complex on 13
September 2012. Registrar Dr. P.P. Mohamed read the
condolence message and Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. K.
Raveendranath presided over the function.
Representatives of various service organizations spoke
on the occasion.
Dr. Muhammadali N.
Keeping Abreast
of the Times
Govt. Arts & Science college was established in
1964 following popular pressure to cater to the
higher educational needs of the students of the
Kozhikode district and its adjacent districts. In the
beginning, it started functioning on the Training College
Campus, Mananchira , Kozhikode. In 1970, the college
moved to the present location in Meenchanda with 20.15
acres of land. One of the pertinent facts about this
college is that a predominant section of the students
belong to economically and socially underprivileged
families. Besides students from Lakshadeep Islands and
the tribal belts of Waynad, students from Cannanore to
Trissur districts are studying here.
The college has 84 teachers, 42 non teaching staff and
around 1600 students. It is to be noted that 80% of the
students are girls nowadays. The College offers 12
under graduate courses and 6 post graduate courses
.Apart from these, the college has an excellent Research
Centre at the Hindi Department. The degree courses
include Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Botany,
Mathematics, Malayalam, English, Hindi, Economics,
Commerce, History and Arabic & History. PG courses
comprise Physics, Hindi, Economics, History, Commerce
and Malayalam. The college has a Computerized Library
with more than 75,000 books. Besides an automated
office, the college has internet facilities which give access
to the students free of cost. INFLIB NET facility in the
college gives students as well as teachers access to e-
books and journals.
College offers coaching classes and training sessions to
various competitive examinations conducted at the
National and State levels. These include UPSC – Civil
Service Exam, UGC – NET Exam and exams of the Kerala
Public Service Commission. Last year alone nearly 20
students got admission to various Central Universities
after completing their degree courses and 15 students
cleared the NET exam in different disciplines. The college
has a vibrant Placement Cell as well.
The college excels in cultural and extra - curricular realms
through the activities of an array of clubs such as Film
Club, Media Club, Literary Club and so on. Recently the
college has started a Publication Division too. Annually
the students published their new letters 'Arts Post' and
'Arts Focus'. The students have already produced half a
dozen short films which were aired on prominent
Malayalam Television Channels. Eminent public figures
such as late Sukumar Azeekode, O.N.V.Kurup,
M.G.S.Narayan etc. visited the college last year and
conversed with the students. Seminars were conducted
focusing on socially sensitive issues such as
Mullapperiyar and Koodamkulam.
NSS and NCC units have been doing exemplary work in
Kozhikode and neighboring districts. Special mentioned
deserves to NSS units which are instrumental in
changing the faces of many remote villages in Kozhikode
and Wayanad districts. The work done by the NSS units in
the Marad area got immense appreciation from the
general public. The Blood Donation Forum in the college
has 117 members.
With the completion of the Ladies' Hostel, a long
cherished dream of the students of this college has come
true. As there was no Ladies' Hostel, students and
teachers from distant places had to depend on private
hostels in Kozhikode town. For the construction of the
same, UGC has granted Rs. 1 crore and the State
Government Rs. 97.7 lakhs. Apart from this amount, the
State Government has agreed to give Rs. 25 lakhs for the
construction of a compound wall for the hostel and Rs. 2
lakhs for setting of a kitchen. The state Plan Fund has
also allotted Rs. 10 lakhs for various miscellaneous works
such as auditorium echo proofing, repair of Ladies' Haven
and Canteen, extension of Library building and for
providing projectors and Laptops to each department.
There is not an iota of exaggeration in telling that Govt.
Arts & Science College, despite its various limitations, can
cop up with the changing times.
GOVT. ARTS & SCIENCE COLLEGE
C o l l e g e P r o f i l e
The best available verses to portray the
magnanimity and erudition of Prof. K A Jaleel (90),
former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calicut,
who passed away on September 12, 2012, after leaving
indelible marks in the history of higher learning in
Malabar.
Passionate scholar and committed warrior of social
cause, Prof. Jaleel served the society in many capacities.
Born to the late B. Kunhali and Naseema in North Paravur
on September 22, 1922, Prof Jaleel graduated from
University College, Trivandrum in 1945 and received
Post-graduate degree from Travancore University in
1946.
After obtaining his Masters in English and a short stint
with Islamiah College, Vaniampadi, Prof. Jaleel shifted
his domain of activities to Malabar in 1948 joining Farook
College as Professor of English. In 1957, he assumed the
charge of Principle of the college; a small step in his
personal life, but a giant leap in the advancement of
Malabar since the college, under his wise leadership, fast
became the most professionalized higher education hub
in the region. Considering his visionary leadership,
Government of Kerala nominated him as Vice Chancellor
of the University in 1979 and he continued in the post till
1983.
Apart from these crucial roles, Prof. Jaleel served in many
positions like Chairman, Task Force for Establishing
University in Kannur University, Member, Special
Committee appointed by Govt. of Kerala for advising the
Govt. on starting of more universities in the state (1967),
Member, Special Committee appointed by Govt. of Kerala
for advising the Govt. on starting of more universities in
He was a scholar and a ripe and good one;
Exceeding wise, fair spoken and persuading;
Lofty and sour to them that loved him not;
But to those men that sought him, sweet as summer.
(Shakespeare, Henry VIII)
Prof. K.A. JaleelHomage to
T r i b u t e
22 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 23 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
the state (1967), Member, Kerala Public Examination
Board, Govt. of Kerala(1979-83),Member, Task Force for
Planning for Higher Education (VI plan) appointed by
govt. of Kerla, Member, Special Committee, Central
Wakf Council for co-ordination of Modern Education and
Deeni Taleem (1973-75), Member, UGC Committee for
Academic Centres (1975), Member, Syndicate, University
of Calicut (1968-76), Dean, Faculty of Languages,
University of Calicut (1976-78).
Prof. Jaleel has many publications in English and
Malayalam to his credit. 'Humour in Ancient Greek
Literature' (1958), '“Education in the Ancient World'
(1970), 'V idyabhasanir ikshanangal ' , 'New
Horizons','Thirinchi Nokkumbol' are some of them.
For his achievement and contributions, Prof Jaleel
clinched many awards like IC Chakko Award by Kerala
Sahithya Academi (1991), Sha Saheb Award (1992),
Senior Citizen Excellence Award (1994) Ramashramam
Award (1997), Rotary Award for Excellence in Education
(1997) and Gem Serve Award.
Prof. M. Abdul Salam, Vice Chancellor of the University
along with Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. K. Raveendranath
paid homage to Prof. Jaleel at his residence at Feroke.
The University community also expressed its deep
condolence on the demise of the former Vice Chancellor
at a meeting held at the Seminar complex on 13
September 2012. Registrar Dr. P.P. Mohamed read the
condolence message and Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. K.
Raveendranath presided over the function.
Representatives of various service organizations spoke
on the occasion.
Dr. Muhammadali N.
US opens ITS DOORSTO CALICUT UNIVERSITY
Representatives of the American Government under the leadership of
American Consel General Jennifer McCain visited the University on July
16 and had discussions with University higher officials to explore the
possibilities of academic tie-up with US higher learning centres.
The visit was part of a pact between the USA and India in the field of information
and communication. “A lot of opportunities await Calicut University in education
and research if it joins hands with the universities in America”, Mrs. McCain said.
The team met Vice Chancellor Prof M Abdul Salam, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. K
Raveendranath and various department heads.
They explained different ways to utilize the services like short and long term
exchange programs, library services, joined seminars, scholarships, fellowships,
opportunities for higher education etc. Departments like Distance Education,
Journalism and Mass Communication, Nano Technology, Women's Studies and
Botany can benefit more, the team said. They also elaborated the services
rendered by the US-India Education Foundation and Public Affairs department in
Chennai office of the Consul General.
Koreena Ebra Arnold, Maya Sivakumar and Ratna Mukharjee were in the US
team. Prof M.V.Joseph, Dr C D Sebastian, Finance Officer K P Rajesh, Dr. Molly
Kuruvila, Dr. Sucheta Nair, Dr P Raveendran, Dr M Sabu, and Dr Ashokan Mundon
represented the University.
American Consul General Jennifer McCain (middle), Vice Chancellor Dr. M Abdul Salam and PVC Prof. K Raveendranath in the session.
“A lot of
opportunities
await Calicut
University in
education and
research if it
joins hands with
the universities in
America”,
Mrs. McCain said.
- Thara (III Sem. MCJ)
C o l l a b o r a t i o n
What is the project about?
What is its cost and who supervise it?
The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) is an effort
aimed at building a world-class underground laboratory
to study the fundamental issues in science. It is one of
the biggest experimental particle physics projects
undertaken in India. The primary goal of the laboratory is
to study the neutrinos from various natural and
laboratory sources using an iron calorimeter (ICAL)
detector. It is envisaged that such an underground
facility will develop into a centre for other studies as well
- physics, biology, geology, etc., which can make use of
the special conditions that exist deep underground.
It is a 1350 crore project jointly funded by Department of
Atomic Energy and Department of Science and
Technology. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
which supervises the project has, Dr. Naba K Mondal as
its project leader. At present, there are nearly 26
institutions and about 100 scientists involving in the
project. Tamilnadu Electricity Board(TNEB) has been
entrusted with the task of being the consultant and nodal
agency for the project formulation. The study is
expected to have great impact on nuclear physics,
particle physics, cosmology and astrophysics. This large
collaboration is first of its kind in the country and is
expected to grow further. It will also facilitate in tying up
the requisite infrastructure for the underground labs and
over-ground residential quarters, office, guest house, etc.
Where is it located?
The INO is proposed to be constructed in Bodi West Hills
(BWH) region near Pottipuram village in Theni district of
Tamilnadu. Since the laboratory cavern needs to be more
than 1000 m underground, the choice of site is
determined by the rock quality. The rock found in Bodi
West Hills is mainly Charnockite, which is the hardest
variety of rock known. The site was decided, taking into
consideration environmental and geological aspects as
well.
Its tunnel and other apparatus do not cross Kerala
territory. If such a tunnel is to be constructed in Kerala
territory, it should get sanction from the State
government.
CU ties up
The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) Project is a multi-institutional collaboration to build a world-class
underground laboratory for non-accelerator based high energy and nuclear physics research in India. One of
the biggest experimental particle physics projects undertaken in India to focus on neutrino experiment, INO is
called as CERN of India. This 1350-crore project is expected to be completed in 2015. When completed, the INO will
house the world's most massive magnet, four times larger than the 12,500-tonne magnet in the Compact Muon
Solenoid detector at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.
Along with premier research institutes like Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Indian Institute of
Technology, Bombay (IITB), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indian Institute of Technology (IITI), University
of Calicut is also collaborating with the project through the active participation of two of its faculty members - Dr A.M
Vinod Kumar and Dr. C.D. Ravi Kumar of Department of Physics. They talk to ASCENT, about the modus operandi and
expected outcome of the tie-up. Excerpts:
with INO
C o l l a b o r a t i o n
24 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Dr. C D Ravikumar and Dr. A M Vinodkumar
25 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
US opens ITS DOORSTO CALICUT UNIVERSITY
Representatives of the American Government under the leadership of
American Consel General Jennifer McCain visited the University on July
16 and had discussions with University higher officials to explore the
possibilities of academic tie-up with US higher learning centres.
The visit was part of a pact between the USA and India in the field of information
and communication. “A lot of opportunities await Calicut University in education
and research if it joins hands with the universities in America”, Mrs. McCain said.
The team met Vice Chancellor Prof M Abdul Salam, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. K
Raveendranath and various department heads.
They explained different ways to utilize the services like short and long term
exchange programs, library services, joined seminars, scholarships, fellowships,
opportunities for higher education etc. Departments like Distance Education,
Journalism and Mass Communication, Nano Technology, Women's Studies and
Botany can benefit more, the team said. They also elaborated the services
rendered by the US-India Education Foundation and Public Affairs department in
Chennai office of the Consul General.
Koreena Ebra Arnold, Maya Sivakumar and Ratna Mukharjee were in the US
team. Prof M.V.Joseph, Dr C D Sebastian, Finance Officer K P Rajesh, Dr. Molly
Kuruvila, Dr. Sucheta Nair, Dr P Raveendran, Dr M Sabu, and Dr Ashokan Mundon
represented the University.
American Consul General Jennifer McCain (middle), Vice Chancellor Dr. M Abdul Salam and PVC Prof. K Raveendranath in the session.
“A lot of
opportunities
await Calicut
University in
education and
research if it
joins hands with
the universities in
America”,
Mrs. McCain said.
- Thara (III Sem. MCJ)
C o l l a b o r a t i o n
What is the project about?
What is its cost and who supervise it?
The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) is an effort
aimed at building a world-class underground laboratory
to study the fundamental issues in science. It is one of
the biggest experimental particle physics projects
undertaken in India. The primary goal of the laboratory is
to study the neutrinos from various natural and
laboratory sources using an iron calorimeter (ICAL)
detector. It is envisaged that such an underground
facility will develop into a centre for other studies as well
- physics, biology, geology, etc., which can make use of
the special conditions that exist deep underground.
It is a 1350 crore project jointly funded by Department of
Atomic Energy and Department of Science and
Technology. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
which supervises the project has, Dr. Naba K Mondal as
its project leader. At present, there are nearly 26
institutions and about 100 scientists involving in the
project. Tamilnadu Electricity Board(TNEB) has been
entrusted with the task of being the consultant and nodal
agency for the project formulation. The study is
expected to have great impact on nuclear physics,
particle physics, cosmology and astrophysics. This large
collaboration is first of its kind in the country and is
expected to grow further. It will also facilitate in tying up
the requisite infrastructure for the underground labs and
over-ground residential quarters, office, guest house, etc.
Where is it located?
The INO is proposed to be constructed in Bodi West Hills
(BWH) region near Pottipuram village in Theni district of
Tamilnadu. Since the laboratory cavern needs to be more
than 1000 m underground, the choice of site is
determined by the rock quality. The rock found in Bodi
West Hills is mainly Charnockite, which is the hardest
variety of rock known. The site was decided, taking into
consideration environmental and geological aspects as
well.
Its tunnel and other apparatus do not cross Kerala
territory. If such a tunnel is to be constructed in Kerala
territory, it should get sanction from the State
government.
CU ties up
The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) Project is a multi-institutional collaboration to build a world-class
underground laboratory for non-accelerator based high energy and nuclear physics research in India. One of
the biggest experimental particle physics projects undertaken in India to focus on neutrino experiment, INO is
called as CERN of India. This 1350-crore project is expected to be completed in 2015. When completed, the INO will
house the world's most massive magnet, four times larger than the 12,500-tonne magnet in the Compact Muon
Solenoid detector at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.
Along with premier research institutes like Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Indian Institute of
Technology, Bombay (IITB), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indian Institute of Technology (IITI), University
of Calicut is also collaborating with the project through the active participation of two of its faculty members - Dr A.M
Vinod Kumar and Dr. C.D. Ravi Kumar of Department of Physics. They talk to ASCENT, about the modus operandi and
expected outcome of the tie-up. Excerpts:
with INO
C o l l a b o r a t i o n
24 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Dr. C D Ravikumar and Dr. A M Vinodkumar
25 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
26 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 27 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Will the construction work of the INO project give chance
for any disturbance to the residents ?
What is your role in this project?
How will the student community benefit from this
project?
Blasting executed for the excavation of the cavern
underground will cause low and short vibrations . INO
will undertake ground vibration monitoring study during
actual execution of the project along with other rock
mechanics and instrumentation studies. Controlled
blasting will be adopted in the initial reaches to dampen
noise and vibrations till first few hundred meters of
tunnel is constructed. However, it is likely to be much
lower because of the overburden of hard rock and soils,
except in the case of the initial sections of the tunnels.
Appropriate blasting pattern and modern blasting
techniques, may be adopted such that vibration due to
the blasting is the minimum. The technology required
for building tunnels is very well known and is used
routinely around the country to build road tunnels and
metro rail projects in cities.
The construction of iron calorimeter (ICAL) for studding
neutrinos is crucial in this project. The detector will
consist of around 50000 tons of magnetized iron plates
arranged in stacks with active detectors like Resistive
Plate Chambers (RPC) in between the iron plates.
Charged particles such as muons produced in the rare
interactions of neutrinos with the iron will be detected by
the RPCs.
This detector if constructed successfully will make India
the owner of the largest magnet in the world. At present
my work is pertained to the Simulation process. In this
process we analyses the workings of the detector under
development using computers .
Our group (AM Vinod Kumar and CD Ravikumar) will
focus initially on simulation of detector properties using
libraries developed by INO group. Once the project is
sanctioned (which is submitted) we will hire two JRF's
and we plan them to be part of assembling, testing,
measurements etc. of RPC's.
As neutrinos are chargeless particles ,this iron detector
will help in detecting the massless particles effectively.
ICAL being a static device without moving parts will
enable the neutrino reaction with the cosmic rays in the
earth's atmosphere.
This project will give the chance for the research
students to explore the wide scope of particle physics.
Several groups belonging to different Universities, IITs
and research Institutes in India are part of the
collaboration working on the research & development of
all components of INO under the name National Neutrino
Collaboration Group (NNCG). All members of the
collaboration, executing agencies and their workers will
be trained to cooperate in ensuring compliance with
environmental guidelines. Faculties and students from
participating universities/institutes will be trained in
different labs where RPC's were setup. INO being the
biggest experiment on particle physics in India, it indeed
enhances one's knowledge on the nuclear physics and
other related areas of study.
Pottipuram village is now acquainted with many
opportunities because of this project. INO has already
accepted the proposal, from the State government
through the district collector, to set aside some amount
for local area development. An amount of three crore
rupees has already been sanctioned for this purpose.
This will be used to provide street lighting, water and
other amenities to communities living in villages near by.
INO will be a catalyst for improvement in academic and
living standards in the neighbourhood.
Furthermore, gainful employment will be there for a
small number of people by way of sourcing of services
and daily needs for the INO facility and for the upkeep of
buildings and landscapes. A major benefit will be for
schools and colleges in the region as the students
interested in science can benefit from the outreach
activities as well as doing projects at the lab. Efforts will
be made to improve the infrastructure and academic
standards of the surrounding schools as permitted by
governing rules. Exhibitions and other similar facilities
will be arranged to enhance the scientific spirit of the
local youngsters, etc Water will be piped in from outside.
The Tamil Nadu Water and Drainage Board (TWAD) is
responsible for providing a suitable water source which
will not affect the present usage in local villages.
How do majority of the residents in Pottipuram village in
Theni district where the project will be located, respond
to the project?
Shamna Mohammed Ali & Sanish M.S
(MCJ III Semester)
The Compact Muon Solenoid
detector at the Large
Hadron Collider
The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Cell of
the University in association with UGC Career &
Guidance Wing conducted a two-day workshop
for the empowerment of SC/ST students on September
27 and 28. A.P Anil Kumar, Minister for Welfare of
Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes and Tourism,
inaugurated the function which was attended by more
than 200 students and 50 teachers from different
affiliated colleges. Vice Chancellor Prof. M.Abdul Salam
chaired the inaugural session.
The workshop was to nurture self confidence and
competitive mindset in students and to sensitize them to
their rights and opportunities in public sector. This is for
the first time a University in Kerala conducts an exclusive
empowerment programme for SC/ST students. This
never-before effort of the University was initiated by the
Vice Chancellor following a proposal submitted by
K.Sivaraman, the only SC/ST representative in the
Syndicate.
Minister has said that the Government plans to extend
the financial support to the SC/ST students in the self-
TO EMPOWER SC/ST STUDENTS
TWO-DAY PROGRAMME
financing colleges also. “We also plan to give Rs 20,000
to each SC/ST student who joins the professional course
after good performance at Plus-Two level. The
concession given to the professional course students will
be further extended to the students of Arts and Science
College”, he said.
Registrar Dr. P P Mohamed launched the portal of SC/ST
Empowerment Initiative and Pro Vice Chancellor Prof.
K.Raveendranath presented memento to the winner of
logo design competition C.K.Suhail from student of
School of Distance Education.
Syndicate member K.Sivaraman welcomed the gathering
and Syndicate members R.S Panickar, T.V Ibrahim and
P.M Niyas, CRUST director Prof. D. D Namboothiri
facilittate. Employment Information & Guidance Bureau
Chief K. Janardhan proposed a vote of thanks.
Counseling experts P.N. Sambasivan, K.Rajendran and
PRO of the University M.V. Zacharia offered classes on
SC/St rights, career opportunities and other related
areas. Vinod Krishna T.Y. Nirmal, Joy Sujaritha Hoatha
and Vinod A.R also spoke on subjects like self
improvement, body language and nurturing the unique
talent. Folk art forms presented by various troops were
the highlight of the function.
Advocate K.N.A Khader inaugurated the valedictory
session where and K.Sivaraman distributed certificates
to the participants and Dr. Pushpalatha proposed a vote
of thanks.
This is for the first time a
University in Kerala conducts an
This never-before effort of the
University was initiated by the
Vice Chancellor following a
proposal submitted by
exclusive empowerment
programme for SC/ST students.
K.Sivaraman, the only SC/ST
representative in the Syndicate. - Vibish (MCJ III Semester)
E v e n t s
A.P Anil Kumar, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward
Classes and Tourism, inaugurating the workshop
26 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 27 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Will the construction work of the INO project give chance
for any disturbance to the residents ?
What is your role in this project?
How will the student community benefit from this
project?
Blasting executed for the excavation of the cavern
underground will cause low and short vibrations . INO
will undertake ground vibration monitoring study during
actual execution of the project along with other rock
mechanics and instrumentation studies. Controlled
blasting will be adopted in the initial reaches to dampen
noise and vibrations till first few hundred meters of
tunnel is constructed. However, it is likely to be much
lower because of the overburden of hard rock and soils,
except in the case of the initial sections of the tunnels.
Appropriate blasting pattern and modern blasting
techniques, may be adopted such that vibration due to
the blasting is the minimum. The technology required
for building tunnels is very well known and is used
routinely around the country to build road tunnels and
metro rail projects in cities.
The construction of iron calorimeter (ICAL) for studding
neutrinos is crucial in this project. The detector will
consist of around 50000 tons of magnetized iron plates
arranged in stacks with active detectors like Resistive
Plate Chambers (RPC) in between the iron plates.
Charged particles such as muons produced in the rare
interactions of neutrinos with the iron will be detected by
the RPCs.
This detector if constructed successfully will make India
the owner of the largest magnet in the world. At present
my work is pertained to the Simulation process. In this
process we analyses the workings of the detector under
development using computers .
Our group (AM Vinod Kumar and CD Ravikumar) will
focus initially on simulation of detector properties using
libraries developed by INO group. Once the project is
sanctioned (which is submitted) we will hire two JRF's
and we plan them to be part of assembling, testing,
measurements etc. of RPC's.
As neutrinos are chargeless particles ,this iron detector
will help in detecting the massless particles effectively.
ICAL being a static device without moving parts will
enable the neutrino reaction with the cosmic rays in the
earth's atmosphere.
This project will give the chance for the research
students to explore the wide scope of particle physics.
Several groups belonging to different Universities, IITs
and research Institutes in India are part of the
collaboration working on the research & development of
all components of INO under the name National Neutrino
Collaboration Group (NNCG). All members of the
collaboration, executing agencies and their workers will
be trained to cooperate in ensuring compliance with
environmental guidelines. Faculties and students from
participating universities/institutes will be trained in
different labs where RPC's were setup. INO being the
biggest experiment on particle physics in India, it indeed
enhances one's knowledge on the nuclear physics and
other related areas of study.
Pottipuram village is now acquainted with many
opportunities because of this project. INO has already
accepted the proposal, from the State government
through the district collector, to set aside some amount
for local area development. An amount of three crore
rupees has already been sanctioned for this purpose.
This will be used to provide street lighting, water and
other amenities to communities living in villages near by.
INO will be a catalyst for improvement in academic and
living standards in the neighbourhood.
Furthermore, gainful employment will be there for a
small number of people by way of sourcing of services
and daily needs for the INO facility and for the upkeep of
buildings and landscapes. A major benefit will be for
schools and colleges in the region as the students
interested in science can benefit from the outreach
activities as well as doing projects at the lab. Efforts will
be made to improve the infrastructure and academic
standards of the surrounding schools as permitted by
governing rules. Exhibitions and other similar facilities
will be arranged to enhance the scientific spirit of the
local youngsters, etc Water will be piped in from outside.
The Tamil Nadu Water and Drainage Board (TWAD) is
responsible for providing a suitable water source which
will not affect the present usage in local villages.
How do majority of the residents in Pottipuram village in
Theni district where the project will be located, respond
to the project?
Shamna Mohammed Ali & Sanish M.S
(MCJ III Semester)
The Compact Muon Solenoid
detector at the Large
Hadron Collider
The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Cell of
the University in association with UGC Career &
Guidance Wing conducted a two-day workshop
for the empowerment of SC/ST students on September
27 and 28. A.P Anil Kumar, Minister for Welfare of
Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes and Tourism,
inaugurated the function which was attended by more
than 200 students and 50 teachers from different
affiliated colleges. Vice Chancellor Prof. M.Abdul Salam
chaired the inaugural session.
The workshop was to nurture self confidence and
competitive mindset in students and to sensitize them to
their rights and opportunities in public sector. This is for
the first time a University in Kerala conducts an exclusive
empowerment programme for SC/ST students. This
never-before effort of the University was initiated by the
Vice Chancellor following a proposal submitted by
K.Sivaraman, the only SC/ST representative in the
Syndicate.
Minister has said that the Government plans to extend
the financial support to the SC/ST students in the self-
TO EMPOWER SC/ST STUDENTS
TWO-DAY PROGRAMME
financing colleges also. “We also plan to give Rs 20,000
to each SC/ST student who joins the professional course
after good performance at Plus-Two level. The
concession given to the professional course students will
be further extended to the students of Arts and Science
College”, he said.
Registrar Dr. P P Mohamed launched the portal of SC/ST
Empowerment Initiative and Pro Vice Chancellor Prof.
K.Raveendranath presented memento to the winner of
logo design competition C.K.Suhail from student of
School of Distance Education.
Syndicate member K.Sivaraman welcomed the gathering
and Syndicate members R.S Panickar, T.V Ibrahim and
P.M Niyas, CRUST director Prof. D. D Namboothiri
facilittate. Employment Information & Guidance Bureau
Chief K. Janardhan proposed a vote of thanks.
Counseling experts P.N. Sambasivan, K.Rajendran and
PRO of the University M.V. Zacharia offered classes on
SC/St rights, career opportunities and other related
areas. Vinod Krishna T.Y. Nirmal, Joy Sujaritha Hoatha
and Vinod A.R also spoke on subjects like self
improvement, body language and nurturing the unique
talent. Folk art forms presented by various troops were
the highlight of the function.
Advocate K.N.A Khader inaugurated the valedictory
session where and K.Sivaraman distributed certificates
to the participants and Dr. Pushpalatha proposed a vote
of thanks.
This is for the first time a
University in Kerala conducts an
This never-before effort of the
University was initiated by the
Vice Chancellor following a
proposal submitted by
exclusive empowerment
programme for SC/ST students.
K.Sivaraman, the only SC/ST
representative in the Syndicate. - Vibish (MCJ III Semester)
E v e n t s
A.P Anil Kumar, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward
Classes and Tourism, inaugurating the workshop
Elaborating on the four commonly identified types of
parenting, she delineated their relative merits and
demerits. Her talk was liberally peppered with practical
parenting tips that could foster greater self-esteem and
mutual understanding between parents and children.
The Valedictory function that
included the evaluation session and the certification
ceremony was held on the afternoon of 31-05-2012.
Sri.Abdul Ahad Pathiyil, Section Officer welcomed the
gathering. The function was attended by
Prof:K.Raveendranath, Pro Vice Chancellor, University of
Calicut. Promising the university's support and continued
encouragement to such novel programmes, he
expressed his immense appreciation for the efforts of
Dr.K.Sivarajan, Head, Dept. of Lifelong Learning and
Extension. Dr.K.Sivarajan, in his presidential address
announced the New Mega Enterprise on MOTHER
EMPOWERMENT throughout the jurisdiction of Calicut
University. Sr. Catherine Chacko, Counselor, MEA
Spandan Counseling Centre, felicitated the participants
of the programme as well as the Department for its novel
programmes and activities which hoped will pave way for
the emergence of a healthy generation. She greatly
appreciated the team spirit of the department.
Valedictory function:
Feedback from participants: The participants
expressed their appreciation for conducting the
Parents are increasingly
resigned to the fate of
being passive
spectators in the
growth of their own
kids. In fact, parenting
is an art that needs skill
and training.
The fast changing world influences our life styles,
ways of thinking, and feelings just as it takes a
heavy toll on our interpersonal relationships. The
sheer magnitude of changes in science and technology,
especially in communication technology, is complex and
unimaginable. The hectic life style and occupational
stress of the parents take away the chances of warm and
affectionate relationship between parents and kids.
Communication gap between parents and children and
between parents themselves is paradoxically, the most
hazardous reality in the present socio-familial scenario.
Most of the parents complain about the behavior of their
children, particularly the adolescents. For them, it is
positively annoying and embarrassing.
Even educated parents are unaware of the problems of
development in various stages of life. Parents are
increasingly resigned to the fate of being passive
spectators in the growth of their own kids. In fact,
parenting is an art that needs skill and training. It is
against this backdrop that the Department of Lifelong
Learning and Extension conducted a three-day workshop
on 'The Art of Parenting'.
The objective of the
workshop was to enlighten the parents on their role in the
growth and development of their children and to foster
parenting skills, by adopting healthy ways of dealing with
kids in order to bring the best out of them and thus pave
way for the emergence of a new and healthy generation,
geared up to face the realities and challenges of life.
The course contents focused on
'Developmental needs of children' Psycho-Socio-Cultural
and Educational problems, Parental overindulgence and
consequences, Causes of maladaptive behaviour, Role of
parents in paving the way for happy and successful future
of the children.
Objective of the Course:
Course contents:
The experts: A team of experts in diverse fields
including Trained Counselors, Clinical Psychologists,
Police Personals specializing in juvenile delinquencies,
Teacher educators and Pediatricians attended the
workshop.
The workshop was inaugurated by Dr.M.Abdul Salam,
Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, University of Calicut. Stressing
the need for deep and abiding friendship and
understanding between parents and children, the VC
explained how a healthy equation between them will
prompt children to share their problems and concerns
with parents. An atmosphere of mutual concern thus
fostered will go a long way in helping children negotiate
the challenges of modern existence.
The first session on 'The Art of parenting' was a
presentation by Dr.K.Sivarajan, Head, Dept. of Lifelong
Learning and Extension University of Calicut. Mr. Yahya
Khan, Mentor, ORC City Police, Calicut, dealt with diverse
issues related to parenting. Causes of Maladaptive
Behavior, Problem Identification and Solving were dealt
by Dr. L.R.Madhujan, Consultant Psychologist, Praptham
Adolescent Counseling Centre, Karuna Sai, Vellanad,
Trivandrum. Dr. Madhujan's interactive sessions were
captivating and formed the highlight of the workshop.
Dr.C.N.Balakrishnan Nambiar ,Principal, Devaki Amma
Memorial College of Teacher Education presented on the
topic 'Inter-parental relationship – a masterpiece module
of child rearing and caring'. Sr. Catherine Chacko 'MEA
SPANDAN' Counseling Centre St.Vincent's Home, Calicut
spoke on 'Role of parents in the successful future of
children.' She explained how the best gift the parents
could give their children could be nothing but a high level
of 'Self Esteem' that forms the key to happiness and
success in life. Sr. Chacko also threw light on the various
styles of parenting and their consequences on children.
THE ART OFPARENTING
E v e n t s
W O R K S H O P O N
- Dr. K. Sivarajan
Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Abdul Salam inaugurating the workshop
28 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 29 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Elaborating on the four commonly identified types of
parenting, she delineated their relative merits and
demerits. Her talk was liberally peppered with practical
parenting tips that could foster greater self-esteem and
mutual understanding between parents and children.
The Valedictory function that
included the evaluation session and the certification
ceremony was held on the afternoon of 31-05-2012.
Sri.Abdul Ahad Pathiyil, Section Officer welcomed the
gathering. The function was attended by
Prof:K.Raveendranath, Pro Vice Chancellor, University of
Calicut. Promising the university's support and continued
encouragement to such novel programmes, he
expressed his immense appreciation for the efforts of
Dr.K.Sivarajan, Head, Dept. of Lifelong Learning and
Extension. Dr.K.Sivarajan, in his presidential address
announced the New Mega Enterprise on MOTHER
EMPOWERMENT throughout the jurisdiction of Calicut
University. Sr. Catherine Chacko, Counselor, MEA
Spandan Counseling Centre, felicitated the participants
of the programme as well as the Department for its novel
programmes and activities which hoped will pave way for
the emergence of a healthy generation. She greatly
appreciated the team spirit of the department.
Valedictory function:
Feedback from participants: The participants
expressed their appreciation for conducting the
Parents are increasingly
resigned to the fate of
being passive
spectators in the
growth of their own
kids. In fact, parenting
is an art that needs skill
and training.
The fast changing world influences our life styles,
ways of thinking, and feelings just as it takes a
heavy toll on our interpersonal relationships. The
sheer magnitude of changes in science and technology,
especially in communication technology, is complex and
unimaginable. The hectic life style and occupational
stress of the parents take away the chances of warm and
affectionate relationship between parents and kids.
Communication gap between parents and children and
between parents themselves is paradoxically, the most
hazardous reality in the present socio-familial scenario.
Most of the parents complain about the behavior of their
children, particularly the adolescents. For them, it is
positively annoying and embarrassing.
Even educated parents are unaware of the problems of
development in various stages of life. Parents are
increasingly resigned to the fate of being passive
spectators in the growth of their own kids. In fact,
parenting is an art that needs skill and training. It is
against this backdrop that the Department of Lifelong
Learning and Extension conducted a three-day workshop
on 'The Art of Parenting'.
The objective of the
workshop was to enlighten the parents on their role in the
growth and development of their children and to foster
parenting skills, by adopting healthy ways of dealing with
kids in order to bring the best out of them and thus pave
way for the emergence of a new and healthy generation,
geared up to face the realities and challenges of life.
The course contents focused on
'Developmental needs of children' Psycho-Socio-Cultural
and Educational problems, Parental overindulgence and
consequences, Causes of maladaptive behaviour, Role of
parents in paving the way for happy and successful future
of the children.
Objective of the Course:
Course contents:
The experts: A team of experts in diverse fields
including Trained Counselors, Clinical Psychologists,
Police Personals specializing in juvenile delinquencies,
Teacher educators and Pediatricians attended the
workshop.
The workshop was inaugurated by Dr.M.Abdul Salam,
Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, University of Calicut. Stressing
the need for deep and abiding friendship and
understanding between parents and children, the VC
explained how a healthy equation between them will
prompt children to share their problems and concerns
with parents. An atmosphere of mutual concern thus
fostered will go a long way in helping children negotiate
the challenges of modern existence.
The first session on 'The Art of parenting' was a
presentation by Dr.K.Sivarajan, Head, Dept. of Lifelong
Learning and Extension University of Calicut. Mr. Yahya
Khan, Mentor, ORC City Police, Calicut, dealt with diverse
issues related to parenting. Causes of Maladaptive
Behavior, Problem Identification and Solving were dealt
by Dr. L.R.Madhujan, Consultant Psychologist, Praptham
Adolescent Counseling Centre, Karuna Sai, Vellanad,
Trivandrum. Dr. Madhujan's interactive sessions were
captivating and formed the highlight of the workshop.
Dr.C.N.Balakrishnan Nambiar ,Principal, Devaki Amma
Memorial College of Teacher Education presented on the
topic 'Inter-parental relationship – a masterpiece module
of child rearing and caring'. Sr. Catherine Chacko 'MEA
SPANDAN' Counseling Centre St.Vincent's Home, Calicut
spoke on 'Role of parents in the successful future of
children.' She explained how the best gift the parents
could give their children could be nothing but a high level
of 'Self Esteem' that forms the key to happiness and
success in life. Sr. Chacko also threw light on the various
styles of parenting and their consequences on children.
THE ART OFPARENTING
E v e n t s
W O R K S H O P O N
- Dr. K. Sivarajan
Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Abdul Salam inaugurating the workshop
28 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 29 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Facts on 3 University Projects in Public Private Participation (PPP)
Proposed Projects
Sl.No.
SponsoringAgencies
EstimatedOutlay
(Approximate)
Land Space Required Land use Policy
1. Green Sports Indian Olympic Complex Association along
with Calicut University `. 92.55 crore 50 acres
2. Institute of Education and Grace Educational Research for Dev- Association along with eloping Societies Calicut University `. 30.00 crore 10 acres
3. Badminton Courts Badminton Development and allied facilities Trust along with Calicut
University `. 30.00 crore 3 acres
Total `. 152.55 crore
l
l
l
Total ownership and poss-ession right of the land along with the created structure will be with the University only.
Administrative and acad-emic control will be with a governing body with Vice-Chancellor as Chairman.
This approval is subject to the concurrence of the Government of Kerala.
Item No. 2012. 244 dated 09-03-2012
Subject To consider the minutes of the meeting of the Vice-Chancellor with the office bearers of the
Kerala Olympic Association.
(DPE A2)
Decision The proposal of establishing Green Sports Complex in Calicut University under the Kerala
Olympic Association and National Olympic Association along with Kerala Government be
proceeded further for a detailed study and for developing a strategy for its
execution, implementation, utilization and management of the same in a manner
that will ensure, total ownership and possession of the land (along with the created
structure) with the University. There will be a triparty management involving
Calicut University, Olympic Association and Government of Kerala for this project.
This project should primarily aim the sports aspirations of South India with particular reference
to the students of Calicut University and people of Northern Kerala. This decision is subject
to the approval of Government of Kerala. The Vice-Chancellor is authorized to
proceed with Kerala Olympic Association and Government of Kerala. The details of the
proposal shall be presented in the next Syndicate meeting for further decision.
1.Minutes Details of Syndicate resolution - Green Sports Complex, University of Calicut.
2.Minutes Details of Syndicate resolution - C.H. Mohammed Koya Chair for Studies on Developing Societies.
Item No. 2012. 343 dated 31.03.2012
Subject To consider the report of the Syndicate Sub Committee to examine the proposal submitted by
Badminton Development Trust, Kozhikode seeking permission to associate with university in
establishing Badminton courts and allied facilities of international standards.
(DPE)
Decision Accepted. This permission is allowed subject to the land use policy of the University.
Accordingly, the execution, implementation, utilization and management of the
project will be in a manner that will ensure total ownership and possession of the
land along with created structure with the University. This decision will be subject
to the approval of the Government of Kerala. There will be a biparty agreement
between Calicut University and Badminton Development Trust detailing the terms and
conditions of the associations, use of the facility, etc. There will be a governing body
consisting of members from both sides with the Vice-Chancellor as Chairman. The
Badminton facility will be established at a place closely adjacent to the proposed Green Sports
Complex of the University. Shri. R.S. Panicker and Shri. Adv. G.C. Prasanth Kumar dissented.
3. Minutes details of Syndicate resolution - Establishing Badminton Courts and allied facilities of International Standards.
Item No. 2012. 315 dated 27-03-2012
Subject To consider the master plan of CH Mohammed Koya Chair for studies on developing societies.
(Pl.D. B)
Decision Accepted. The Chairman, Grace Educational Association vide his letter dated 20-03-2012,
requested to establish C.H. Mohammed Koya Institute of Education and Research for
Developing Societies. C.H. Mohammed Koya is the founding father of this University.
Therefore, this proposal is considered as a very special case. As requested by the Chairman,
Grace Educational Association, instead of C.H. Mohamed Koya Chair, they are allowed to
establish C.H. Mohammed Koya Institute of Education and Research for Developing
Societies as per the plan (approximate 10 acres) and estimate (approximate Rs.30
Crores). This permission is allowed subject to the land use policy of the University.
Accordingly, the execution, implementation, utilization and management of the
project will be in a manner that will ensure total ownership and possession of the
land along with created structure with the University. This decision will be subject
to the approval of the Government of Kerala. There will be a biparty Governing Body
involving Calicut University and Grace Educational Association for this purpose
with the Vice-Chancellor as Chairman. The programmes undertaken by the C.H.
Mohammed Koya Institute of Education and Research for Developing Societies will be as per
the rules and regulations and mandate of the University. The Syndicate felt that the
present plan needs an elegant modification to fit the stature of the founding father. A MoU will
be signed between the Chairman of the trust and the Registrar of Calicut University.
Unfortunately, due to false propaganda and media hype accusing gift of land to private parties and consequent
chaos, marches, dharnas, agitations and violence, the University was forced to cancel the decisions.
Note
Facts on 3 University Projects in Public Private Participation (PPP)
Proposed Projects
Sl.No.
SponsoringAgencies
EstimatedOutlay
(Approximate)
Land Space Required Land use Policy
1. Green Sports Indian Olympic Complex Association along
with Calicut University `. 92.55 crore 50 acres
2. Institute of Education and Grace Educational Research for Dev- Association along with eloping Societies Calicut University `. 30.00 crore 10 acres
3. Badminton Courts Badminton Development and allied facilities Trust along with Calicut
University `. 30.00 crore 3 acres
Total `. 152.55 crore
l
l
l
Total ownership and poss-ession right of the land along with the created structure will be with the University only.
Administrative and acad-emic control will be with a governing body with Vice-Chancellor as Chairman.
This approval is subject to the concurrence of the Government of Kerala.
Item No. 2012. 244 dated 09-03-2012
Subject To consider the minutes of the meeting of the Vice-Chancellor with the office bearers of the
Kerala Olympic Association.
(DPE A2)
Decision The proposal of establishing Green Sports Complex in Calicut University under the Kerala
Olympic Association and National Olympic Association along with Kerala Government be
proceeded further for a detailed study and for developing a strategy for its
execution, implementation, utilization and management of the same in a manner
that will ensure, total ownership and possession of the land (along with the created
structure) with the University. There will be a triparty management involving
Calicut University, Olympic Association and Government of Kerala for this project.
This project should primarily aim the sports aspirations of South India with particular reference
to the students of Calicut University and people of Northern Kerala. This decision is subject
to the approval of Government of Kerala. The Vice-Chancellor is authorized to
proceed with Kerala Olympic Association and Government of Kerala. The details of the
proposal shall be presented in the next Syndicate meeting for further decision.
1.Minutes Details of Syndicate resolution - Green Sports Complex, University of Calicut.
2.Minutes Details of Syndicate resolution - C.H. Mohammed Koya Chair for Studies on Developing Societies.
Item No. 2012. 343 dated 31.03.2012
Subject To consider the report of the Syndicate Sub Committee to examine the proposal submitted by
Badminton Development Trust, Kozhikode seeking permission to associate with university in
establishing Badminton courts and allied facilities of international standards.
(DPE)
Decision Accepted. This permission is allowed subject to the land use policy of the University.
Accordingly, the execution, implementation, utilization and management of the
project will be in a manner that will ensure total ownership and possession of the
land along with created structure with the University. This decision will be subject
to the approval of the Government of Kerala. There will be a biparty agreement
between Calicut University and Badminton Development Trust detailing the terms and
conditions of the associations, use of the facility, etc. There will be a governing body
consisting of members from both sides with the Vice-Chancellor as Chairman. The
Badminton facility will be established at a place closely adjacent to the proposed Green Sports
Complex of the University. Shri. R.S. Panicker and Shri. Adv. G.C. Prasanth Kumar dissented.
3. Minutes details of Syndicate resolution - Establishing Badminton Courts and allied facilities of International Standards.
Item No. 2012. 315 dated 27-03-2012
Subject To consider the master plan of CH Mohammed Koya Chair for studies on developing societies.
(Pl.D. B)
Decision Accepted. The Chairman, Grace Educational Association vide his letter dated 20-03-2012,
requested to establish C.H. Mohammed Koya Institute of Education and Research for
Developing Societies. C.H. Mohammed Koya is the founding father of this University.
Therefore, this proposal is considered as a very special case. As requested by the Chairman,
Grace Educational Association, instead of C.H. Mohamed Koya Chair, they are allowed to
establish C.H. Mohammed Koya Institute of Education and Research for Developing
Societies as per the plan (approximate 10 acres) and estimate (approximate Rs.30
Crores). This permission is allowed subject to the land use policy of the University.
Accordingly, the execution, implementation, utilization and management of the
project will be in a manner that will ensure total ownership and possession of the
land along with created structure with the University. This decision will be subject
to the approval of the Government of Kerala. There will be a biparty Governing Body
involving Calicut University and Grace Educational Association for this purpose
with the Vice-Chancellor as Chairman. The programmes undertaken by the C.H.
Mohammed Koya Institute of Education and Research for Developing Societies will be as per
the rules and regulations and mandate of the University. The Syndicate felt that the
present plan needs an elegant modification to fit the stature of the founding father. A MoU will
be signed between the Chairman of the trust and the Registrar of Calicut University.
Unfortunately, due to false propaganda and media hype accusing gift of land to private parties and consequent
chaos, marches, dharnas, agitations and violence, the University was forced to cancel the decisions.
Note
Vice Chancellor Dr.M.Abdul Salam inaugurated the
plantation project titled 'Greening the Campus for
Food Security and Environmental Sustainability'
on June 26 by planting mango saplings in the newly set
up orchard on the western side of the campus.
The primary objective of the project is to ensure
sustainable biodiversity and food security with the
support of local people. It meant for research purpose
also. The total area proposed for the plantation is five
hectors. “At the outset, our plan is to develop a mango
orchard that will showcase rare varieties of mango trees”
said M Bhaskaran, Estate Officer. For the project the
campus is divided into sub blocks based on soil type and
cropping pattern. The mango orchard is behind the
Humanities block”, he said. This project is included in the
University's 12th plan proposal.
On the inaugural day, higher officers and trade union
representatives on the campus planted saplings bearing
Campus getting
Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Abdul Salam inaugurating the
plantation project .
their names. Secured with bio-fencing, the orchard is
designed to maximize the utilization of rain water. “Apart
from environmental sustainability the project will
beautify the campus as the orchards include stunning
landscapes and well designed ponds”, Bhaskaran said.
“The project offers jobs to the local people. Moreover, the
fruits of the trees will fetch some income too' he added.
The inauguration held at the seminar hall of the
humanities building. Registrar Dr M V Joseph welcomed
the gathering. Pro-vice-chancellor Prof.K Raveendranath
chaired the function. Estate officer, M Bhaskaran
presented the report. Dr. A K Pradeep proposed a vote
of thanks.
greenV
ice Chancellor Dr. M Abdul Salam urged the
budding journalists to uphold the ethics of
journalism in their future media endeavors. He
was inaugurating the 8th edition of Mass Communication
Alumni Association (MASSCAA) gathering 'Communion
2012” on August 10 at the Education department seminar
hall.
'Today, media content is far removed from truth and
reality. But, truth cannot be suppressed forever. Human
values such as truth, fairness and integrity should be the
top priority of journalists as they are the watchdogs of
any democratic society, said Dr. M Abdul Salam.
A seminar on 'T.P Chandrasekharan's Murder and the
Media' held as part of the gathering highlighted various
aspects of media coverage of the issue. P.M Manoj,
associate editor, Deshabhimani ,K.Shahjahan, senior
news editor, Asianet News and N.Padmanabhan ,Ex-Gen
Secretary of Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ)
made presentations in the seminar moderated by M P
MASCAA conducts Communion 2012
Prasanth, Malabar Bureau Chief of the Times of India. An
interactive session held after the seminar witnessed
interesting feedbacks from the audience.
M.P Prasanth, president of MASCAA chaired the
inaugural session. Sajeed Naduthodi, secretary
welcomed the gathering and Abdul Latheef Naha,
treasurer proposed a vote of thanks. Dr. Sucheta Nair,
head, department of Journalism and Mass
Communication and Sanish M, student representative
felicitated.
In the general body meeting of MASCAA held at the
department of Journalism and Mass Comm-unication,
alumni reminisced their good old days. Abdul Latheef
Naha, senior reporter of the Hindu and Rajeev P R,
reporter of the Times of India were elected president and
secretary respe-ctively. Dr. Shaju P P, assistant professor
at Mary Matha College is the treasurer. The Iftar party
held at the end added colour to the whole event.
- Supriya .M (MCJ III Semester)
Vice Chancellor
inaugurating Mass
Communication Alumni
Day Communion 2012
E v e n t s E v e n t s
- Supriya .M (MCJ III Semester)
33 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Vice Chancellor Dr.M.Abdul Salam inaugurated the
plantation project titled 'Greening the Campus for
Food Security and Environmental Sustainability'
on June 26 by planting mango saplings in the newly set
up orchard on the western side of the campus.
The primary objective of the project is to ensure
sustainable biodiversity and food security with the
support of local people. It meant for research purpose
also. The total area proposed for the plantation is five
hectors. “At the outset, our plan is to develop a mango
orchard that will showcase rare varieties of mango trees”
said M Bhaskaran, Estate Officer. For the project the
campus is divided into sub blocks based on soil type and
cropping pattern. The mango orchard is behind the
Humanities block”, he said. This project is included in the
University's 12th plan proposal.
On the inaugural day, higher officers and trade union
representatives on the campus planted saplings bearing
Campus getting
Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Abdul Salam inaugurating the
plantation project .
their names. Secured with bio-fencing, the orchard is
designed to maximize the utilization of rain water. “Apart
from environmental sustainability the project will
beautify the campus as the orchards include stunning
landscapes and well designed ponds”, Bhaskaran said.
“The project offers jobs to the local people. Moreover, the
fruits of the trees will fetch some income too' he added.
The inauguration held at the seminar hall of the
humanities building. Registrar Dr M V Joseph welcomed
the gathering. Pro-vice-chancellor Prof.K Raveendranath
chaired the function. Estate officer, M Bhaskaran
presented the report. Dr. A K Pradeep proposed a vote
of thanks.
greenV
ice Chancellor Dr. M Abdul Salam urged the
budding journalists to uphold the ethics of
journalism in their future media endeavors. He
was inaugurating the 8th edition of Mass Communication
Alumni Association (MASSCAA) gathering 'Communion
2012” on August 10 at the Education department seminar
hall.
'Today, media content is far removed from truth and
reality. But, truth cannot be suppressed forever. Human
values such as truth, fairness and integrity should be the
top priority of journalists as they are the watchdogs of
any democratic society, said Dr. M Abdul Salam.
A seminar on 'T.P Chandrasekharan's Murder and the
Media' held as part of the gathering highlighted various
aspects of media coverage of the issue. P.M Manoj,
associate editor, Deshabhimani ,K.Shahjahan, senior
news editor, Asianet News and N.Padmanabhan ,Ex-Gen
Secretary of Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ)
made presentations in the seminar moderated by M P
MASCAA conducts Communion 2012
Prasanth, Malabar Bureau Chief of the Times of India. An
interactive session held after the seminar witnessed
interesting feedbacks from the audience.
M.P Prasanth, president of MASCAA chaired the
inaugural session. Sajeed Naduthodi, secretary
welcomed the gathering and Abdul Latheef Naha,
treasurer proposed a vote of thanks. Dr. Sucheta Nair,
head, department of Journalism and Mass
Communication and Sanish M, student representative
felicitated.
In the general body meeting of MASCAA held at the
department of Journalism and Mass Comm-unication,
alumni reminisced their good old days. Abdul Latheef
Naha, senior reporter of the Hindu and Rajeev P R,
reporter of the Times of India were elected president and
secretary respe-ctively. Dr. Shaju P P, assistant professor
at Mary Matha College is the treasurer. The Iftar party
held at the end added colour to the whole event.
- Supriya .M (MCJ III Semester)
Vice Chancellor
inaugurating Mass
Communication Alumni
Day Communion 2012
E v e n t s E v e n t s
- Supriya .M (MCJ III Semester)
33 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Would you call Anver Khalid lucky or unlucky? To
be sure, he is not an all too rare a
specimen.Anvar is a student doing Teachers'
Training at an institute in Mokkam, a moderate town
some thirty kilometres away from Kozhikode. In Anvar's
class there are a total of forty students. But Anvaris the
only male representative! A lone male amid a melee of
females. Anvar, a young boy not yet out of his teens, finds
the experience positively enjoyable, though at times he
finds himself in an awkward position since there is
nobody in the class on whose shoulders he can lay his
hands and have a friendly chat.
Though Anver'scase mightbe extreme, the depleting
numberof male students on our campuses is indeed a
topic worthy of a sociological dissertation. It is especially
interesting since it's happening in a country like India,
where the general demographic trend is in the contrary
direction. Why are boys becoming a minority in our
educational institutions when they are a majority in the
society?
Figures speak for themselves. In Delhi, for example, it is
not only the traditional girls' only colleges that have
become girls' colleges, but even coeducational
institutions are becoming female bastions because of the
predominantly female student population. In the reputed
Sri Ram College, Girls account for more than seventy
seven per cent ofthe student population, while boys
constitute a measly 23 per cent. In courses like
psychology, the gender ratio is even more skewed.
In most metro cities, Arts & Science colleges are
becoming female strongholds with little male presence.
Kerala is no exception. Farook College, one of the largest
colleges in the state was once a boys' only college. VP
Muhammad, the celebrated humourist has written
nostalgically about his college days spent there thinking
of an imaginary Cleopatra; but the only female presence
on the campus, rues the writer, was a sixty year old
female cook with abundant silvery locks! In the same
college, men are now becoming a rarity with females
accounting for more than seventy per cent of the total
students.In some courses, like English literature girls
outnumber boys to the tune of 1: 10.
It is like Vaikam Muhammad Basheer's hell, observesAsif,
who graduated from the college. Quizzed about
Basheer's hell, Asif's face lights up with a mischievous
smile. When Basheer went on a visit to hell (those who
have read Basheer know he was entitled to such
journeys!), all that he could see in one particular corner
was a clutch of women with alone man in the middle. The
man, according to Basheer, was PunathilKunchabdulla,
the famous author of kanyavanangal. For Asif, such a hell
is not an altogether an unpleasant experience.
But the changing campus demography is not any sign of
female empowerment, according to Dr.Sajitha Assistant
Professor at Farook College. The common belief is that
girls perform better in the exams and hence get access to
higher avenues. But the case is not so black and white.
The depleting number of males in arts and science
colleges also owes to the fact that most parents prefer
sending their boys to professional colleges and girls to
ordinary schools.
Most girls who study in Arts and Science colleges have
brothers studying in engineering colleges. While families
take pains to send their boys to professional schools,
they are not so eager about girls. This owes to society's
unchanging perception regarding gender roles. While
boys are expected to be bread winners supporting
parents in old age, girls are expected to fulfil domestic
roles. Hence they are trained in soft courses. Courses like
literature and psychology are here seen as favourite
options.
Out-genderedThe endangered Male
U.O.Thasneem (English Dept.)
This is part of the reason why courses like physics and
mathematics still attract a sizable number of boys. While
boys are trained to become professionals, for many girls,
University is still seen as a convenient waiting shed for a
bride. In today's marriage market a woman without a
degree is not an easy business proposition, says
Dr.Sajitha.
This is the reason why Engineering colleges continue to
be male bastions. While boys constitute the bulk of the
student population in most engineering colleges, the
picture at IITs illustrates an extreme case. At IITs, the
gender ratio is staggeringly pro-male. It ranges from 5-1
to 20-1. Bombay IIT, for instance, has only 3 girls' hostels
against 13 boys' hostels.
Not surprisingly, boys outperform girls in both medical
and engineering entrance exams. Indeed, entrance
exams have been the pegs on which the traditional male
pride has been clinging on for many years. However, the
gap in the professional colleges is also being steadily
bridged by girls, saysArun, a physics teacher associated
with a coaching centre in Calicut. According to Arun, just
as the society's perceptions regarding gender roles are
changing, so are the performance indices of boys vis-à-
vis girls in competitive exams. 'Even now there are social
inhibitions that prevent girls from being allowed to
choose a course or vocation of their own preference.
Once such inhibitions are done away with we will have
more female engineers and doctors. There is still a wide-
spread perception that engineering, especially branches
like mechanical,is not an easy choice for girls. Once this
changes more and more girls will be finding their way to
engineering colleges. After all, even army and police are
no longer male preserves.'
Not everyone agrees. According to ReenuGeorge,
Assistant Professor of English at Calicut University,
academic field is still a heavily gendered arena. Reenu
has had a chequered career as teacher having taught
both at the higher secondary level and a poly-technique
before joining the University. While she had only four
male class-mates while doing MA English at Brennen
College Telichery, she had only one female student in the
electronics batch at the poly-technique. This shows how
gendered our choices and options are.
Many girls who acquired Engineering degrees couldn't
take up gainful jobs as engineers because juggling
together the twin responsibilities of housekeepers and
technocrats wasn't easy, says Reenu. Some of them are
even working as teachers and being paid less than
trained teachers. This makes engineering a not so happy
prospect for girls.
Reenu however attributes the greater presence of girls
on our college campuses to the higher dedication and
more focussed approach being displayed by them.
Having taught at the Higher Secondary level, she
vouches for the greater industry and dedication shown
by girls in their studies. This is why more girls get
admitted to those prestigious Higher Secondary schools
than boys.
Boys are less disciplined and have several distractions
than girls, says Abdulrehiman, a Calicut-based clinical
–psychologist. The impact that the media, especially the
TV, has had on boys and girls is also different. While boys
spend a lot of time watching cricket and horror movies,
girls spend more time with books. This is reflected in their
better academic performance. Diseases like ADD
(Attention Deficiency Disorder) are seen more in boys, he
notes.
So, are girls going to finally elbow out boys from our
conventional academia? There are ample indications that
boys are finding it increasingly difficult to compete
against girls for admissions. St. Joseph's college Devagiri
was until recently a Boys' college. But gradually, the
college opened its gates to girls, first at the postgraduate
level and then at the undergraduate. Now boys are
finding it difficult to get admitted there. Najeem, an
undergraduate studying at another college says how he
was discouraged from applying at St. Joseph's by his
friends who warned him about girls coming with donkey
loads of A plus.
Actually this is part of an emerging global pattern.
Colleges in the West now exhibit a similar demography.
In America, sociologists are busy discussing the impacts
of the skewed gender ratio on campuses, especially since
campuses there had traditionally doubled up as sites of
social interaction paving way for marriages and
partnerships.
Poor Virginia Woolf! Even in 1940s, the celebrated writer
was denied admission to the famous Baliol library for the
'unforgivable sin' of having been born a female. In a
'Room of One's Own,' she gives vent to the many
disappointments she had to suffer on account of finding
herself on the wrong side of the gender equation. Given
the new trend on our campuses, will it be time for the
rougher species to think along similar lines?
Figures speak for themselves. In Delhi, for example, it is not only the traditional girls' only
colleges that have become girls' colleges, but even
coeducational institutions are becoming female bastions
because of the predominantly female student population.
T r e n d s
35 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Would you call Anver Khalid lucky or unlucky? To
be sure, he is not an all too rare a
specimen.Anvar is a student doing Teachers'
Training at an institute in Mokkam, a moderate town
some thirty kilometres away from Kozhikode. In Anvar's
class there are a total of forty students. But Anvaris the
only male representative! A lone male amid a melee of
females. Anvar, a young boy not yet out of his teens, finds
the experience positively enjoyable, though at times he
finds himself in an awkward position since there is
nobody in the class on whose shoulders he can lay his
hands and have a friendly chat.
Though Anver'scase mightbe extreme, the depleting
numberof male students on our campuses is indeed a
topic worthy of a sociological dissertation. It is especially
interesting since it's happening in a country like India,
where the general demographic trend is in the contrary
direction. Why are boys becoming a minority in our
educational institutions when they are a majority in the
society?
Figures speak for themselves. In Delhi, for example, it is
not only the traditional girls' only colleges that have
become girls' colleges, but even coeducational
institutions are becoming female bastions because of the
predominantly female student population. In the reputed
Sri Ram College, Girls account for more than seventy
seven per cent ofthe student population, while boys
constitute a measly 23 per cent. In courses like
psychology, the gender ratio is even more skewed.
In most metro cities, Arts & Science colleges are
becoming female strongholds with little male presence.
Kerala is no exception. Farook College, one of the largest
colleges in the state was once a boys' only college. VP
Muhammad, the celebrated humourist has written
nostalgically about his college days spent there thinking
of an imaginary Cleopatra; but the only female presence
on the campus, rues the writer, was a sixty year old
female cook with abundant silvery locks! In the same
college, men are now becoming a rarity with females
accounting for more than seventy per cent of the total
students.In some courses, like English literature girls
outnumber boys to the tune of 1: 10.
It is like Vaikam Muhammad Basheer's hell, observesAsif,
who graduated from the college. Quizzed about
Basheer's hell, Asif's face lights up with a mischievous
smile. When Basheer went on a visit to hell (those who
have read Basheer know he was entitled to such
journeys!), all that he could see in one particular corner
was a clutch of women with alone man in the middle. The
man, according to Basheer, was PunathilKunchabdulla,
the famous author of kanyavanangal. For Asif, such a hell
is not an altogether an unpleasant experience.
But the changing campus demography is not any sign of
female empowerment, according to Dr.Sajitha Assistant
Professor at Farook College. The common belief is that
girls perform better in the exams and hence get access to
higher avenues. But the case is not so black and white.
The depleting number of males in arts and science
colleges also owes to the fact that most parents prefer
sending their boys to professional colleges and girls to
ordinary schools.
Most girls who study in Arts and Science colleges have
brothers studying in engineering colleges. While families
take pains to send their boys to professional schools,
they are not so eager about girls. This owes to society's
unchanging perception regarding gender roles. While
boys are expected to be bread winners supporting
parents in old age, girls are expected to fulfil domestic
roles. Hence they are trained in soft courses. Courses like
literature and psychology are here seen as favourite
options.
Out-genderedThe endangered Male
U.O.Thasneem (English Dept.)
This is part of the reason why courses like physics and
mathematics still attract a sizable number of boys. While
boys are trained to become professionals, for many girls,
University is still seen as a convenient waiting shed for a
bride. In today's marriage market a woman without a
degree is not an easy business proposition, says
Dr.Sajitha.
This is the reason why Engineering colleges continue to
be male bastions. While boys constitute the bulk of the
student population in most engineering colleges, the
picture at IITs illustrates an extreme case. At IITs, the
gender ratio is staggeringly pro-male. It ranges from 5-1
to 20-1. Bombay IIT, for instance, has only 3 girls' hostels
against 13 boys' hostels.
Not surprisingly, boys outperform girls in both medical
and engineering entrance exams. Indeed, entrance
exams have been the pegs on which the traditional male
pride has been clinging on for many years. However, the
gap in the professional colleges is also being steadily
bridged by girls, saysArun, a physics teacher associated
with a coaching centre in Calicut. According to Arun, just
as the society's perceptions regarding gender roles are
changing, so are the performance indices of boys vis-à-
vis girls in competitive exams. 'Even now there are social
inhibitions that prevent girls from being allowed to
choose a course or vocation of their own preference.
Once such inhibitions are done away with we will have
more female engineers and doctors. There is still a wide-
spread perception that engineering, especially branches
like mechanical,is not an easy choice for girls. Once this
changes more and more girls will be finding their way to
engineering colleges. After all, even army and police are
no longer male preserves.'
Not everyone agrees. According to ReenuGeorge,
Assistant Professor of English at Calicut University,
academic field is still a heavily gendered arena. Reenu
has had a chequered career as teacher having taught
both at the higher secondary level and a poly-technique
before joining the University. While she had only four
male class-mates while doing MA English at Brennen
College Telichery, she had only one female student in the
electronics batch at the poly-technique. This shows how
gendered our choices and options are.
Many girls who acquired Engineering degrees couldn't
take up gainful jobs as engineers because juggling
together the twin responsibilities of housekeepers and
technocrats wasn't easy, says Reenu. Some of them are
even working as teachers and being paid less than
trained teachers. This makes engineering a not so happy
prospect for girls.
Reenu however attributes the greater presence of girls
on our college campuses to the higher dedication and
more focussed approach being displayed by them.
Having taught at the Higher Secondary level, she
vouches for the greater industry and dedication shown
by girls in their studies. This is why more girls get
admitted to those prestigious Higher Secondary schools
than boys.
Boys are less disciplined and have several distractions
than girls, says Abdulrehiman, a Calicut-based clinical
–psychologist. The impact that the media, especially the
TV, has had on boys and girls is also different. While boys
spend a lot of time watching cricket and horror movies,
girls spend more time with books. This is reflected in their
better academic performance. Diseases like ADD
(Attention Deficiency Disorder) are seen more in boys, he
notes.
So, are girls going to finally elbow out boys from our
conventional academia? There are ample indications that
boys are finding it increasingly difficult to compete
against girls for admissions. St. Joseph's college Devagiri
was until recently a Boys' college. But gradually, the
college opened its gates to girls, first at the postgraduate
level and then at the undergraduate. Now boys are
finding it difficult to get admitted there. Najeem, an
undergraduate studying at another college says how he
was discouraged from applying at St. Joseph's by his
friends who warned him about girls coming with donkey
loads of A plus.
Actually this is part of an emerging global pattern.
Colleges in the West now exhibit a similar demography.
In America, sociologists are busy discussing the impacts
of the skewed gender ratio on campuses, especially since
campuses there had traditionally doubled up as sites of
social interaction paving way for marriages and
partnerships.
Poor Virginia Woolf! Even in 1940s, the celebrated writer
was denied admission to the famous Baliol library for the
'unforgivable sin' of having been born a female. In a
'Room of One's Own,' she gives vent to the many
disappointments she had to suffer on account of finding
herself on the wrong side of the gender equation. Given
the new trend on our campuses, will it be time for the
rougher species to think along similar lines?
Figures speak for themselves. In Delhi, for example, it is not only the traditional girls' only
colleges that have become girls' colleges, but even
coeducational institutions are becoming female bastions
because of the predominantly female student population.
T r e n d s
35 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
One cannot resist stopping for a while to have a closer look at this handsome evergreen
climber. A native of Colombia, this extensive climber was introduced into the University
Botanical Garden in early 1980's. Botanically called Saritaea magnifica, it belongs to the
family Bignoniaceae, which has contributed many well-known ornamental trees and climbers.
The plant produces its large bell-shaped mauve flowers in bunches of three or four in leaf axils or
at the tips of branches. The flower has a funnel-shaped tube and a 5-lobed corolla. The throat of
the tube is pale yellow with longitudinal purple veins. The leaves are bifoliolate and glossy green
usually with a tendril by which they climb upon trees.
The plant puts forth its magnificent blossoms soon after the monsoon, and the flowering often
extend up to summer in Kerala. Being very hardy and free flowering, Saritaea is much
appreciated in tropical gardens to cover and beautify old leafless trees and pergolas. The plant
grows vigorously in humus rich soil with good drainage. The plant does not make much demand
and does well if planted in pits filled with a mixture river sand, bone meal and compost. Being a
spreading plant, it requires pruning at regular intervals, especially after flowering to keep the plant
in good shape. Saritaea seldom sets fruits and seeds under Indian conditions, and is generally
propagated from cuttings from one-year old stem of about 25-30 cm long, with the thickness of a
pencil. To initiate rooting, the cut surface can be treated with root hormones such as Indole acetic
acid (IAA) or Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The treated cuttings can also be raised in polythene
bags containing equal parts of rotten farmyard manure, one part of river sand and one part of red
soil. Once the plant is firmly rooted, the poly bags can be transplanted in a well-lit location in the
garden, provided with a strong support to climb. The plant requires plenty of space, light and
water. Within two years of planting, it will produce hundreds of bell-shaped mauve flowers adding
beauty to homestead gardens.
A.K. Pradeep
Magnificent Climber
C a m p u s F l o w e r
Canadian Director Kaz Rahman stunned the film
buffs on the campus with his movie 'Deccani
Souls' screened at the Malayalam department
seminar hall under the auspicious of Calicut
University Film Society (CUFS) on August 6.
The film screened in two parts namely 'Collector of
Dreams' and 'Landscape of Souls' ably captured the
wounded memories of Hyderabad during its
amalgamation to Indian territory in 1948. The film
highlighted the characters of a census collector called
Babu and an Urdu poet Siddique to depict the shards
of the unforgettable Indian past.
An open forum was also held after the screening. Kaz
Rahman responded to the queries of the viewers. He
said that the history of every nation moved different
people differently and he had a special place for India
in his heart as his roots were in Hyderabad.
Grown up in Canada and studied visual arts at New
York University in Toronto, Rahman has screened his
works at prominent venues such as Anthology Film
archives, National Film Board of Canada, Salar Jung
Museum(Hyderabad), Andy Warhol Museum
(Pittsburgh) and the San Jose Museum of art (USA).
His recent film 'Salat'(2010) received many reviews in
the English, Urdu and Telugu media and was shown as
a multi-channel installation at the international
Festival of video art in Camaguey, Cuba in late 2011.
Dr. Umar Tharammel, Reader, Malayalam Ddepart-
ment delivered the presidential address. Prof. Anil
Vallathol , Head of the Hepartment presented the
memento to Mr. Kaz Rahman .
-Sinosh K.P (III Sem. MCJ)
Deccani Souls Screened
F i l m S c r e e n i n g
36 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
One cannot resist stopping for a while to have a closer look at this handsome evergreen
climber. A native of Colombia, this extensive climber was introduced into the University
Botanical Garden in early 1980's. Botanically called Saritaea magnifica, it belongs to the
family Bignoniaceae, which has contributed many well-known ornamental trees and climbers.
The plant produces its large bell-shaped mauve flowers in bunches of three or four in leaf axils or
at the tips of branches. The flower has a funnel-shaped tube and a 5-lobed corolla. The throat of
the tube is pale yellow with longitudinal purple veins. The leaves are bifoliolate and glossy green
usually with a tendril by which they climb upon trees.
The plant puts forth its magnificent blossoms soon after the monsoon, and the flowering often
extend up to summer in Kerala. Being very hardy and free flowering, Saritaea is much
appreciated in tropical gardens to cover and beautify old leafless trees and pergolas. The plant
grows vigorously in humus rich soil with good drainage. The plant does not make much demand
and does well if planted in pits filled with a mixture river sand, bone meal and compost. Being a
spreading plant, it requires pruning at regular intervals, especially after flowering to keep the plant
in good shape. Saritaea seldom sets fruits and seeds under Indian conditions, and is generally
propagated from cuttings from one-year old stem of about 25-30 cm long, with the thickness of a
pencil. To initiate rooting, the cut surface can be treated with root hormones such as Indole acetic
acid (IAA) or Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The treated cuttings can also be raised in polythene
bags containing equal parts of rotten farmyard manure, one part of river sand and one part of red
soil. Once the plant is firmly rooted, the poly bags can be transplanted in a well-lit location in the
garden, provided with a strong support to climb. The plant requires plenty of space, light and
water. Within two years of planting, it will produce hundreds of bell-shaped mauve flowers adding
beauty to homestead gardens.
A.K. Pradeep
Magnificent Climber
C a m p u s F l o w e r
Canadian Director Kaz Rahman stunned the film
buffs on the campus with his movie 'Deccani
Souls' screened at the Malayalam department
seminar hall under the auspicious of Calicut
University Film Society (CUFS) on August 6.
The film screened in two parts namely 'Collector of
Dreams' and 'Landscape of Souls' ably captured the
wounded memories of Hyderabad during its
amalgamation to Indian territory in 1948. The film
highlighted the characters of a census collector called
Babu and an Urdu poet Siddique to depict the shards
of the unforgettable Indian past.
An open forum was also held after the screening. Kaz
Rahman responded to the queries of the viewers. He
said that the history of every nation moved different
people differently and he had a special place for India
in his heart as his roots were in Hyderabad.
Grown up in Canada and studied visual arts at New
York University in Toronto, Rahman has screened his
works at prominent venues such as Anthology Film
archives, National Film Board of Canada, Salar Jung
Museum(Hyderabad), Andy Warhol Museum
(Pittsburgh) and the San Jose Museum of art (USA).
His recent film 'Salat'(2010) received many reviews in
the English, Urdu and Telugu media and was shown as
a multi-channel installation at the international
Festival of video art in Camaguey, Cuba in late 2011.
Dr. Umar Tharammel, Reader, Malayalam Ddepart-
ment delivered the presidential address. Prof. Anil
Vallathol , Head of the Hepartment presented the
memento to Mr. Kaz Rahman .
-Sinosh K.P (III Sem. MCJ)
Deccani Souls Screened
F i l m S c r e e n i n g
36 l ASCENT AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012
Dhoomil (Sudama Panday, 1936-'75) was known as the 'angry
young man' of Hindi poetry. Dhoomil was one of the best
representatives of political poetry in Hindi. He overhauled Hindi
poetry with his startling images and refreshingly modernist idiom.
Dhoomil's poems have been translated into English, Malayalam
and other Indian languages.
All you have to see is
How words become poetry,
Read the men and women
Who lie prostrate between the lines,
Listen to the clang of iron on iron,
Look at the earth
Turning crimson with the dripping blood.
The blacksmith never knows
How iron can hurt;
The horse knows –
When the reins tighten.
The Last Poem
P o e m
Dhoomil
Dhoomil (Sudama Panday, 1936-'75) was known as the 'angry
young man' of Hindi poetry. Dhoomil was one of the best
representatives of political poetry in Hindi. He overhauled Hindi
poetry with his startling images and refreshingly modernist idiom.
Dhoomil's poems have been translated into English, Malayalam
and other Indian languages.
All you have to see is
How words become poetry,
Read the men and women
Who lie prostrate between the lines,
Listen to the clang of iron on iron,
Look at the earth
Turning crimson with the dripping blood.
The blacksmith never knows
How iron can hurt;
The horse knows –
When the reins tighten.
The Last Poem
P o e m
Dhoomil