St. Thomas College, Thissur, the alma mater of many eminent personalities of national and international importance, is turning 100.
The institution, which has a remarkable role in Kerala’s socio-political and economic development, has a rich list of alumni, including Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, scientists, academics, literary figures, and artistes.
Gandhi’s visit
Mahatma Gandhi visited the college on October 14, 1927, and called for the participation of students in the freedom struggle.
A college, hailed for its scholarship and contributions not just to Kerala but to the whole country, has produced great personalities such as Panampilly Govinda Menon (former Chief Minister of Travancore-Cochin); E.M.S. Namboodirippad (the first Chief Minister of Kerala); C. Achutha Menon (former Chief Minster); N.K. Sheshan (former Speaker and Finance Minister); Joseph Mundassery (first education Minister and literary critic); spiritual leader Swami Chinmayanandan; and ISRO former Chairman K. Radhakrishnan.
Started as a school
Adolphus Edwin Medlycott, the first Bishop of Thrissur, started a school for boys in 1889, named ‘St. Thomas College School’. It was given the status of a college after 30 years.
Now, the college with autonomous status has 3,000-odd students and 200 teachers.
It has 18 undergraduate departments and 14 postgraduate departments. With 110 research students and 40 guides, the college also lays utmost thrust on research.