Loyola History Association 3.7

FRAGRANT MEMORY:

The Department of History, “Where excellence is not a habit, but a tradition” has a history as old as Loyola College. The tale of the founding and the emergence of the department is in many respects exemplary of its age.

“Fr. Bertram, Fr. Murphy and Fr. Foreau of Madurai province were the founders of the college. It started its functioning from 7th July 1925 with 75 students on the rolls in the under-graduate courses of Mathematics, History and Economics”. (Loyola Alumni Directory (1925-2000) - “Milestones”)

The department had its periods of eclipse and revival. After a short spell, when the pass course in political science was abolished, its members were integrated with the History department. Ancillary politics and logic were offered to students of other branches as well.

FACULTY - PAST:

“The days of their years”

The ‘great’ and ‘eminent’ stalwarts who served in the department and left lasting impressions are

Dr. Appadurai – Later, founder the School of International Relations, Delhi, which is now part of the Jawaharlal Nehru University
Dr. S. Natarajan – Later, became Professor of History in Osmania University
Late Dr. Adisayam
Late Prof. Rajendran (Head of the Department – 1957-1967)
Late Prof. Berchmans (Head of the Department – 1967-1977)
Late Dr. Nambi Arooran
Prof. Valluvan Clarence Motha (Head of the Department – 1977-1984)
Late Dr. M. X. Miranda (Head of the Department – 1984-1985)
Prof U. Munuswamy (Head of the Department – 1985-1993)
Prof. D. P. Venugopalan, M.A. (Head of the Department – 1993-1995, Former Vice-Principal, Loyola College – 1999-2002)
Rev. Dr. Alphonse Manickam S.J., M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D., (Former Vice-principal, Loyola Evening College & Self Supporting Courses) (2005-2006)
Rev.Fr. Arockiaraj, S.J., M.A.,M.Phil. (Head of the Department (2006 - 2010)
Late Fr. Ignatius Irudayam S.J. and Late Rev. Fr. Subbiah had also served in the department.

The Department of History owes the above mentioned stalwarts, an immeasurable debt of gratitude which can never be repaid.

FACULTY - PRESENT:

Aided:
Dr. B. P. Jayachandran, M.A., M.Phil.,Ph.D. (Head of the Department – 2010 - )
Dr. G. J. Sudhakar, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. (Head of the Department – 1995-2000)
Dr. Bernard D’ Sami, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. (Head of the Department –2000-2005)
Rev. Dr. G. Joseph Antony Samy S.J., M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. (Principal, Loyola College - 2013 - )
Mr. L. Selvanathan, M.A., M.Phil.
Ms. D. Anuradha M.A.,B.Ed.

Management:
Mr. J. Renganathan M.A.,M.Phil. (Co-ordinator - Shift II)
Ms. Arputha Selvi M.A., M.Phil.
Mr. A. Ravi Sankar M,A., M.Phil.
Dr. I. Princes M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D

AUTONOMY/RESTRUCTURING:

Even in the non-autonomous days, the department excelled in various directions as a pioneer in both curricular and co-curricular activities. The grant of autonomy enabled the department to innovate and experiment with a variety of academic programmes and activities. The History department took the plunge to make capital advantage of the special privilege, autonomy had provided.
The Department of History, under autonomy, embarked on making changes in curriculum design and instructional methodology, which was vital to curriculum improvement. Courses dealing with contemporary society and focusing on topics from the fields of government, economics and sociology were introduced. An interdisciplinary approach and innovative courses cutting across history discipline were adopted. A variety of methods like book reviews, spot visits, field projects, study tours, teaching projects, case-study methods, role plays, seminars, panel discussions, in-basket training, etc. were introduced to suit the students of different backgrounds and abilities.

History education became fruitful, meaningful and goal-oriented. Opportunities were given to students to utilize their creative talents and the training given was meant to achieve academic excellence to enable them to play their legitimate roles in society. The restructuring of the curriculum was aimed at encouraging the students to view their culture through the perspective of time and change. The courses offered were meant to prepare the students not only for future studies in History, but also for careers in law, administration, foreign relations and teaching.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI:

All that is attempted is to present a few representative names from many hundreds of distinguished alumni who have left their mark behind. They are where they are today to remind us of the course the department had traversed since 1925.

Mr. N. Ram, Editor-in-chief “The Hindu”.
Mr. Sashi Kumar, Chairman Asian College of Journalism, Journalist and Film- maker.
Mr. A. K. Vishwanathan, IPS
Mr. Davidson Asirvathan, IPS
Mr. Anandmohan, IPS
Mr. Jaya Kumar, IPS
Mr. Gautam Sawang, IPS
Mr. Rajat Kumar, IPS
Mr. Arokiaswamy, IAS
Mr. Sanjay Pinto, NDTV 24x7
Mr. Subba Reddy, “CEEBROS”
Mr. Prabhu , Cine Artiste
Mr. Babu Immanuel , Proprietor, Original Kerala Jewelers
Rev Fr. Baraich , Provincial, Darjeeling
Rev Fr. Arokiam,. Correspondent Don Bosco, Egmore
Dr. Alin Suneja, RDO, Thirvallur District
Dr. M. Gowthaman, Asst. Professor of Sociology, Loyola College

HISTORY ASSOCIATION 2013 - 2014:

The current History Association was inaugurated on 22nd July 2013 by Rev. Dr. Lasar S.J. The Association functions under the President Prof. D. Anuradha and the Secretary Qodesh Ezekiel.

President - Prof. D. Anuradha
Secretary - Qodesh Ezekiel (III. B.A. History)
Joint Secretary - Karthik Manoharan (II. B.A. History)
Cultural Secretary - David Kalai (III B.A. History)