IPAC's PUBLIC MEETING

Though IPAC - INITIATIVE FOR PROTECTING AMERICAN COLLEGE - took a decision on 12th itself to have a public demo of some sort the dates for that were getting postponed due to many a local situation. It was first Chitrai Festival and then another local problem at the Thevar statue. But these postponements have worked to the good of IPAC. Because the meeting on 25th was held in a better and politically significant spot of Madurai – the junction between West and North Masi Streets.


MUTA PARTHASARATHY, OUR ALUMNUS
CONDUCTING THE PROCEEDINGS
Proper arrangements were well made and by 5.45 the meeting was started with MUTA Parthasarathi, an alumnus as the master of the ceremonies. His well meaning presence will have its own advantage since he represented and is the undisputed leader of the Madurai Kamaraj University Teachers’ Association.




PROF. D. SAMUEL LAWRENCE - WELCOME SPEECH

Prof. D. Samuel Lawrence, former H.O.D. of English Dept. during his welcome address talked about his love for the college and how it is a universal factor for all alumni.
He reiterated how individual interests should not in anyway mar the reputation and legacy of the Great American College. He strongly condemned the misdeeds and ulterior motive of the Bishop and his coterie.

Prof Winfred, former H.O.D. of Zoology Dept. then gave his Chairman’s address, reminiscing the old and historical facts which show the magnanimity of the earlier Bishops who stood for the greatness of the college always.
His whole speech brought out his deep anguish for the present happenings in contrast to the greatness of the clergy who stood by the college and its reputation in the long history of our college.




This was then followed by a galaxy of political leaders of all hues. They in unison gave their wishes to IPAC to succeed in its efforts and also their unstinted support for safeguarding the institution. They all crossed the political barriers and showed their unanimous support. Many speakers pointed out that how each party had some link with the college. Another common aspect of their speeches was that if Meenakshi Temple is a place of pride for every one of this town so also The American College is for every Maduraite. Like a place of worship this college in the service of all without making any difference of caste, religion, creed is to be equally revered and held in high esteem by all, they said. Some of them were our alumni and their profound interest and concern for the college was very explicit and reflexive


The final and climactic part of the meeting was the speech by Prof. Solomon Pappiah, former professor of Tamil. Missing was the roaring voice of Pappiah on that day. It was so emotionally choked. But he brought out not just vociferous accusations, instead showed the public the photocopy of a land deal as an example and evidence to show how the present Bishop of Madurai-Ramnad diocese had sold some properties of the diocese. He also pulled out another sheet, a photocopy of the letter sent by American Board of Trustees of The American College. He read out one paragraph from that letter explicitly condemning the act of the Bishop and standing by the College and praising the Principal for his firm stand.

The Biblical story of Goliath and David he narrated was apt to the situation. The muscle and money power of the Bishop and his coterie cannot deter the will of those who are behind the welfare of the college. Like David with his simple sling, IPAC can win this war against the mighty Bishop with the blessings of the Almighty, he averred. His usual well-known powerful oration, tinged with emotion and deep anguish this time, made the speech more pointed and poignant coming from his heart, and touched the audience very much.

I remembered Pappiah giving a very serious and inspirational speech inside Madurai Central Jail nearly thirty years back. That was during a MUTA strike. A large number of college teachers of Madurai University were fighting for their rights and fulfilling the high command’s order of ‘fill the jail’. That speech was so great on that day inside the jail that I still remember it and it was instrumental in making many of the staff from various colleges think seriously about their profession and rebellious spirit every teacher should have. If that was kindling the brain of colleagues from various colleges then, this time it was the heart of the audience Pappiah targeted. And he proved this time also that he could take the avatar of the fabled Pied Piper effortlessly.

Since the time allotted by the police for the meeting was up, with Parthasarathy’s single word of thanks the meeting came to an end. Anyway that is the end of the meeting only ....

SOME SHOTS OF AUDIENCE...