Peace at American College at last

Popular orator Solomon Papiah meets chief minister M. Karunanidhi at his residence in Chennai on Saturday to discuss the American College imbroglio.

Deccan Chronicle, Chennai Jan 09

PANEL, HEADED BY CHIEF SECY, SET UP TO OVERSEE ADMINISTRATION

"Five small-level panels formed on earlier occasions in the last two years failed to yield any result. The formation of a high-level committee now gives us hope"

After about a month-long struggle launched by the staff of the American College to free the most reputed institution of Madurai from the 'clutches' of Church of South India Bishop Christopher Asir, the state government has finally constituted a high-level peace committee to find an amicable solution to the dispute.

The move comes after popular debators Prof. Solomon Pappiah and S. Raja, both alumni of the college, met chief minister M.Karunanidhi in his Gopalapuram residence on Saturday and briefed him about the ongoing struggle and the crisis the 129-yearold educational founded by American Madurai Mission is facing today.

Headed by chief secretary S.Malathi, the panel comprising home secretary K.Gnanadesikan and higher education secretary K.Ganesan will come up with a remedy for the issue.

An official release said, "Following representations to the government regarding American College, a high level three-member committee has been formed to find an amicable solution in consultation with the people concerned with the issue."

Welcoming the move, Chinnaraj T, Joseph, the principal on superannuation seeking reemployment as per the government order that allows the head of an educational institution to continue in his post till the end of the academic year, said, "It is a positive step. Five small-level panels formed on earlier occasions in the last two years failed to yield any result. The formation of a high-level commit tee now gives us hope. The government has understood the magnitude of the problem going on in our campus. We thank the chief minister for his order."

He said the staff fighting against the illegal takeover of the college by the Bishop to preserve its secular nature would place all their problems before the committee.

All anomalies including that of throwing him out on superannuation and the inter-office communication letter the directorate of collegiate education enabling the Bishop's "puppet" R. Mohan to become principal will be presented, he added.