RESPONSE TO HARI'S POST BY Prof. D.S.LAWRENCE

 

 

 

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As I read one of my very talented and accomplished student friends-  Hari Narayanan's letter in our blog, I could not help recollecting those 'good old days' in The American College when it enjoyed the respect and admiration of all those connected with higher education and those who really cared for values and principles rather than crumbs of position and power. The relationship between the teachers and the taught then was based upon sincere friendship and mutual understanding. Nobody bothered about one's religion, caste etc;. The atmosphere in the College was conducive to teachers' putting forth their best and the students' expanding their mental horizon, sharpening their intellectual abilities and developing their creative and critical skills.  No wonder that several non-Christian students and faculty were and are  very much attached to the College and their contribution to its growth and development  is truly significant.

 

Hari's agony at what is happening in the College now, and his spontaneous offer to be of help in some form or the other to save it from the onslaught of the unscrupulous Bishop  is the natural reaction of anyone closely associated with and deeply attached to  the College. There are many more like him around the world. It is a pity that the situation in the College now is so gloomy that one is likely to throw up his/her arms in despair and cry " Why God, Why ?" Traitors and betrayers, puppets and cats-on- the wall have done enough damage to the College's reputation, destroyed its great traditions and  thrown to the winds all its sacred values. The soul of the American College seems to be in peril.  Otherwise, how would any one claim this to be a 'Church of South India (CSI) run minority college? This institution, known for its cosmopolitan nature and secular outlook and which has all along been a pioneer in providing liberal Christian education, without subjecting itself to any church control, is mercilessly battered by the Bishop and his accomplices within, who don't have any qualms whatsoever in giving a helping hand to him to  achieve his diabolic aim of bringing it under his control.

 

But, as long as we have the whole-hearted support and help of committed old students like Hari Narayanan, we don't have to lose hope. With renewed vigour, we shall continue the fight and be steadfast in our commitment to protect the College,  however long drawn-out and difficult it might be. We shall win.

 

D.Samuel Lawrence

 

 

 

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