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St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli

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St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli (SJC) is a Catholic college in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. It was established in 1844 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and it is regarded as one of the most prestigious institutions in India. It is currently an affiliated first-grade college of Bharathidasan University.

St. Joseph's College
MottoPro Bono Et Vero (Latin)
Motto in English
For the Good & the True
Established1844; 180 years ago (1844)
Religious affiliation
Roman Catholic (Jesuit)
Academic affiliations
Bharathidasan University
RectorRev.Dr.Pavulraj Michael SJ
PrincipalRev.Dr.S.Mariadoss SJ
Location
Tiruchirappalli
,
Tamil Nadu
,
India

10°49′48″N 78°41′29″E
Campus76 acres (30.8 ha)
Websitesjctni.edu

In 2016, the Government of India gave Special Heritage Status to St. Joseph's College, which is one among the twelve colleges in India.[1]

History

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Due to the untiring efforts, dexterity and sacrifices of Jesuit missionaries, 180 year old St Joseph's College made a humble beginning in a thatched roof with just one student and five Jesuit teachers at the coastal town of Nagapattimam in 1844 to cater for the educational needs of Native Indians, Anglo-Indians and Europeans without any discrimination. However, the student strength rose to 38 including 12 Indians by the close of that year.

In 1845, college had 74 students including 40 Indians on us roll. The students were taught Greek, Latin, Tamil, French and English besides Geometry and Algebra by the Jesuits. During the initial years of existence, the college had to face several hardships and deep distress due to inferno, tornado and cholera all of which took heavy toll on the college in the form of loss of life and property. Undaunted, it marched ahead with same vigour, tenacity and undiminished zeal in its educational mission.

Till the establishment of University of Madras in 1858, St. Joseph's College functioned more like free-lances in the field of higher education offering educational services at free of cost to the desired students. After it was affiliated to University of Madras in 1962, it began to be governed by university rules and regulations and its strength rose to 400 students. The college was then offering Matriculation, Intermediate (also called F.A in those days) and B.A. degree courses.

Due to administrative reasons, the college was shifted to Trichinopoly the centrally located town of Tamil Nadu on the 18 January, 1881. No sooner the college had begun working from Trichinopoly than the cholera struck. Through sheer commitment, persistence and divine assistance, college could tide over this huge crisis and continued to serve the cause of education and students welfare.

In 1896, the college established a Symphony Orchestra Band to prepare students for a professional career in music. In 1900, college made big strides in science education by introducing science courses as a response to the initiatives of the University to promote the study of sciences. To meet the infrastructural requirements in a big way, college completed the construction of two majestic buildings of Lawley hall and Digby hall by 1907.  In 1911, college inaugurated honours courses in Physics, Mathematics, Economics and History after the visit by the Madras University Commission in 1906 which strongly recommended the commencement of such Honours courses.

In 1924, a course on Mechanical and Electrical Engineering was introduced and this was offered to the science students of the Intermediate and BA classes. A well-equipped workshop was setup with a financial outlay of Rs. 80000/= for teaching the course. However, this course was subsequently closed after a few years for want of demand. During the intervening period of 1939-42, college had witnessed a flurry of construction activities  as Lawley wing projection, the first 2 blocks of the New Hostel, the Sacred Heart Hostel, the Brothers Hostel, the boarders kitchen and dining halls, the Bellarmine Hall and Guest House, and the Bertram building were built. The paving and diverting of the canal and expansion of the playgrounds were also carried out in the same periods

In 1944-45, college celebrated its centenary year with festive gaiety and rightly so as it had already produced over 7000 graduates and 4000 graduates were pursuing their degree courses at that time.

In 1965, the Chemistry department was recognised as the research department for offering PhD programane in 1969. In 1969 college witnessed the post- centenary Silver  Jubilee of the college. In recognition of the great  service rendered  by the college, the two storey community centre was constructed with the financial assistance of the general public and friends and admirers of the college. To optimize the usagе of the infrastructure and facilities available in the campus, the evening college was started in 1973

In 1977, unprecedented flood invaded the college campus and the college remained submerged for three days. The nature's fury destroyed many of the rare informational and physical resources of the college kept in library and laboratories of the college.  Over 40000 volumes kept in the library were reduced to pulp.

In 1985, the Science and Humanities for People's Development (SHEPHERD) programme was inaugurated as part of Lab to Land initiative to share the scientific experiences gained by the students for the upliftment of the people. In 1989, the Sodality Chapel-cum-Inter-faith Prayer Centre was inaugurated.

In 1994, college celebrated its sesquicentenary year by organizing year long events that culminated with mega EXHIBITION for the school children and general public.

In 1997, college received internet facility and library computerized information Service.

In 2006, the elegant and majestic ARRUPE library building was constructed and inaugurated.

The following Infrastructure Upgradation and Renovation were carried out between 2013–20:

  • Erection of 2 Lifts, one bridge connecting two main blocks, recycling of wastes through Vermi-Compost Yard, Guest House
  • Renovation of Chemistry, Physics, Herbarium Blocks and Lawley Hall.
  • Florescent Lamps were replaced with LEDs for the promotion of Green Initiatives; at the vantage points digital board for information sharing about activities.
  • Functioning of ERP has been strengthened. Besides the essential features, 7 e-portals for specific applications have been developed.

In 2024, the mega- luxurious Toulouse Arena was built and inaugurated

St. Joseph’s College carries forward the Vision and Mission of the Jesuits with unabated zeal and vigour to achieve greater heights of excellence in its services to all the stakeholders and the students in particular.

Credentials

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From UGC

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In June 1978, college was conferred the autonomous status by a decree of the syndicate of the University of Madras. St. Joseph’s College was one among the 8 colleges received the Autonomous status in Phase-I of UGC.

It was recognized by the UGC as a College with Potential for Excellence (2004, 2014) and endowed with DST-FIST (2008, 2014) and DBT-STAR (2014) status. St. Joseph’s College is the only college in the State of Tamil Nadu awarded with the Special Heritage Status (2015) by the UGC. The UGC has recognised the college as a Mentee institution under the scheme of PARAMARSH (2019).

From NAAC

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As a premier institute of learning, the college showcased its credibility by standing at top position (based on the scaling provided by NAAC) all through its four cycles of accreditation. It was accredited by NAAC with Five Star Status (2000:Cycle-I), A+ (with CGPA-901/1000:Cycle-II) Grade (2006), A (with CGPA-3.4/4.0:Cycle-III) Grade(2012) and A++ (CGPA-3.58/4.00:Cycle-IV) Grade (2019).

From NIRF

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College rankings
Dental – India
NIRF (2023)[2]25

The annual feature of the ranking (done by NBA) by the MHRD initiative under 5 category, which is a measure of the performance of all HEI at the College category is growing substantially from 2018 onwards as follows [Year : All India Rank (% / No. of Participating institutions)]:  2018:28 (54.41% /1087), 2019 :39 (54.70% /1304), 2020: 31(59.09%/1802), 2021:27(59.09%/1802), 2022:26 (61.60 / 2270), 2023:25 (62.48/2746).

Departments

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Biological sciences

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Botany – The botany department dates back to 1912 when the study of natural science was introduced. In 1952, the B.A. Botany degree course became B.Sc. Botany, and expanded to include an M.Sc. in Botany in 1958. The department has separate research facilities for molecular biology, physiology, and bioinformatics.[3] By 2015, the department had awarded fifty PhDs and had published 500 research papers and five books. The department's botanical garden is internationally recognized.[4]

Biochemistry – The biochemistry department was started in 1993 at a postgraduate level, becoming a separate department in 2002. It was one of the first independent departments of biochemistry in India. By 2015 the department had trained over 400 biochemists.

Biotechnology – The department of biotechnology was started in 2002 to produce postgraduates for industry, academia, and research centres. Bharathidasan University declared it a research department in 2007, expanding its degrees to include M.Sc, M.Phil., and Ph.D. To make this program accessible to the rural and middle-class sectors, the tuition is fixed at ₹18,000 per semester.

Computing sciences

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Mathematics – The department of mathematics was founded with the college in 1844. In 1911, the University of Madras expanded the program, starting an honours course in mathematics.

Statistics – The statistics department started in 1978 and became a PG department in 1999. Bharathidasan University recognised It as a research department in 1999.

Computer science – The department of computer science began offering the B.Sc. in 1983. In 1984, it added the MCA, followed by the M.Phil. and PhD in 2002. St. Joseph's College was the first arts and science college in India to offer an MCA. By 2014, the department had produced fifteen PhDs and around 150 M.Phil.s.

Information technology – The department of information technology was established in 2007 as a spin-off from the department of computer science. It offers a BCA, M.Sc. in computer science, and an M.Sc. in information technology. It also offers a postgraduate diploma in computer science and applications, with ICT enabled teaching and learning and Ms. Lucia Agnes Beena is a best Head of the department in the milestone and George Roy is a best teacher.

Languages and culture

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French – The department of French began with the founding of the college in 1844. At first, French was taught to European officials; later, Indians were admitted into the course.

History – The department of history started with the college in 1844. The B.A. in history was introduced when the college was affiliated with the University of Madras. When in 1911 the college became an arts and science college, an honours course in history was introduced. During this period the library stack room in the history section was flooded with primary sources such as dispatches from the East India Company, annual reports of the Archaeological Survey of India, inscription manuals, and gazetteers. But the number of students dwindled and the department was closed down, with the B.A. honours course continuing up to 1960. The B.A. History was revived in 1977. In 2014, the department offered a B.A., M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. It has a strong research orientation, producing 42 PhDs and 320 M.Phil. graduates since 1977. Its faculty has authored sixteen books both in English and Tamil and published seventy research papers. Since October 2004, the department has published Indian Historical Studies, a biannual research journal, with the financial support of Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi.[5] has been published by the department since October 2004, financially supported by Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi.

Tamil – This is one of the college's oldest departments. The B.A. in Tamil was started in 1882, followed by an M.A. in Tamil in 1995. It was recognized as a research department in 1986.

Sanskrit – The department of Sanskrit was started in 1907.

Hindi – The Hindi department was started in 1944. Since Tamil Nadu is a non-Hindi-speaking state, the department is small.

English – The department of English is the only department that has contact with every student at the undergraduate level. The B.A. in English has been offered since 1962, the M.A. since 1965, and the M.Phil. since 1984.

Management Studies

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Economics – The department of economics dates to the college's founding. It was originally part of the history B.A. The department annually organizes a regional-level workshop on research methodology, the CADAR memorial lecture, and intercollegiate ECONS competitions. Dr. M. Sebastian, S.J., former department head, founded the Association of Economists of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.[6]
ECONS is a cultural and academic extravaganza organized by the students of the department. It provides an opportunity for students to expose their hidden talents and potential. Students of various colleges of Bharathidasan University compete for the Rolling Shield given by the department.

Commerce – The department of commerce opened in 1948, offering a three-year B.Com. degree. In 1954, it was suspended but revived in 1957. The postgraduate course M.Com. was started in 1988, followed by a full-time M.Phil. course in 2001, and a full-time Ph.D. research programme in 2003. In 2002, a specialized M.A. in transport management was launched.

Human resource management – The department of society, culture, and civilisation was started in 1983, offering its M.A. degree. Later, the department's nomenclature was changed to social dynamics, and then to human resource management. It is a value-based and socially oriented course. During the summer vacation, the department offers rural and tribal camps, industrial visits, and in-plant and in-house training programmes. All-India educational tours are organized to expose students to diverse cultures.[7]

Business administration – The department of business administration had its origin in the department of economics. It began to function independently in 2002 onwards as St. Joseph's Institute of Management.[8]

Commerce computer applications – The undergraduate degree course in commerce computer application was started in the year 2008, offering a B.Com. C.A. The M.Com. C.A was added in 2011.

School of physical sciences

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Physics – A B.A. in physics was started in 1881, a B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics in 1906, and M.Sc. Physics in 1961. The B.A. Physics became B.Sc. Physics in 1930. The University of Madras gave the department recognition for research work leading to a Ph.D. in 1971 and to an M.Phil. in 1977.[9]

Chemistry – The department of chemistry was established in 1906. Both a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in chemistry are offered.

Electronics – The BSc in electronics was started by the department of physics in 1993. In t1997 the M.Sc. Electronics (Master of Electronics Science) was introduced. The course exposes students to such concepts as digital signal processing (DSP), embedded systems (ES), and VLSI design. The PG students undertake an industrial project in their final semester.

Notable alumni

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See also: Category:St Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli alumni

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "St Joseph's only college in TN to get special heritage status". The Times of India. 3 July 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  2. ^ "National Institutional Ranking Framework 2023 (Dental)". National Institutional Ranking Framework. Ministry of Education. 5 June 2023.
  3. ^ "St. Joseph's College signs pact with IICPT for research". The Hindu. 8 January 2016. ISSN 0971-751X.
  4. ^ "The Rapinat Herbarium". Botanic Gardens Conservation International. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  5. ^ ISSN 0973-2713 IHS
  6. ^ "AET". associationofeconomistsoftamilnadu.com. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  7. ^ "Workshop Participant Bios: Loyola University Chicago". 10 January 2014. Archived from the original on 10 January 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  8. ^ "St. Joseph's Institute of Management". www.jim.ac.in. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  9. ^ "School of Management Studies". St.Joseph's College (Autonomous). Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  10. ^ A P J Abdul Kalam with Arun Tiwari (2008). Wings of fire. Universities Press. p. 13. ISBN 978-81-7371-146-6.
  11. ^ Ghoshal, Devjyot (27 July 2015). "India's most famous rocket scientist—and former president—dies at 83". Quartz. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  12. ^ "G. N. Ramachandran". www.vigyanprasar.gov.in. Archived from the original on 17 July 2006.
  13. ^ "A. J. John, Anaparambil". Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  14. ^ "Sandilyan". Veethi.com. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  15. ^ "Justice S.Ashok Kumar". Archived page of the official site. Archived from the original on 15 February 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  16. ^ "S. A. Ashokan". Archived from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  17. ^ "Prabhu Solomon - Tamil Cinema Director Interview - Prabhu Solomon | Kamal Haasan | Udayanidhi Stalin | Mynaa | Kamal - Behindwoods.com". www.behindwoods.com. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  18. ^ "Vasanth". Spicyonion.com. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  19. ^ "Prof bv viswanathan". Archived from the original on 28 November 2016. Retrieved 28 September 2016.

10°49′48″N 78°41′29″E / 10.83000°N 78.69139°E / 10.83000; 78.69139

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