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Botany
Alumni Reunion 2009 and Dedication of TCJ Garden
by Thara Simon
Jaya, UCC Alumnus, a CSIR Fellow and
daughter of Late Prof. Kuruvilla welcomes Thirumeni |
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Botany alumni reunion was well attended. Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar
Theophilus Safragan Metropolitan, (B. Sc. Botany 1957 – '59 and member
of Union Christian College Standing Council) lead the dedication
ceremony of TCJ Botanic Garden. In his key note address, Thirumeni
highlighted the significance of Indian concept of worshiping nature,
particularly plants. Thirumeni reminded us that the fullness of life
is in having memories and dreams.
About 10 members from the family of Prof. T. C. Joseph attended the
reunion as special invitees. Dr. Thampi Thomas Kakkanattil, and Mr.
C. K. Lukose Chelaparambil spoke on the occasion representing the
family members. Both of their fathers studied in UCC in 1920s.
In their felicitation speeches, Dr. Joyce Mathew, Dr. G. Velayudhan
Thampi and Hon. Judge Sundaram Govind remembered the vision and wisdom
of Prof. T.C. Joseph. Dr. Thampi also recollected that it was the inspiration
and encouragement from Prof. Joseph that lead him to go for higher
studies and to come back to UCC, even though he had better job
opportunities. Prof. T.C. Joseph was highly influential and generous in
moulding young faculty with affection and care.
In spite of the strike and fuel problem, alumni came from various parts
of India and abroad. Alumni of 1970 – `80 batches and family members
of Prof. T. C. Joseph were honored with Ponnada. We were also fortunate
to honour 90 year old Annamma Kochamma ( First batch of women students
of the Intermediate Biology ) who served in UCC office for thirty years.
The entire retired faculty except Dr. K. V. Paulose and Dr. O. M.
Mathen joined us. Sorry to announce that Dr. Mathen slipped on the
floor and has a minor crack in the hip. He is better now. Dr. O.M. Mathen's
message was read out in the function. During the session of
reflections, the message from Mr. Jacob Philipose from Canada was
also read out.
Prof. P. J. Aleyamma, HOD Botany welcomed the gathering, Prof. C. M.
Mathew delivered the presidential address, Secretary Dr. David Saj
Mathew proposed the vote of Thanks.
We thank all the alumni and friends, relatives of Prof. T.C. Joseph, our
former faculty and staff for sparing their valuable time to be with us
and in making the programme a success.
We thank the UCC management especially our Principal Varghese John,
Manager Mathew Koshy, and Bursar Thomas Philip, Works
supdt Benny Cherian and all the members of the Governing Board
for their support and encouragement that made the Garden Project a reality.
Photo Tour of TCJ Botanic
Garden |
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