 Fr.
Sebastian Thekkedathu, the principal of Christ
College, has been instrumental in making it one of the
top ten colleges in India. His association with this
prestigious institution dates back to 1976 when he was a
student there and a member of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate.
In 1981 he went abroad to do his Masters Degree in Education
at Columbia University, USA. On returning to India in 1984,
he joined his alma mater as a lecturer and in 1996
he became the Vice-Principal of the college. The mantle of leadership
was to fall on his shoulder very soon and in 1997 the
members of CMI selected him the principal of the college.
He is also assessor of National Accreditation and Assessment
Committee. His 16 years of his service to the college have been
fruitful, with many accolades coming his way.
Christ College has been ranked among the top 10 colleges
in India? How was this achieved?
There are so many factors that have made Christ College stand
out as one of the best colleges in India. We have state-of-the-art
educational facilities, day-to-day interaction with industries,
we keep track with present educational trends. There is hundred
percent placement of our students in top companies. For the
students all round development, almost every department has
student associations and there are students' clubs where they
hold many educational and cultural events.
Christ College Campus was judged the best college campus.
Can you tell us something more about it?
The Bangalore Urban Art Commission awarded our college four
times continuously for being the best college campus. The
college has a well-maintained building and there are beautiful
gardens within the campus. We have an air conditioned seminar
hall, panel room, conference hall, terrace garden and almost
all the facilities necessary for the all round development
of the students.
Who was the most inspiring teacher in your life?
The most inspiring teacher in my life is Clifford Hill, who
was my professor when I was doing my MEd at Columbia University.
He was very dear and personal to me.
What is your life's mission?
My mission and vision is "Excellence and service". This is
the motto of our college too.
What resources do you have for students?
There is a library with 49,000 books covering all the
subjects and 350 journals. The library is fully computerized,
which provides free Internet facility to the students. There
are highly specialised counselors who give advice regularly.
We have separate sports' courts for basketball, hockey and
football. Our canteen provides food of the highest quality
at reasonable prices.
 Do
you have any tie ups with other Universities?
We are offering business administration and computer science
courses in alliance with Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo,
USA. We also have a tie up with Pondicherry University for various
distance education programmes.
How can today's education be made more relevant?
There should be constant interaction with the industry. Only
then can we make education more relevant.
What are your future plans for the college?
I am trying to bring autonomy. I wish to make this college a
deemed university and provide excellent education. What are
the new courses offered at your college? The two new courses
offered are Master of Tourism Administration (MTA) and Bachelor
of Computer Application (BCA).
What are the special centres in the college?
There are many centres like the
Centre for Education Beyond Curriculum (CEDBEC), NCC, Computer
Centre, Counseling Centre, Centre for Career Guidance & Placement
and Centre for Social Action.
What's your favorite hobby?
Now I don't have much time to pursue my hobby. Photography is
my favorite hobby. [Pointing to photo] I took that photo on
the wall depicting Christ College.
Christ College
Address : Hosur Road, Bangalore-560029
Phone : 080-2553 6280, 2552 5258.
Fax : 2553 5863
Email : princi@christcollege.edu
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