CENTRE FOR GANDHIAN STUDIES

ALPHONSA COLLEGE

PALA, KERALA

Annual Report

2017 – 2018

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Introduction

Established in 2008 with the assistance of the University Grants Commission, the Centre

for Gandhian Studies in Alphonsa College continued its efforts to promote the study and

dissemination of the thought, values and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. It organized various

academic, student support and extension programmes based on different aspects of Gandhian

thought and values.

Advisory Committee

The following are the members of the Advisory Committee of the Centre:

Dr. Alice Jose, Principal, Alphonsa College.

Dr. M. S. John, Professor of International Relations, Centre for Global Studies, Central

University of Kerala, Kasargod and Editor, Gandhi Marg.

Dr. M.P.Mathai, Professor, Gujarat Vidyapith and former Professor and Director, School of

Gandhian Thought and Development Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University.

Ms. Alleymol Sebastian, Associate Professor, Department of English, Alphonsa College.

Ms. Rosmy Kattoor, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Alphonsa College.

Dr. Teresa Joseph, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science; and Director, Centre for

Gandhian Studies, Alphonsa College.

A meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Centre was held on 2 June 2017. Detailed

discussions were held on the programmes to be organised during the year. Another meeting of

the Advisory Committee held on 13 March 2018 evaluated the activities of the Centre over the

last one year. The programmes were well appreciated. The Annual Report as well as the financial

statement of accounts of the Centre were also perused and approved.

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Gandhi Forum

Gandhi Forum, an organization of students functioning under the auspices of the Centre

for Gandhian Studies, strives to promote an understanding of the values and ideals upheld by

Mahatma Gandhi, and spearheads all the activities of the Centre. It provides an avenue for the

all-round development of members, with their active participation in all the activities of the

Centre. Members of the forum are also encouraged and deputed to participate in programmes

organized by other institutions that promote an understanding of Mahatma Gandhi. 71 students

joined the Gandhi Forum during 2017-18. The Executive Committee of the Forum was

reconstituted and the following office bearers were elected for the academic year 2017-18:

President: Sneha George, II DC Economics

Vice President: Anakha Saji, II DC English

Secretary: Reshma Mariam Santhosh, II DC Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics

Library and Reading Room

The library and reading room maintained by the Centre has total collection of 1300

books, 150 of which were purchased during 2017-18. This collection covers diverse themes that

are relevant to the ideas and philosophy of the father of the nation. Besides books written on and

by Mahatma Gandhi the collection includes books on Indian history, polity and society,

international peace and security, women‟s studies, environmental studies, human rights, etc. The

Centre also has a collection of audio-visual CDs on Mahatma Gandhi, his speeches, collected

works, favourite music, etc. Several documentary as well as feature films in both English and

Malayalam on Mahatma Gandhi and issues of concern to him such as communalism,

international conflict, militarisation, etc. are also available at the Centre.

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ACTIVITIES 2017-18

National Workshop on Gandhian Leadership

Acknowledging the fact that the Gandhian model of leadership and Gandhi‟s philosophy

are of increasing relevance today, the Centre organized a National Workshop on Gandhian

Leadership on 14 and 15 December 2017. The programme was envisaged to provide students the

opportunity to develop leadership qualities that can in the long term pave the way towards a just,

egalitarian, sustainable society. It drew on Mahatma Gandhi‟s multifaceted leadership skills as

well as the values that he espoused, and provided an opportunity for students to listen to

distinguished leaders in various fields who could provide insights on leadership skills, drawing

from their own life experiences.

Dr. Cyriac Thomas, former Vice

Chancellor, Mahatma Gandhi University

inaugurated the programme. Resource

persons included Dr. M.P.Mathai,

Professor, Gujarat Vidyapith and Editor,

Gandhi Marg; Sri. John Samuel,

Executive Director, Asian Forum for

Human Rights and Development; Smt.

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Sajini Mathews, Director, Snehibhavan; and Dr. S.P.Udayakumar, Co-ordinator, People‟s

Movement Against Nuclear Energy.

Dr. M.P.Mathai spoke on the theme of Mahatma Gandhi and Leadership for Peace, while

Sri. John Samuel discussed the Ethics of

Leadership: Learning from the Past and

Shaping the Future. Ms. Sajini Mathews gave a

moving account of her life experiences and the

circumstances that led her to work for children

and the marginalised. Her presentation on

Seventeen Years of Snehibhavan evoked an

emotional response from the audience. In his

presentation on The Three M Leadership:

Mohandas, Martin and Malcolm, Dr. S.P.Udayakumar, spoke about the leadership of Malcom X,

Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi, highlighting the fact that they all fought for justice

and equality.

A student presentation competition was also organized as part of the programme on the

theme: Translating Ideas Into Action: Gandhian Leadership and Contemporary Social Issues.

Meera Rajan and team of UC College, Aluva won the first prize with a cash award of Rs. 5000/-,

Alka Maria Simon of Alphonsa College won the second prize with a cash award of Rs.3000/-

and Aleena Vinoy and team of UC College, Aluva won the third prize with a cash award of

Rs.1500/-. The progamme concluded with the planting of saplings on campus.

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Special Lecture: Environment and the Future of Mankind

The Centre commemorated Environment Day on 5 June 2017 with a

talk on Environment and the Future of Mankind by Rev. Dr.

K.M.George, incumbent of the Paulos Mar Gregorios Chair,

Mahatma Gandhi University and former Principal, Orthodox

Theological Seminary, Kottayam. Dr. George stressed the point that

the earth needs to be loved and respected. How much a person

should consume is something determined by one‟s personal

experiences. He introduced several books and poems on the

environment and spoke in depth on the Gaia hypothesis, eco-

spirituality, Arne Naess‟ concept of deep ecology, and Schumacher‟s „small is beautiful‟. He also

spoke of the politics of sustainable development. A few saplings were also planted in the

campus on the occasion.

Special Lecture: Colonial Modernity and Gandhi

A Special Lecture on Colonial Modernity and Gandhi by

Dr. Mathew Joseph, Associate Professor, Jamia Millia Islamia

University, New Delhi was organized by the Centre on 6 June

2017. Dr. Mathew Joseph emphasised the fact that Gandhi was one

of the first people to highlight the problems of modernity. While

most other national leaders of the time saw modernity as based on

the western model, Gandhi felt that modernity has a natural

development in any society. It was something that should

develop/emerge from within not outside. Gandhi did not oppose

modernity per se, but the constructed modernity of the British.

Special Lectures in Collaboration with Other Departments

In collaboration with the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics a special lecture

on the Importance of Adolescent Nutrition by Dr. Gayathri Ashokan, Consultant Dietician and

Nutritionist and Founder of Nutrisolutions Health Care Clinic, Cochin was organised for students

on 15 December 2017. A special lecture on Career Orientation by Michael Thomas, Assistant

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Professor, St. Dominic‟s College, Kanjirappally was organised in collaboration with the

Department of Botany on 23 February 2018. Sr. Pushpa Jose, former Principal, Teacher Training

Institute, Mutholy, delivered a special lecture on the Problems of Adolescence. The programme

was organized in collaboration with the Department of Physics on 12 March 2018.

Book: Deliberative Democracy: Understanding the Indian Experience

A feather in the cap for the Centre is the international publication of the book

Deliberative Democracy: Understanding the Indian Experience. Edited by Dr. Teresa Joseph,

Director, Centre for Gandhian Studies and Dr. Siby K. Joseph, Dean, Institute of Gandhian

Studies, Wardha, the book is the outcome of the National Seminar on Deliberative Democracy

and the Politics of Alternatives in India organized by the Centre in collaboration with the

Institute of Gandhian Studies, Wardha. The international edition of the book is published by

Routledge, London and New York, and the South Asian edition by Manohar Publishers, New

Delhi.

Intercollegiate Short Film Competition: Be the Change You Want to See in the

World

The Centre organized an intercollegiate short film competition on the theme: Be the

Change You Want to See in the World. Ananthu K.Krishnan of St. Thomas College, Pala won the

first prize with a cash award of Rs. 5000/- for the film – „Transforming Thought into Action‟,

Sreehari Haridas of Yuvakshetra Institute of Management Studies, Palakkad won the second

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prize with a cash award of Rs. 3000/- for the film „Hashtag‟, and George Thomas of KE College,

Mannanam won the third prize of Rs. 1500/- for the film „Be the Change You Want to see in the

World‟.

One Step – The Newsletter with a Difference

The fifth volume of One Step, the newsletter with a

difference was published by the Centre in March 2018. It brings

together the major programmes and activities of the Centre. It

also highlights some important writings and quotations of

Mahatma Gandhi, besides providing interesting anecdotes from

Gandhi‟s life. One Step reinforces the efforts of the Centre to

promote an awareness of Mahatma Gandhi‟s life as well as his

philosophy and ideals, particularly among the student

community.

Deputation of Gandhi Forum Members to All India University Students

Camp in Wardha

Three members of the Gandhi Forum –

Sneha George of II DC Economics, Anakha

Saji of II DC English and Surya Janardhanan of

II DC Botany were deputed to participate in the

eight day All India University Students Camp

organized by the Institute of Gandhian Studies,

Wardha, Maharashtra from 23rd

to 30th

December 2017. The camp included classes on

various themes relating to Mahatma Gandhi and

on issues of concern to him, group discussions

on contemporary social issues, community services and cultural programmes. The camp also

included a visit to Gandhi‟s ashram at Sevagram, the tomb of Acharya Vinobha Bhave, and

Lakshminarayan temple.

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Paryaptha 2017: Promoting Eco-friendly Self Reliance

The Centre organized Paryaptha 2017, the annual exhibition cum sale of handmade items

by students and teachers on 6 December with the objective of inculcating the ideals of self-

reliance, women empowerment and sustainable development among students. The programme

was inaugurated by Ms. Annamma Kottukapally of Anns House of Sweets. Traditional food

items, handicrafts, bags, jewelry, clothing, towels, organic fruits and vegetables, cane baskets,

recycled art items, homemade detergents, etc. were on sale. As in the previous year, the focus on

organizing an exhibition with „zero waste‟ was a prime objective. Items like plastic bags,

disposable plates, cups and spoons, tissue

papers and paper posters were prohibited.

In spite of the challenges, the students

proved that it is possible to conduct a

spectacular exhibition without plastic or

disposable items. Students used only

banana leaves, bamboo glasses, bamboo

straws, leaf plates, steel plates and cups,

etc. Paper posters for publicity and sale

were replaced by blackboards and leaf

boards. Numerous innovative ideas for carrying forward the message of „zero waste‟ became

major attractions. Another highlight of the programme was a stall by teachers, exhibiting items

they had made themselves, which provided motivation to the students. The programme was able

to highlight the possibility of organizing such events without leaving heaps of plastic and other

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waste at the end of the day. The Economics Department won the prize for the Department that

best embodied the spirit of Paryaptha and Divya Mary Das of I DC English won the prize for the

student with the most innovative idea.

Intracollegiate Photography Competition: Be the Change You Want to See in

the World

A photography competition on the theme Be the Change You Want to See in the World

was organized for the students of the college. Anitha Kappen of II DC Economics and Jissa M

George of II MA Politics won the first and second prizes respectively.

Gandhi Jayanthi

As part of Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations,

a campus cleaning programme was organized

by the Centre in association with the National

Service Scheme on 29 September 2017.

Booklets of the Centre on Green Living, The

Perils of Plastic, Problems of Alcoholism, Right

to Information, and Waste Management,

published by the Centre were also distributed

among the students. Members of the Gandhi

Forum delivered messages about Mahatma Gandhi in every class in the campus.

A Gandhian Thought for the Day

In order to promote an understanding of Gandhian values among students, a quotation of

Mahatma Gandhi is put up on the notice board every day as the „thought for the day‟. Quotations

specifically focused on the all-round development of character, environment consciousness, faith

in God, duties and responsibilities of students, peace, non-violence, sustainable development,

women empowerment, etc.

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Intracollegiate Quiz Competition

Series on Mahatma Gandhi’s

Autobiography

A series of Quiz competitions for the

students of the college based on Mahatma

Gandhi‟s autobiography were organized by

Gandhi Forum members, Sneha George of II

DC Economics and Reshma Mariam Santhosh

of II DC Clinical Nutrition.

The Hero Programme: Gender Sensitisation Workshops for Boys

Women all over the world are often subjected to various kinds of violence regardless of

their age, education or profession. Statistics of the Kerala State Crime Records Bureau reveal

that during the period from January to April 2017, 5169 cases of crimes against women were

reported across the state, including 668 cases of rape - i.e. approximately 5 cases of rape are

reported every day. In 2016, 15,114 cases were reported in Kerala reflecting an increase of

almost 3000 cases from 2015. These include instances of rape, molestation, kidnapping, eve

teasing, dowry deaths, cruelty by relatives, etc. Unreported cases would take these figures much

higher and this is only one aspect of the various kinds of violence being faced by women.

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It is in this context that the Centre collaborated with the U.K. based educational charity –

Action Breaks Silence, to bring the latter‟s ground-breaking gender sensitisation “Hero”

workshops to young boys in Kerala. In January 2017 the first series of workshops held in five

schools in Kottayam district received a very positive response from the students as well as

teachers. Following the five successful pilot workshops, the second series of 24 workshops was

held from 12th

to 27th

July 2017 in the following schools:

1. C.M.S. College HSS, Kottayam

2. St. Aloysius HSS, Athirampuzha

3. St. Mary‟s HSS, Kuravilangad

4. Government HSS, Panamattom

5. S.M.V. HSS, Poonjar

6. Pallikoodam, Kottayam

7. Holy Cross HSS, Cherpunkal

8. St. Joseph‟s UPS, Vellilapally

9. Our Lady of Lourdes HSS, Uzhavoor

10. Government VHSS, Kanakkary

11. M.D. Seminary HSS, Kottayam

12. St. Antony‟s HSS, Mutholy

The workshops were led by facilitators from Alphonsa College and St. Thomas College,

Pala. Designed with the input of psychologists and specialists in the field, the workshops focused

on breaking down traditional stereotypical

views of women and opening their eyes to

issues of gender stereotyping and violence

against women and girls. The programme was

designed so that its educational message was

presented in a fun filled and interactive way.

Through role-play, skits, visual images, group

exercises and other interactive techniques the

boys were taught to empathise - to develop the

ability to understand and share the feelings of others, especially women – so that they are less

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likely to engage in abusive and violent behaviour towards them. The programme was devised to

address the roots of abuse and violence against women by breaking down stereotypes and

helping participants to understand the importance of gender equality, building empathetic

behaviour and attitudes, particularly towards women and girls. The workshops were inaugurated

by the award winning writer Ms. K.R.Meera.

Training the Trainers – Intercollegiate Workshop on Gender Sensitisation

The „Hero‟ workshops on gender sensitisation for boys were led by a team of 30 selected

student facilitators from Alphonsa College

and St. Thomas College, Pala. The initial

team of 11 students for the first series of

workshops was expanded to 30 students for

the second series. The selected students

were given appropriate training through a

two day workshop held on 10 and 11 July

2017. The training sessions were led by

Debi Steven, Founder and President of

Action Breaks Silence.

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Booklet: Waste Management

A booklet on Waste Management written by Ms. Claramma

Jacob, former Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, Alphonsa

College was published by the Centre and distributed among students,

teachers and the public. The booklet provides an overview of the

different kinds of pollution and waste that is generated and gives a

detailed account of different methods of solid waste management,

particularly compost and the different ways of composting. It also gives

a birdseye view of international waste management techniques and

some of the initiatives being undertaken by the state government. The

booklet was distributed among students and the public.

Gandhidarshan 2017 – Multimedia Exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi

The Centre organized Gandhidarshan-2017, a mutimedia exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi

in collaboration with Ossannam Higher Secondary School at Kattappana on 30 November 2017.

Aimed at disseminating knowledge about the life, values and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi

among the public through various media, the exhibition included over 300 photographs, a display

and sale of books, and film screenings. Sri. Roshy Augustine, MLA inaugurated the programme

at a function presided over by Sri. Manoj M. Thomas, Municipal Chairman. Sri. Sajeev D. of

Government Higher Secondary School, Kallar and Winner of the Best Teacher Award of the

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Government of Kerala also spoke on the occasion. A

Quiz Competition was also organized for students on

this occasion. Benjamin Francis of Standard VIII B won

the first prize, while Savio Roy and Yadav Vijay of

Standard X B won the second prize.

Visit to District Jail, Kottayam

As part of the Centre‟s mission of promoting a sense of social commitment among the

students as well as contributing to the

development of society, members of the

Gandhi Forum visited the District Jail,

Kottayam on 6 February 2018 and donated 83

books to the Jail library and several indoor

games for the inmates. Copies of Mahatma

Gandhi‟s autobiography and booklets published

by the Centre on green living, the hazards of

plastic, waste management and RTI were also

distributed to all the inmates and officials of the jail. An enthusiastic interactive session with the

inmates inititiated by the students, including various games and musical items proved to be an

uplifting experience.

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One Day Camp on Rural Development Through Women Empowerment

Mahatma Gandhi placed great emphasis on the fact that India lives in its villages and that

it was only through the development of women that development of society could take place. In

keeping with this Gandhian perspective as well as to promote an understanding of Gandhian

values in rural areas, the Centre organized a one day awareness camp for women in collaboration

with the Kudumbasree unit of Mutholy Gramapanchayat on the theme - Rural Development

through Women Empowerment on 19 February 2018 in Mutholy Panchayat. The programme was

inaugurated by Dr. Alice Jose, Principal of Alphonsa College at a meeting presided over by Smt.

Shoba Madhu, CDS (Community Development Society) Chairperson, Mutholy Gramapanchayat.

Ms. C.J.Philomina, former Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, Alphonsa College

delivered the keynote address. Sri

Abraham Poovathani, Manager,

Malanadu Development Society

delivered a talk on Women and

Alternative Lifestyle. Ms. Sajini Mathew,

Director, Snehi Bhavan spoke on Women

Empowerment: A Model, and Dr. Jasmine Alex, Assistant Professor, School of Indian Legal

Thought, Mahatma Gandhi University spoke on Women and Law. More than eighty women

participated in the programme.

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BEST PRACTICES 2017-18

Inculcating Gandhian values among students

By organizing workshops, special lectures, exhibitions, quiz competitions, photography

and short film competitions, etc. on Mahatma Gandhi and issues of concern to him.

By displaying a Gandhian thought for the day on the notice board of the Centre every

day.

By publishing and distributing booklets on issues of contemporary social concern among

students and the public.

By deputing students to the Institute of Gandhian Studies, Wardha, Maharashtra to

participate in the ten day inter-university camp for students.

By publishing and distributing One Step – the newsletter with a difference.

By organizing community outreach programmes based on Gandhian ideals such as

women empowerment awareness camps in panchayats, visit to district jail, distribution

of booklets published by the Centre, etc.

Fostering environmental consciousness

By organizing relevant programmes such as Paryaptha and invited lectures.

By using eco-friendly products for all programmes.

LINKAGES ESTABLISHED DURING 2017-18

Action Breaks Silence, U.K.

Kudumbasree Unit, Mutholy Grama Panchayat.

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CGS IN THE MEDIA

Deepika, 12.7.2017

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Mathrubhumi, 12.7.2017

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Malayala Manorama, 12.7.2017

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Deccan

Chronicle

13.7.2017

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New Indian Express, 13.7.2017

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Malayala Manorama, 13.7.2017

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Deepika, 13.7.2017

25

Deshabhimani, 13.7.2017

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Mangalam, 30.11.2017

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Malayala Manorama, 30.11.2017

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Deepika, 30.11.2017

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Deepika, 8.12.20172017

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Mangalam, 8.12.2017

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New Indian Express, 8.12.2017

32

Deepika, 17.12.20172017

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New Indian Express, 17.12.2017

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Malayala Manorama, 12.12.2017

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Deepika, 12.12.2017

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Deepika, 17.2.2018