Hello all:

This is a first attempt at a blog to comment on the mess at American College in Madurai. I am really impressed by the faithful Old Boys and Faculty who are upholding the long trasditions of the College. After working there for 30 years I can really appreciate this myself.

I think of the "Golden YHears" during which the College, with good administrative leadership, went through a truly amazing transformation into an Autonomous College - inventing neaarly all the process by which such a college could be managed. Now that model has been copied and adjusted by MANY colleges all over India. We feel proud of that.

BUT the present situation in the College certainly flies in the face of the faith that started the College more than 128 years ago. The missionaries from USA had a faithful idea for starting an institution that would serve all young persons in Tamilnadu, while adhering to many of the principles of their faith and the model of Jesus Christ.

It is a tragedy unparalled to know that it is a Bishop of the Church of South India, a professed Christian, who is trying by all his means to change the management basis of this College into a form we do not understand and do not appreciate. Generations of Old Boys will testify to the way that American College and its Professors have changed their lives and enpowered them for service to all persons. As the last of the missionaries from USA, My wife and I appreciate this disturbance more than many. We are the inheritors of a long tradition which still gives energy to the people of Tamilnadu, and we sorely mourn this attempt tp shift the very basis of the College.

We love the College, and pray that the Tanilnadu Government through its Special Commission will bring truth and justice to this situation, and restore the traditional management of the College.

May God bless all who suport our glorious institution!