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Significant Milestones in Our Institution’s History.

July 16, 1964: Founding of Our College
In 1964, Kerala University made the strategic decision to establish new colleges. Encouraging private educational institutions to apply, the university aimed to expand educational opportunities. Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios of Thiruvananthapuram took the initiative to establish a college in the Kollam area. The construction project, which began in February 1964, incurred substantial financial costs. Reverend Fr. Alexander Valiyaveetil played a pivotal role in relocating the college, proposing and securing the current location.
Shri P Gopalan, the MLA at the time, wholeheartedly supported the college. Residents organized a committee and raised funds under his guidance. On July 16, 1964, our college opened its doors in two makeshift barns, welcoming six batches of 480 students enrolled in pre-degree classes. Reverend Fr. Philip C. Pantholil assumed leadership as the college’s first Principal.
 
June 18, 1965: University Commission Visit
  • A University Commission, comprising four members with Dr. A Abraham as the Chairman, visited the college. Their purpose was to physically verify the adequacy of accommodation for the new batches admitted to the first year of Pre-Degree Courses (PDC).
 
July 1965-’66: College Infrastructure Development
During this period:
  • The first floor of the college building was completed.
  • Three spacious, well-equipped laboratories and a library were established.
  • A large playground, situated on an adjacent one-acre plot (recently acquired for the college), was prepared for student activities.
  • Sri M P Manmadhan inaugurated the College Association, which included English, Malayalam, Hindi, Science, Economics, and Fine Arts Clubs.
October 21, 1965: National Cadet Corps (NCC) Commencement
  • The NCC program was introduced in the college, fostering discipline, leadership, and community service.
1965: Social Service League Formation
  • The Social Service League was established within the college, emphasizing community engagement and social responsibility.
September 24, 1965: Inauguration of Catholic Students Union
  • The Catholic Students Union became an integral part of college life, promoting fellowship and spiritual growth.
1965: Hostel Infrastructure Development
  • Efforts were made to create the hostel’s basement and foundation.
1966: Completion of New College Structure
  • In 1966, a significant milestone was achieved with the completion of a spacious new structure at the college’s entrance. This building now houses essential facilities, including the staff club, college canteen, NCC store, and college cooperative store.
August 22, 1967: Introduction of New Degree Programs
  • On August 22, 1967, His Grace the Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios, the esteemed patron of the college, formally inaugurated new degree programs. These programs included Politics, Malayalam, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics, and Commerce (B.A., B.Sc., and B.Com.).
July 11, 1967: Student Christian Movement Inauguration
  • The Student Christian Movement was officially inaugurated, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement among students.
1969-’70: First Graduates Emerge
  • In the academic year 1969-’70, our institution celebrated its first batch of graduates, marking a significant achievement in our educational journey.
September 30, 1969: Birth of the College Union
  • The College Union was established, providing a platform for student leadership, representation, and collaboration.
1970-’71: Inauguration of the New Stadium
  • Quilon’s NCC Group Commander, Lt. Col. P. G. R. Nair, officially opened the new stadium, enhancing sports and recreational opportunities for students.
1973-’74: Leadership Transition and Societies
  • Reverend Fr. George Malancharuvil assumed leadership as the new principal.
  • The Literary and Debating Society was established, promoting intellectual discourse and critical thinking.
1975-’76: Promoting Unity and Learning
  • The National Integration Samithi was founded, emphasizing unity and cultural diversity.
  • Sri R. Balakrishna Pillai initiated the Mathrubhoomi Study Circle branch.
1976-’77: Community Service and Engagement
  • The National Service Scheme unit was launched, encouraging students to actively participate in community service initiatives.
1977-’78: Research and Development Initiatives
  • Research activities and developmental schemes were set in motion within the college, fostering academic growth and innovation. The Muslim Educational Society Youth Wing was formed on February 16, 1978.
1978-’79: Enhancing Sports Facilities
  • A basketball court was constructed, providing students with a dedicated space for sports and recreation.
1979-’80: New Leadership
  • Reverend Fr. Daniel Ayyaneth assumed the role of Principal, continuing the institution’s legacy of excellence.
1982-’83: New Leadership and Academic Expansion
  • Rev. Fr. Thomas Kottarathil assumed the role of Principal.
  • The college introduced a new degree program, B.Sc. Chemistry.
1984-’85: Prof. K. M. Varghese’s Leadership
  • Prof. K. M. Varghese took charge as the Principal.
1985-’86: Initiatives and Transitions
  • The Adult Education Unit was established.
  • Prof. M. I. Thomas served as the Acting Principal from April 1 to May 12, 1985.
  • Dr. Abraham P. Koshy assumed the position of Principal.
1986-’87: Academic Achievements and Administrative Roles
  • Our college achieved various ranks in degree examinations, particularly in Mathematics.
  • Rev. Fr. Augustin Mangalathu became the Bursar and Local Manager of the college.
1987-’88: Interim Leadership
  • Prof. Geevarghese Vaidyan served as the acting Principal from November 6, 1987, to March 4, 1988.
1988-’89: Silver Jubilee Celebration and Infrastructure Development
  • The college celebrated its Silver Jubilee from August 31 to February 2, 1988.
  • His Grace Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios laid the foundation stone for the Silver Jubilee Memorial Auditorium.
  • With support from the UGC, the college established a computer center.
  • The Humanities and Social Science Improvement Program commenced.
  • A Green House for the Department of Botany was established.
1990-’91: Fostering Learning and Wellness
  • The Women’s Study Unit was initiated.
  • An Anti-Drug/Alcohol/Smoking Unit was established as part of ethical and cultural activities.
1991-’92: Continuity of Leadership
  • Prof. Geevarghese Vaidyan continued as the Principal.
1992-’93: Dr. P. V. George’s Tenure
  • Dr. P. V. George assumed the role of the New Principal.
1993’-94: Expanding Academic Offerings and Alumni Association
  • The college introduced a new degree program, B.Sc. Physics.
  • The Alumni Association was formed, connecting old students of the college.
  • Mr. T. Gunamony took over as the Librarian on June 9, 1994.
1995-’96: New Leadership and Academic Expansion
  • Rev. Dr. Anniyil Ninan Tharakan assumed the role of New Principal.
  • The college introduced its first PG Course, M.Sc. Mathematics.
1996-’97: Administrative Changes and Patron’s Visit
  • Rev. Fr. C. C. John became the Bursar of the college.
  • The esteemed Patron, His Grace Most Rev. Cyril Mar Baselios, ArchBishop of Trivandrum, officially visited the college on August 20, 1996.
1997-’98: Dr. Varghese M. Mathunni’s Leadership
  • Dr. Varghese M. Mathunni assumed the position of New Principal.
1998-’99: Curriculum Innovations and Pre-Degree Delinking
  • Rev. Fr. Daniel Kulangara became the Bursar of the college.
  • The college introduced a new degree course in Communicative English in December 1998 (following the semester system).
  • The pre-degree course was delinked from University Education, reducing the number of pre-degree batches from 07 to 05.
1999-2000: Research and New PG Course
  • Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mar Irenios took charge as the Principal.
  • The MA Public Administration program was initiated.
  • Several teachers from our college were approved as Research Guides.
2001-’2002: Expanding Academic Horizons
  • M.Sc. Environmental Science was introduced on August 3, 2001.
  • The last pre-degree batch completed their studies.
  • Our college consistently produced rank holders in various subjects, including BA Politics, BA Communicative English, MA Public Administration, and M.Sc. Environmental Science.
2002-2003: Student Initiatives and Technology Advancements
  • The St. John Forestry Club and the Association of Students Against Drugs (ASAD) were formed.
  • The college’s computer center was well-equipped for conducting courses and training programs.
2003-2004: Pursuing Excellence and Modernization
  • The college initiated the process of NAAC Accreditation and Assessment.
  • A new modern library complex, featuring a vast reading room, reference sections, spacious shelves, and a computerized cataloging system, was blessed and inaugurated by Most Rev. Cyril Mar Baselios, the Patron and Manager of the college. The library houses around fifty thousand books.
2005: NAAC Accreditation
  • In the first cycle, our college achieved accreditation with a ‘B+’ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
2006-2007: Leadership Transitions and Academic Excellence
  • During the periods 04/2006 to 09/2006 and 10/2006 to 03/2007, Prof. K. Y. Johnson and Dr. M. I. Georgekutty briefly led the college.
  • Dr. George T. John assumed the role of the new Principal.
  • Fr. Johnson Puthuvelil became the Bursar of the college.
  • Our college secured three ranks in the University Examinations.
2008-2009: Continued Academic Achievements
  • Our college continued to excel, securing various ranks in University Examinations.
  • The Women’s Redressal Cell was established as per the directive of the UGC, ensuring the redressal of grievances for lady students and women staff members.
2009-’2010: Five Ranks in University Examinations
  • St. John’s College achieved five ranks in the University Examinations.
2011: New Leadership
  • Dr. K. V. Thomaskutty was appointed as the Principal of the college.
2012-’13: Technological Advancements and Re-Accreditation Process
  • Rev. Dr. James Steephen Olikal assumed the position of Principal.
  • Our college gained recognition through multiple ranks in the University Examinations.
  • An innovative step was taken with the creation of a digital library and digital archive using D-space software from MIT. The software, initially automated in 2002, was upgraded, and provisions for barcode and WEG OPAC were made available.
  • The NAAC re-accreditation process commenced.
  • A Smart Classroom was inaugurated by MLA Raju on October 31, 2012.
2013-’14: Eight Ranks and New PG Course
  • Our college continued its academic excellence, securing eight ranks in University Examinations.
  • The M.Sc. Chemistry program was introduced.
2014-’15: Golden Jubilee Celebrations and NAAC Peer Visit
  • The Golden Jubilee celebrations began with various programs, including Jubilee Jyothi Prayanam, Mega Johnsian Meet, and Guruvandanam.
  • The new degree course, BA Economics, was formally inaugurated on August 14, 2014.
  • Mega Johnsian Meet: Oruvattom Koodi was conducted during the year.
  • Our college secured five ranks in various subjects in the University Examinations.
  • The NAAC peer team visited the college from March 26 to 28, 2015.
2015-’16: Re-Accreditation and Academic Excellence
  • Rev. Fr. Philip Kannamkulath assumed the role of Bursar.
  • Our college received the prestigious ‘A’ grade re-accreditation during the second cycle in May 2015. Additionally, it was recognized as a DBT Star College.
  • In this year, our college celebrated six rank holders in University Examinations.
2016-’17: Advancements in Science and Technology Infrastructure
  • The DST FIST Fund was approved, supporting the enhancement of Science and Technology Infrastructure through the Ministry of Science and Technology.
2018-’19: New Leadership
  • Rev. Fr. Johnson Puthuvelil was appointed as the Principal of the college.
2019-’20: NSS Appreciation
  • Our college received appreciation for its exemplary service in the National Service Scheme (NSS).
2022: Leadership Transition and NCC Recognition
  • Dr. Cherian John assumed the position of Principal.
  • Our college was recognized as the Best Institution for National Cadet Corps (NCC) unit in the SD/SW category.
2023: Inspection from University of Kerala for new course
  • The Kerala Government vide order G.O. (Ms.) No.582/2023/HEDN dated 19.10.2023 has granted concurrence to convert M.A Public Administration Programme to M.A Political Science (Aided) programme in our college.