Maharajas the best college

KOCHI: Union Defence Minister A. K. Antony said here on Saturday that Ernakulam Maharajas College is the best educational institution in the country. In his address at the Maharajakeeya Sangamam - a return of old students to the campus, Mr. Antony said that the college will be always known for its secular atmosphere. This is not just another college. But it is a training ground for all generations, the Defence Minister said recalling the vivid memories of his campus days. Pointing out that the college had helped in shaping his personality, Mr. Antony said that each student passing out of the campus will be an asset to the entire nation. The training received from the campus would help the students become good citizens, he said. Recalling his student days, Chief Justice of India K. G. Balakrishnan said that the alma mater has provided him with valuable guidance throughout his personal and professional career.I could never forget the contributions made by the teachers in my life, he said remembering the time he spent on the campus. Explaining that the campus has a democratic space for everyone, Finance Minister T. M. Thomas Isaac said that Maharajas was a place for intense debates and discussions during his college days. Assuring support to the development of the college, the Finance Minister requested the old students association to evolve a corpus fund for the growth of the college. Benoy Viswom, Forest Minister, Mercy Williams, Mayor, Harun-Al-Rashid, Kerala High Court judge, K. Sukumaran, former High Court judge, Sebastian Paul, MP, K. V. Thomas, MLA, Vaikom Viswan, convener of the Left Democratic Front, Venu Rajamony, Indian Consul General in Dubai, M. Leelavathi, noted writer, K. R. Vishwambharan, Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University, K. S. Radhakrishnan, Vice-Chancellor of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, and V. P. Gangadharan, oncologist attended the inaugural meet. Students of Maharajas rendered the Maharajakeeyam song on the occasion.Dr. Leelavathi was felicitated on the occasion for winning the Padmasree award. M. V. Thomas, former general secretary of the College Union and member of the old students association, handed over a memorandum to the Finance Minister