Madras Christian College, one of the oldest and reputed centers of learning in India, has been a pioneer and leader in higher education and research. Founded as a small school on April 3, 1837 by Rev. John Anderson, a missionary from the Church of Scotland, it has transformed into one of the top 10 colleges in the country and the best Arts and Science College in the State of Tamil Nadu. Owing to its rapid expansion, MCC migrated from the congested George Town to its 365 acres sylvan scrub jungle Tambaram campus in the year 1937.
The College will reach two milestones in its history, 175 years of service to humanity and 75 years of existence in Tambaram, in 2012, both worthy of celebrations.
MCC has been in the vanguard of shaping Academic Autonomy, opening avenues of Higher Education to men and women, reaching out to community and in particular the socially and economically weaker sections, encouraging emancipation of women, innovation in teaching and evaluation through the choice based credit system,fostering ties with industry, corporate and NGOs in providing a need based, socially relevant curriculum, and promoting student and staff exchanges through partnerships with foreign universities and colleges of excellence.
Time and the fast changing global educational scenario have not withered MCC in its defining objectives of spiritual vitality, academic excellence, social relevance, and leadership and character formation.
Today MCC has nearly 6000 students, almost half of them women, representing the different states of India, and 20 other nations. With the constant inflow of many foreign students and staff to the campus through exchange programmes, MCC has a truly international and cosmopolitan character. The 32 Academic departments, library, extension units such as the farm, halls of residence, and offices have constantly kept pace with changing times and technology, facilitating learning and research by students and staff in a congenial environment. Research and extension programmes, innovative projects receiving national and international funding, recognition of faculty and students through numerous awards, and the demand for our students in the industry have been the routine for MCC.
Students who have passed out of the portals of this institution have not only made their presence felt all over the World, but have provided inspiring leadership to millions of people in fields ranging from politics and governance to science and philosophy. Dr.S.Radhakrishnan, Dr.Raja Ramanna, Mr.T.N.Seshan, Gen.K.Sundarji, Ms.Indra Nooyi and Mr.Prakash Karat are only a few examples of the very high quality of men and women who have been shaped by MCC in the service to humanity. MCC has been blessed by the love and affection of its alumni for their alma mater all through their lives, and their active interest and participation in the development of their college.
MCC has drawn up plans for a befitting celebration of its rich history, to remember and thank its founders and builders, and to set in motion schemes that will take MCC higher in its pursuit of excellence in the field of education.
Worship services, workshops, seminars and publications, public functions, special souvenirs to mark the historic moment, exhibitions showcasing the achievements of MCC, special cultural and sports events, alumni meets are being planned through the year 2012. Infrastructural projects including a new Commerce Block, a large multi-purpose Auditorium, expansion of the International Guest House, renovation and reformation of the Library, Campus Local Area Network, computer aided smart classrooms, and refurbishing the Halls are on the anvil for the special occasion.
Launching an International MBA Programme, and a Community College are also planned for as a part of the 175th year (Quartoseptcentennial) celebrations.
