KOZHIKODE: Government Brennen College, one of the premier and pioneer educational institutions in Malabar, is celebrating its quasquicentennial anniversary (125th jubilee) this year. The College is planning a one-year long programme to celebrate this historic feat.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, GBC principal Dr Ismael P.M. said that a meeting would be held on Saturday to form the organising committee for the celebrations.
Brennen College has grown from a free school established in 1862 by Edward Brennen, a master attendant of the Thalaserry Port. It was elevated to the status of a Grade II College in 1890.
The institution became a first grade College in 1947, and it was shifted to the new building at Dharmadam from Thalasserry town in 1958.
“As part of the quasquicentennial anniversary celebrations, we are planning to conduct an education fair in association with various government agencies like tourism, archaeological and archives departments. We are also planning academic seminars, alumni meets, felicitating former teachers, various cultural events and a littérateurs conclave,” added History department HOD Dr A. Valsalan.
During the 125 years, many eminent personalities from various walks of life studied and taught at the Brennen College. Noted statesman V.K. Krishna Menon, Sri Narayana Guru’s last direct disciple Swami Ananda Theethan, musician K. Raghavan, Keltron founding chairman KPP Nambiar, CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan, Congress leader K. Sudhakaran etc., are some of the noted alumni of the College. O.N.V. Kurup, M.N. Vijayan, M,K Sanu, Vishnuna-rayanan Namboothiri etc., are some of the eminent teachers who taught in the College.
In January 2011, the institution was accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council with an A Grade. The College has recently been granted a Rs 1.5 crore aid by the UGC under the Heritage College Scheme to preserve its valuable assets.
