A heritage structure in the heart of Kochi, flanked by the backwaters, evokes nostalgia about romantic tales and high-pitched political activities on its campus. Few like to look at it, the Maharaja’s College, as a centre of excellence and one with 'potential for excellence'. The real picture of the glorious past of the college seems to be clouded in the public eyes. The significance of young brains and the talent of its diligent teachers remain forgotten. The new media culture has popularised an image of Maharaja’s – an institute in chaos. Its merits and achievements, which include more than hundred PhDs and famed alumni it has produced, have no place in the public memory while they love to loudly lament its travails.
This year the institution celebrated the hundred years since the publication of its first college magazine. Known earlier as the “Ernakulam College Magazine”, it was first published in October 1918. It was edited by P.S Ramakrishna Iyer. The college, founded in 1875, was known initially as the Ernakulam College and renamed after half a century.
Among the noteworthy articles in the historic maiden publication is a write-up titled 'The Jews of Cochin' by the veteran historian K.P.Padmanabha Menon. Other contributors include His Highness Kerala Varma (the 21st Prince of Cochin), P K Ananthanarayana Iyer, V R Venkiteswara Iyer, C V Subramania Iyer, M. Seshagiri Prabhu, K Rama Pisharody and C K Subramanian.
The first magazine, which is praise-worthy for the high academic character it upholds, was released to mark the Shashtipurthi (60th birthday) celebrations of the Raja of Cochin Sri Rama Varma who was also the patron of the publication.
As we celebrate the centenary of the first college magazine in Kerala we need to realise and recognise the contributions of the college not only in the educational sphere but also in the political, social and cultural areas. It is high time we knew about its real story which is now blurred in a romanticised nostalgic framework.
The centenary celebration was inaugurated by Minister Kadannappally Ramachandran on November 26. The function was presided over by Hibi Eden, MLA. The keynote address was delivered by Dr.M Leelavathi, an alumna and former faculty. Her articles were published many times in the college magazine both as a student and a teacher.