# St. Berchmans College

St. Berchmans College, most commonly known as SB College, is one of the first Autonomous Colleges, situated in Changanasserry, 17 km from Kottayam, in Kerala, India. Established in 1922, the college is considered to be one of the oldest and premier institutions of higher education in India. The University Grants Commission (UGC) identified the college under its “College with Potential for Excellence” scheme. UGC and the Government of Kerala granted autonomy to the college on 13 June 2014. The college celebrated its centenary in the academic year of 2022.
The college is named after John Berchmans, a 17th century Belgian Jesuit saint, who is also the patron saint of the college and is venerated in the Church as the Patron Saint of Students and Scholars. The college is situated in the town of Changanassery 18 kilometers south of Kottayam. Established in 1922, It has 19 postgraduate and eight research departments. It offers 17 UG, 21 PG, 3 MPhil, and 9 doctoral programmes. Students and alumni of the college are referred to as 'Berchmanites'. It is run by the Syro Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Changanassery, is affiliated to the Mahatma Gandhi University in Kottayam and is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The college was first accredited with ‘Five Star’ in 1999 and reaccredited with ‘A+’ in 2006. In the third cycle of accreditation in 2012, the college was graded at A. In 2017, it was again reaccredited with ‘A’ grade. The University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Government of Kerala granted autonomy to this college in 2014. In 1996 and 1997, it won the “R Shankar Award” for the Best College in the State, instituted by the Government of Kerala. In 2004, the UGC identified the college under its “College with Potential for Excellence” scheme. The National Commission for Minority Educational Institution, New Delhi has granted minority status to the college in 2010. All the Science Departments are supported by the FIST of DST, Government of India. It has been ranked among the top 100 Indian colleges by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MHRD, Government of India since 2018. The college also has two sister institutions - Assumption College, Changanassery and St Berchmans Higher Secondary School, Changanasserry.

## History

St Berchmans College is the first higher education institution under the Syro-Malabar Catholic Archeparchy of Changanacherry. After the establishment of St Berchmans English High School, Changanasserry by first Vicar Apostolic of Kottayam, Msgr. Fr. Charles Lavigne and clergy of Catholic Church in 1891, he laid the foundation stone of the college in 1895 on seeing the need for an institution of higher education in Travancore and Malabar region. The college was established in 1922 by Venerable Mar Thomas Kurialacherry, Bishop of Changanassery diocese with the help of both the Catholic Church and the Travancore royal family. In 1925, the college was transferred to its current place.
In 1925, the college authorities decided to install the 12 feet tall statue of Christ the King, brought from Spain, on the top of the College Tower, on a 6 feet tall pedestal. The college chapel, built in 1940, was named Christ King's Chapel, after the installation of the statue. Today, the college is affiliated to MG University, Kottayam.
In June 2022, the relics of St John Berchmans brought from Italy were placed in the College Chapel, as part of the centenary.

### Departments
#### English

The Department of English, which was part of the college since inception, became a fully-fledged department when BA English started in 1964. MA English Language and Literature started in 1967. The department was elevated to a research centre in 1986.

#### Economics

The Department of Economics was created when the college was founded in 1922, offering course in Humanities and Social Science. BA Economics was started in 1934.The department was elevated to a research centre by Mahatma Gandhi University in 2010.

#### Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry was started in 1925. BSc in Chemistry was affliated to Kerala University at that time in 1951 and MSc Chemistry in 1964. The major areas of research in the department are Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Synthesis and Technology, Environment Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Theoretical and Computational chemistry and Chemical Physics.The department has been elevated to research centre by MG University in 1998.

#### Physics

The Department of Physics was established in 1925. BSc Physics was granted affiliation under University of Travancore, later to Mahatma Gandhi University. The affiliation for MSc Physics with specialisation in Electronics was granted in 1961. It was raised to a research centre in 1985 under MG University. Since 2005, the department has been sponsored by DST-FIST.

#### Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics was established in 1925. With the introduction of the B.A Mathematics, it became a full-fledged department in 1928. The department became an approved research centre in Mathematics under Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam in 2018.

#### Botany

The Department of Botany was established in 1927 with the commencement of the degree course. Affiliation for MSc Botany was granted in 1961. The department was elevated to a Research Centre in 1986. A regional Herbarium of Kerala was installed in the college under the aegis of the University Grants Commission (UGC). It is sponsored by DST FIST, Government of India. It also has a Botanical Garden started in 1925.

#### Zoology

The Department of Zoology has been part of the college since 1927. It also has a Zoological Museum started in 1928. BSc Zoology was started in 1927 and MSc Zoology in 1965. The department was elevated to Research Centre in Zoology of M.G.University in 1986.

#### Malayalam

The Department of Malayalam started in 1922. BA Malayalam and MA Malayalam affiliations were granted in 1959 and 1960 respectively. The department established the Herman Gundert Chair for Kerala Studies in 1993. Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam raised it as a research centre in 1994 and the Ulahannan Mappilla Centre for Research was built in 2004. The department also conducts film festivals in the college.

#### Commerce

The Department of Commerce was established in 1962, at first attached to the department of Economics. The department became independent when affiliation for BCom was granted in 1963. Affiliation for MCom was granted in 1981. The Department of Commerce is a recognised research center of Mahatma Gandhi University offering a doctoral programme in Commerce.

#### Syriac

Syriac was introduced as a second language for pre-degree and degree students from 1937. James Kalacherry and Mathew Kavukattu were notable faculty in the Syriac department.

## College crest

The college crest features a Greek cross dividing four quarters. The dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit, the fleur-de-lis represents purity, and the coconut trees signify Kerala. Waves depict the college's location, and the open book on the Greek cross symbolizes wisdom. The Latin motto "Caritas Vera Nobilitas" and its Sanskrit equivalent "सैभ्रात्रं हि कूलीनता (saibhrātram hi kūlīnatā)" are inscribed below the shield.

## Rankings

The college was ranked 54 in All India ranking by NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) in 2023 and 69 in 2024.

## Programmes

The college provides 17 UG, 21 PG, and nine doctoral programmes.

### Undergraduate

Aided programs
English Model 1, English Model 2 Vocational Journalism, Malayalam, Economics, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Psychology, Commerce FT+ ACCA/CMA
Self-financing programs
BSc Biotechnology and Botany, BSc Zoology and Industrial Microbiology, BCA, Commerce FT+ACCA/CMA, BCOM CA+ACCA/CMA, Bvoc Renewable Energy Management

### Postgraduate

Aided programs
English, Malayalam, Economics, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Physics, Physics NRE(New and Renewable Energy Management), MCom Finance, MSW, MBA
Self-financing programs
MSc Computer Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Library and Information Science, Mcom Finance, MBA

## Facilities

* SB Central Library
* Hostel
* Career Orientation Centre
* Mar Charles Lavigne Indoor Stadium
* Berchnet
* Common Instrumentation Facility
* Auditorium and Conference Halls
* Herbarium
* Botanical Garden
* Ulahannan Mapilla Centre for Oriental Studies
* Mary Anne John Stuttgen Library
* Play grounds
* Language Lab
* Staff Co-operative Society
* SB Book House
* Berchmans TV
* Canteen and cafeteria
* Research Block
* Berchmans IT Division
* Computer Lab
* Christ the King’s Chapel
* Zoological Museum

## Hostels

* St. Joseph’s Hostel (UG)
* St. Thomas Hostel (UG)
* St Berchmans Hostel (UG)
* Sahrudaya Hostel (PG)
* St Thomas Moore Hostel (MBA)
* Pope John Paul II Hostel (sports hostel)
* St Mary’s Hostel (women's hostel)
Over 800 hostellers were residing inside the campus. In the early stages it was an important institution in Kerala which has boarding facilities for students. Hence hostels play an important part in the phase of this college.

## Academics and extra-curricular activities

Research areas in science include material science, nanotechnology, polymer chemistry, plant taxonomy and environmental sciences. The college conducted an international conference on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development participated in by delegates from 26 countries in 2005. Apart from academics, the college has two units of National Service Scheme(NSS) in which 200 volunteers can be enrolled. NSS gives various avenues for its volunteers to engage in various campus and community activities.
The popular extra-curricular societies and clubs engage in activities concerned with debating, drama, film club, social service, photography, Jesus Youth, National Cadet Corps, Mock United Nations (MUN), etc.
It is the only college in India, apart from St. Stephen's College, New Delhi, to have a full-fledged Shakespearean Theatre. Shakespearean plays have been regularly staged since 1938. The hall was named Archbishop Kavukatt Hall. This hall underwent major renovations which works started in 2020 and completed in 2023. The hall re-opened after the complete renovation on March 8, 2023.
Berchmans Erudite Lecture Series (BELS)
The college brings Nobel laureates and other scholars such as Ei-ichi Negishi (Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2010) in 2016, Ada E Yonath (Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, 2009) in 2019, Sir Anthony James Leggett (Nobel Laureate in Physics 2003) in 2020 and Martin Chalfie (Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2008) in 2021.

## Berchmans Institute of Management Studies (BIMS)

Berchmans Institute of Management Studies (BIMS) established in 1995, is under the management of St. Berchmans College affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. It is a full-time Master of Business Administration programme. Berchmans Institute of Management Studies is recognized by All India Council for Technical Education, New Delhi.

## Recognition

St Berchmans College is today considered to be one of the top ten colleges in Kerala and has always been in the top 100 colleges in India. The college is today a heritage instituition of higher education in Kerala.
UGC has recognized the college as 'College with Potential for Excellence'. It is one of the first colleges in Kerala to undergo NAAC accreditation and is currently undergoing fifth cycle. In May 2006, NAAC accredited the college with Grade A+. In 2012, the college was re-accredited with Grade A in the country with a CGPA of 3.37 on a four-point scale. In 2017, it was re-accredited with Grade A. It is also one of the topmost NAAC-accredited college in Kerala with the highest CGPA.
The college which was one of the last bastions of male exclusivity has opened its door to female students to various undergraduate programmes. The college is also appreciated for its beautiful combination of Victorian architecture, characterized by the use of red bricks, pointed and semicircular arches, ornate detailing, dome and towering structures, with a blend of Dutch colonial and Dravidian architecture, especially in the college tower, Kurialacherry block and the chapel. The college has one of the largest college libraries in South India, with more than a collection of 100,000 books. The college also kept the 100 year old tradition of starting the day with the one minute hymn 'Lead, Kindly Light' by Cardinal Newman which is said to halt everyone from their work.
As a part of the centenary, the college underwent major renovations and heritage restoration in 2022.
The college has produced a diverse alumni ranging from politicians to businessmen, writers to actors, religious leaders to scientists, athletes to military personnel and civil servants.

## Notable alumni

One of the legendary actors of the Malayalam film industry, Prem Nazir, an alumnus of the college, said
   "Back in my college days, that is when I was in Changanaserry SB College, I got a chance to play my first character as Shylock in Merchant Of Venice directed by CA Sheppard, a professor of English department in SB. He was also the one that helped me to reach my first film, Thyagaseema, which I acted with Sathyan Sir."
Though he was active in student politics, Oommen Chandy was not engaged in activism within the campus when he was student of BA Economics in SB.
   "It has been 55 years since I passed out of college. Still, I try to go to the campus at least once every year. I also found time to attend the alumni meet on the Republic Day for the past few years."
* Oommen Chandy
* P. K Vasudevan Nair
* P. T. Chacko
* Sibi Malayil
* Kunchacko Boban
* Jeethu Joseph
* Cardinal Mar George Alencherry
* Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis
* P K Narayana Panicker
The college has produced two Chief Ministers, Oommen Chandy and P.K. Vasudevan Nair, former minister in the first EMS Namboodiripad ministry and Communist Leader T. V. Thomas, first Opposition Leader and former Home Minister, P T Chacko, a number of writers and artists, including Prem Nazir, MG Soman, Kunchacko Boban, Sibi Malayil, Jeethu Joseph, Martin Prakatt, George Onakkoor, M P Paul, Muttathu Varkey and Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri, three Cardinals of Catholic Church, Mar George Alencherry, Moran Mor Baselious Cleemis and Mar George Koovakad (which is highest for any college in India), NSS General Secretary PK Narayana Panicker, Archbishops including Mar Mathew Kavukattu, Mar Joseph Powathil, Mar Joseph Perumthottam, Former Apostolic Nuncio Mar George Kochery, Mar Thomas Tharayil, Bishop of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of Niranam Diocese Yuhanon Mar Chrysostamos, Bishop of Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church of Niranam Diocese Coorilose Mar Geevarghese besides a long list of legal luminaries, bureaucrats and academicians such as Justice Cyriac Joseph, C.V. Ananda Bose, Raju Narayana Swami, Jancy James, B. Ekbal and so on.
| Name | Class Year | Degree | Notability |
| Kuzhikalail M. Abraham | 1962-1965, 1965-1967 | BSc. Chemistry, MSc. Chemistry | Scientist, professor, and expert on lithium-ion batteries |
| George Alencherry | | BA. Economics | Cardinal and former Major Archbishop of Syro Malabar Catholic Church |
| Moran Mor Baselius Cleemis | | BA. Economics | Cardinal and Major Archbishop of Syro Malankara Catholic Church |
| Justice A. M. Babu | | | Former judge of Kerala High Court (2016-2019) |
| Fr. Gabriel Chiramel CMI | | Pre-university degree | Indian Syro-Malabar Catholic priest, educationist, zoologist, author and social reformer |
| T. V. Thomas | | Pre-university Degree | Indian Communist leader, first Minister of Labour and Transport |
| Kunchacko Boban | | Pre-university degree | Actor |
| C. V. Ananda Bose | | | Retd. IAS officer, governor of West Bengal (2022-) |
| P. T. Chacko | | | Former Home Minister of Kerala |
| Bipin Chandran | | | Scriptwriter |
| K.M. Chandy | | | Former governor (MP, Gujarat & Pondicherry) |
| Oommen Chandy | | BA. Economics | Former Chief Minister of Kerala |
| Dr. B. Ekbal | | | Kerala State Planning Board member, former Kerala University VC |
| V. J. James | | | Writer |
| Cyriac Joseph | | | Retired Supreme Court Justice |
| George Joseph | | | Padma Bhushan ISRO scientist |
| M.P. Paul | | Professor, Head of English Department. | Academic, Educationist, Scholar, Literary critic |
| Jeethu Joseph | | | Film director |
| P. J. Joseph | | | Former Education Minister, Ex. MLA |
| Mar Mathew Kavukattu | | Intermediate Degree, Head of Syriac Department | Servant of God, first Archbishop of Changanasserry |
| Yuhanon Chrysostamos | | BSc Mathematics | Bishop of Malankara Orthodox Niranam Archdiocese |
| Mar George Koovakad | | Pre-university degree, BSc. Chemistry | Cardinal of Nisibis |
| Manoj Kuroor | | | Writer |
| Sibi Malayil | | Pre-university degree | Film director |
| Tony Mathew | | | Orator, writer |
| N. Sreekantan Nair | | | Former MP for Kollam Constituency |
| Prem Nazir | | | Film actor |
| Vishnunarayanan Namboothiri | | | Poet, writer |
| Raju Narayanaswamy | | | IAS - Addl. Secretary, Govt. of Kerala |
| George Onakkoor | | MA. Malayalam | Novelist, short story writer |
| P. K. Narayana Panicker | | | Former NSS General Secretary |
| P. Parameswaran (AKA Parameshwarji ) | | | Director of Bharatiya Vichara Kendra, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue, Padmavibhooshan awardee |
| Dr. Jitheshji | | | World's fastest performing cartoonist, former vice chairman of Kerala Cartoon Academy |
| Martin Prakkat | | | Film director |
| Coorilose Mar Geevarghese | | Intermediate degree and BA English | Metropolitian of Malankara Syrian Jacobite Niranam Diocese |
| Dr. M. V. Pylee | | | Indian scholar, Padmabhushan awardee, former vice chancellor - Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| A. A. Rahim | | | Indian politician, freedom fighter, and union minister |
| Justice C. T. Ravikumar | | | Judge Supreme Court of India |
| John Sankaramangalam | | | Filmmaker and former director of the FTII, Pune |
| M. G. Soman | | Pre-university degree | Film actor |
| K.C. Joseph | | BA. Economics | Former minister of Rural Development |
| Adoor Prakash | | BA. Economics | Former minister of Health |
| Prof N.M. Joseph | | BA Economics | Former minister of Forest |
| P. C. Thomas | | | Former Central Minister |
| Mar George Kocherry | | BA. Economics | Bishop of Ghana and Togo |
| Santosh Thundiyil | | BSc. Chemistry | Cinematographer |
| Vinu Abraham | | BA. Economics | Script writer |
| Scaria Zacharia | | Intermediate Degree, BA Malayalam, Head of Malayalam Department | Linguist, Scholar |
| Joseph Powathil | | BA Economics, Head of Economics Department | former Archbishop of Changanasserry |
| Joseph Perumthottam | | Intermediate degree, BA | former Archbishop of Changanasserry |
| Thomas Tharayil | | | Archbishop of Changanasserry |
| Thomas Padiyath | | Intermediate degree | Auxiliary Bishop of Shamshabad diocese |

## In popular culture

The college has been featured in many films such as Tamil-language romantic drama Autograph (2004), Malayalam-language action crime film Masters (2012), Malayalam romantic comedy film Doctor Love (2011) and The Campus (2005).