A wooden plank hangs at college’s entrance, overhead the line of display cabinets, which reads “ Gandhi, King, Ikeda, a legacy of building peace.” The legacy of Soka Ikeda College of Arts and Science for Women, Chennai, can be traced back to Japan, where Tsunesaburo Magikuchi, an educational theorist and religious reformer became the first president of Soka Gakkai, a worldwide Buddhist network that promotes peace, culture and education.
One of his followers and disciple Daisaku Ikeda founded the Soka University in 1971 at Japan. Founded on the principles and teachings of Magikuchi, the Chennai college is the result of Sethu Kumanan’s — the college’s chairman — vision to educate girls in rural areas. Located in Madhanangkuppam, the 12-year-old college is a boon to girls living in the suburbs of Avadi, Perambur, Red Hills and Ambattur. The college was awarded the “ The Institution of Excellence” by the Indian Council of Gandhian Studies, New Delhi, in 2005
Courses offered
The college prides itself in spreading knowledge and empowering women. Affiliated to University of Madras, it presently has 1,000 students in various UG and PG courses. At the undergrad level, the college has nine courses — English literature, Tamil literature, mathematics, biochemistry, computer science, computer applications, business administration, information system management and commerce. At the postgraduate level, they only offer MCom. The college also offers certificate courses in accounting, Tally and Japanese.
Infrastructure
Spread over almost nine acres of land, the campus is marked by greenery and serenity, making it congenial for learning. The college houses a library that has over 800 books and a huge collection of books on Ikedian philosophy, two computer labs, one biochemistry lab, 40 classrooms and a 400-metre track where the annual sports day is held. Hostel facilities are also available for a few students and transportation is provided for students coming from remote areas.
The college provides free education to economically poor and differently- abled students. It offers scholarships and fee concession to underprivileged students as well. “We are particular about students developing good values in life and aim at moulding the character of the students. Academics and discipline are very important. We provide free education to students, who have no access or means to getting a college education,” says Rani Christhu Dhas, the colleges’ principal.
Beyond academics
Apart from academics, the college conducts development programmes for the faculty to hone their pedagogy and research skills annually. Students are encouraged to join one of the college clubs — Red Ribbon Club, Youth Red Cross and Rotaract Club. Culfests are held round the year. “We stress a lot on the all-round development of students, hence the extracurricular activities,” says Dhas.
The college, which has signed
an MoU with Soka University,
Tokyo, has a cultural exchange programme, under which two students from both the institutes visit the partner country annually.
The college has a placement cell and according to last year’s statistics, more than 60 students were placed in various MNCs like Tata Consultancy Services, HCL, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Cybernet SlashSupport. “Our teachers are very friendly and approachable. We are encouraged to take part in extra-curriculars,” says NV Swati, a first-year BCom student.
J Anjana, an alumni of the college recollects fond memories of her experience at Ikeda, “I feel honoured to have graduated from this institution, which gifted me wonderful opportunities all through the three years. I was given the opportunity to study at Soka University, Japan, for four months. The opportunity to serve as the students’ union chairperson and take part in various intercollegiate competitions helped me improve myself and gain self-confidence. I am greatful to the college’s management and staff, who
always supported and guided me”.
— prerna.c@newindianexpress.com