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Calcutta Armenian College Current Affairs
http://hetq.am/en/society/36401/
[ 2010/07/24 | 12:31 ]
Feature Stories society
Dear Readers,
This following statement by me is not disputing or commenting on the
many opinions of well wishers, old students, parents, teachers and
others who have shown their deep concern over the recent events in the
Armenian College & Philanthropic Academy in Kolkata. The reader
must understand how this noble Institution has come to this pass. It
has been a gradual process. Personally, I am deeply saddened and pray
that sanity will return.
You must be made aware that between Rev. Oshagan Gulgulian and Rev
Koren Hovanessian all Christian teachers were dismissed from the ACPA
and students were not allowed to speak with a teachers out of class.
Cameras were installed everywhere. I earnestly hope there will be
action by His Holiness who is responsible for the Management of the
ACPA. Unfortunately, He was unaware of Rev. Gulgulian's management
skills and may be had thought that with a position of such high
responsibility Fr. Khoren Hovanessian would prove himself worthy as he
was given a second chance as clergy.
The deterioration has been a gradual process and it appears one of the
reasons, to save money. The cuts were in the provision of clothes,
basic necessities and nutrition. Large amounts were spent in
unnecessary renovations and repairs. If the menus for the students
were wholesome why did the previous Manager and the present one not
partake of the fare. Their meals are from expensive restaurants.
In India and all civilized countries corporal punishment is prohibited
by law. Mental torture, fear, disgrace, humiliation and senseless
tasks like writing texts thousands of times. Making children stand
outdoors under the hot sun are also unacceptable. All these measures
and actions by the Managers who were too elated by their own egos.
School discipline is the prime responsibility of the Principal of the
school. Unfortunately he is only a figure head and is not given the
opportunity to carry out his duties.
In defence of the two Managers it can be said that they were unaware
of the implications of their actions as Education and Child's
Psychology is not their forte or else they would not have used
unacceptable measures to keep discipline. Discipline is gained by
mutual respect. Not all children are the same. Each has his or her
personality and problems that need attention. The students in the ACPA
are thousands of miles away from their parents and homes (that is why
I introduced children going home every three years during the school
summer vacation at the expense of the Institution).
Both the Managers have depleted the corpus in the Institution on
anything except the advancement of Education. I had left a corpus of
26 ½ crores of rupees which is roughly $ 5777777 which I had built up
for the ACPA and Davidian Girls School. It would be embarrassing for
the Managers and Etchmiadzin if details are given.
May be some repetition of history is needed. When the ACPA were facing
closure in 1955 all the students were farmed out to various schools in
Kolkata. 8 were sent to my school Moir Hall School I did not take any
admission, session or tuition fees for the students. They studied in
my school for 3-4 years. The teaching staff in the ACPA attended the
Institution only to sign the Attendance Register and leave as there
were no students to teach. The Class IV staff were encouraged to
accept severance pay but they did not fall to the prey as they knew
they would have difficulty in getting employment.
Steps had to be taken to re-open the school. I made it my
responsibility to challenge the School Committee for their action when
I discovered that the Committee had changed Clause 28 of the School
Constitution giving them the right to sell property belonging to the
ACPA. The previous Clause restricted such action. Surprisingly, this
was the only change in the rules and it was done and known only to the
8 members on the Committee. The 2 Wardens on the Church Committee were
on the School Committee and that is how I came to know of the action
to be taken. Immediate remedy had to found. 3 members of the Armenian
Community and myself gate-crashed the school Committee meeting and
stopped the ratification of their plan. I had also had an injunction
served on the meeting. The meeting though held was void as the
proposed plan for the property was unacceptable. A suit in the High
Court of Calcutta followed to save the ACPA. The only recourse was to
put the management in safe hands and to stop the property from
changing hands.
Surely every Armenian has faith and trust in the Holy See of
Etchmiadzin with Karekin I of blessed memory. A highly qualified
person. An Oxford student and one who spoke many languages. There were
many discourses with His Holiness in Armenia, London and Paris to take
over the management of ACPA. Many matters had to be settled and His
Holiness realized the necessity for the ACPA to be safe and agreed to
take over the management. Accordingly the Petition in the Calcutta
High Court was filed. The Chairman of the School Committee
(opposition) did not contest the action of the hand over to His
Holiness Karekin I of blessed memory. This court action and others
leading to it cost me personally Rs. 6 lakhs. In foreign money it may
not be a large amount but in India can be one's life savings. I
thanked God for his mercy and the school was reopened, but not without
hic-cups!
For those of you readers who were unaware about the condition of the
ACPA when it was closed to education the following will be harrowing
the school Committee had permitted some 15 - 20 senior Armenian boys
ages ranging from 20 - 25 to take residence in the ACPA. They were
being supported financially by the Armenian Church Committee. These
old students were at a loose end and their activities both in the
Institution and outside were ruining their lives. It took time and
reasoning with the Armenian Church Committee that instead of
supporting them forever and aye; each one to get a lump sum so that
arrangements could be made for their future. This was done and each of
them was rehabilitated in a country abroad. Each was given sufficient
finance in hand to manage for some months. This exercise took a great
deal of planning and field work but it was accomplished. I became very
unpopular at the time for my action as these old boys were playing
Rugby for the Armenian Team. The benefits were realized when these
young men settled down in the various countries. Some continued
studies but all lived useful and purposeful lives. They have
appreciated the steps which were taken.
This epistle is being related to show that anyone in a position of
responsibility must try to help young people in their education and
prepare them for their adult hood. Not to thwart them with punitive
actions and curtail the education process.
When the ACPA was opened His Holiness Karekin I of blessed memory
requested me to manage the Institution and I was appointed officially.
I took on the duty in an Honorary capacity and later on persuaded
Michael Stephen who was the caretaker of St. Mary's Church in Chennai
to become the Asst. Manager to learn the work. He was given quarters
in the College premises.
I am an educationist I have my own school since 1957 which is still
functioning. I administrate and teach. I have taught in reputable
schools. Have been an overseas Examiner for the Senior Cambridge
Examinations in Calcutta for 25 years. Examiner for several local
exams. Also for the Calcutta University and Teachers Training Courses.
Served as a member on the La Martiniere School Board for several
years. I did not have a problem with the management as for many years,
my husband and I ran the Carlton Hotel alongside the Oberoi Grand
Hotel. Dealing with the labour problems and the catering was no new
avenue for me. I never interfered with the education process in the
ACPA as there was an able Principal MA in English Honours and M. Ed,
LLb. I only gave advice when approached.
The school was flourishing with 146 students the largest number to date.
When Kareken I of blessed memory expired Karekin II was appointed and
there was a change in the policy of the management. Rev. Oshagan
Gulgulian was appointed Manager. A young enthusiastic priest but
unfortunately no background of Education management. Even in his
tenure there were many problems specially with the teaching staff whom
he showed little respect and dismissed many on frivolous grounds. His
activities are universally known and not my prerogative to enumerate
them. Eventually His Holiness Karekin II had to remove him, only to
send him back after 2 years during which time he served in Cologne in
Germany. During his tenure in the ACPA Decaon Bhagumian was appointed
as the Administrator whose attitude was aggressive and showed little
respect to anyone. He was also recalled and ordained a priest. In his
place another clergy was appointed.
Eventually His Holiness Karekin II was compelled to recall Rev.
Oshagan Gulgulian and was replaced by Rev. Khoren Hovanessian. Those
who keep a close match on our clergy will know that he had been
defrocked but forgiven and then given the responsibility to prove his
worth as Manager of the ACPA.
One does not understand the rationale that a school which now has
barely 80 students has a Principal, Manager and Administrator. All
these posts are very highly paid. The Manager and Administrator have
luxurious apartments and equally luxurious life styles. For instance
the Managers quarters were made sound proof and an imported commode
(cost 1 ½ lakhs) installed all of which cost 25 lakhs was this
expenditure necessary for the enhancement of education?
Letters, statements and opinions from well wishers, old students and
others are storming the website in response to the recent happenings
in the ACPA most of the comments are justified and I personally am
very saddened at the way young lives are being suppressed by fear. The
slightest mischief attracts the ultimate punishment of deportation.
Severance from education, stress and trauma. The students have taken
the regular daily doses of corporal punishment, humiliation and suffer
from fear psychoses as part of their education. But, there must come a
time when saturation point is reached and what was it? Some boys
pleading with the Manager for a lad who has only a few months left for
his final examination in Class XII and that too in a very reputable
school La Martineire for Boys. Such a pity as he is intelligent and
keen on his studies. How can a priest not respond to a plea of mercy
when he is practicing the teaching of Jesus Christ our Saviour who
said `I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for
the sheep'. The priest should protect the children as if they are
`his' sheep.
For someone who has been entrusted as the post of Manager - can he not
sort out whatever problems arise? What was the necessity for 30
policemen to be called and that from Special Branch and were in the
college for 6 hours and not 30 minutes has been reported. Police
intervention is acquired when there is a crime committed or a breach
of peace, which cannot be contained. Now, the students have yet
another fear; the police. Those of you who are parents, Doctors and
educationists, you will well understand the long term implications on
a child's mind which can even haunt them in adulthood. This action of
calling in the police must have been advised by the Chief Accountant
A. K. Ghosh. His influence on the Managers has made them make many
wrong decisions. His advice of deliberately prolonging court cases
costing the college a pretty penny. He has had his salary raised to an
exorbitant amount and has always had a life style far beyond his
means. Not to mention the properties he has constructed for himself.
The students for once cried out for help and those who heard them did
their best to avert drastic consequences. But the situation has not
eased as Fr. Khoren was determined to send the lad back to Armenia.
Somehow Father has to be councelled not to go to the extreme and show
mercy and understanding and to go by the guidelines in Education. To
allow the Principal of the school to deal with the discipline which
comes under his duties as the head of the Institution.
The atmosphere in the college should be a happy and free of tension and fear.
Sonia John
Ex Hony. Manager, ACPA, Kolkata.
Ex-Chairman, Armenian Church Committee, Kolkata.
From: A. Papazian
http://hetq.am/en/society/36401/
[ 2010/07/24 | 12:31 ]
Feature Stories society
Dear Readers,
This following statement by me is not disputing or commenting on the
many opinions of well wishers, old students, parents, teachers and
others who have shown their deep concern over the recent events in the
Armenian College & Philanthropic Academy in Kolkata. The reader
must understand how this noble Institution has come to this pass. It
has been a gradual process. Personally, I am deeply saddened and pray
that sanity will return.
You must be made aware that between Rev. Oshagan Gulgulian and Rev
Koren Hovanessian all Christian teachers were dismissed from the ACPA
and students were not allowed to speak with a teachers out of class.
Cameras were installed everywhere. I earnestly hope there will be
action by His Holiness who is responsible for the Management of the
ACPA. Unfortunately, He was unaware of Rev. Gulgulian's management
skills and may be had thought that with a position of such high
responsibility Fr. Khoren Hovanessian would prove himself worthy as he
was given a second chance as clergy.
The deterioration has been a gradual process and it appears one of the
reasons, to save money. The cuts were in the provision of clothes,
basic necessities and nutrition. Large amounts were spent in
unnecessary renovations and repairs. If the menus for the students
were wholesome why did the previous Manager and the present one not
partake of the fare. Their meals are from expensive restaurants.
In India and all civilized countries corporal punishment is prohibited
by law. Mental torture, fear, disgrace, humiliation and senseless
tasks like writing texts thousands of times. Making children stand
outdoors under the hot sun are also unacceptable. All these measures
and actions by the Managers who were too elated by their own egos.
School discipline is the prime responsibility of the Principal of the
school. Unfortunately he is only a figure head and is not given the
opportunity to carry out his duties.
In defence of the two Managers it can be said that they were unaware
of the implications of their actions as Education and Child's
Psychology is not their forte or else they would not have used
unacceptable measures to keep discipline. Discipline is gained by
mutual respect. Not all children are the same. Each has his or her
personality and problems that need attention. The students in the ACPA
are thousands of miles away from their parents and homes (that is why
I introduced children going home every three years during the school
summer vacation at the expense of the Institution).
Both the Managers have depleted the corpus in the Institution on
anything except the advancement of Education. I had left a corpus of
26 ½ crores of rupees which is roughly $ 5777777 which I had built up
for the ACPA and Davidian Girls School. It would be embarrassing for
the Managers and Etchmiadzin if details are given.
May be some repetition of history is needed. When the ACPA were facing
closure in 1955 all the students were farmed out to various schools in
Kolkata. 8 were sent to my school Moir Hall School I did not take any
admission, session or tuition fees for the students. They studied in
my school for 3-4 years. The teaching staff in the ACPA attended the
Institution only to sign the Attendance Register and leave as there
were no students to teach. The Class IV staff were encouraged to
accept severance pay but they did not fall to the prey as they knew
they would have difficulty in getting employment.
Steps had to be taken to re-open the school. I made it my
responsibility to challenge the School Committee for their action when
I discovered that the Committee had changed Clause 28 of the School
Constitution giving them the right to sell property belonging to the
ACPA. The previous Clause restricted such action. Surprisingly, this
was the only change in the rules and it was done and known only to the
8 members on the Committee. The 2 Wardens on the Church Committee were
on the School Committee and that is how I came to know of the action
to be taken. Immediate remedy had to found. 3 members of the Armenian
Community and myself gate-crashed the school Committee meeting and
stopped the ratification of their plan. I had also had an injunction
served on the meeting. The meeting though held was void as the
proposed plan for the property was unacceptable. A suit in the High
Court of Calcutta followed to save the ACPA. The only recourse was to
put the management in safe hands and to stop the property from
changing hands.
Surely every Armenian has faith and trust in the Holy See of
Etchmiadzin with Karekin I of blessed memory. A highly qualified
person. An Oxford student and one who spoke many languages. There were
many discourses with His Holiness in Armenia, London and Paris to take
over the management of ACPA. Many matters had to be settled and His
Holiness realized the necessity for the ACPA to be safe and agreed to
take over the management. Accordingly the Petition in the Calcutta
High Court was filed. The Chairman of the School Committee
(opposition) did not contest the action of the hand over to His
Holiness Karekin I of blessed memory. This court action and others
leading to it cost me personally Rs. 6 lakhs. In foreign money it may
not be a large amount but in India can be one's life savings. I
thanked God for his mercy and the school was reopened, but not without
hic-cups!
For those of you readers who were unaware about the condition of the
ACPA when it was closed to education the following will be harrowing
the school Committee had permitted some 15 - 20 senior Armenian boys
ages ranging from 20 - 25 to take residence in the ACPA. They were
being supported financially by the Armenian Church Committee. These
old students were at a loose end and their activities both in the
Institution and outside were ruining their lives. It took time and
reasoning with the Armenian Church Committee that instead of
supporting them forever and aye; each one to get a lump sum so that
arrangements could be made for their future. This was done and each of
them was rehabilitated in a country abroad. Each was given sufficient
finance in hand to manage for some months. This exercise took a great
deal of planning and field work but it was accomplished. I became very
unpopular at the time for my action as these old boys were playing
Rugby for the Armenian Team. The benefits were realized when these
young men settled down in the various countries. Some continued
studies but all lived useful and purposeful lives. They have
appreciated the steps which were taken.
This epistle is being related to show that anyone in a position of
responsibility must try to help young people in their education and
prepare them for their adult hood. Not to thwart them with punitive
actions and curtail the education process.
When the ACPA was opened His Holiness Karekin I of blessed memory
requested me to manage the Institution and I was appointed officially.
I took on the duty in an Honorary capacity and later on persuaded
Michael Stephen who was the caretaker of St. Mary's Church in Chennai
to become the Asst. Manager to learn the work. He was given quarters
in the College premises.
I am an educationist I have my own school since 1957 which is still
functioning. I administrate and teach. I have taught in reputable
schools. Have been an overseas Examiner for the Senior Cambridge
Examinations in Calcutta for 25 years. Examiner for several local
exams. Also for the Calcutta University and Teachers Training Courses.
Served as a member on the La Martiniere School Board for several
years. I did not have a problem with the management as for many years,
my husband and I ran the Carlton Hotel alongside the Oberoi Grand
Hotel. Dealing with the labour problems and the catering was no new
avenue for me. I never interfered with the education process in the
ACPA as there was an able Principal MA in English Honours and M. Ed,
LLb. I only gave advice when approached.
The school was flourishing with 146 students the largest number to date.
When Kareken I of blessed memory expired Karekin II was appointed and
there was a change in the policy of the management. Rev. Oshagan
Gulgulian was appointed Manager. A young enthusiastic priest but
unfortunately no background of Education management. Even in his
tenure there were many problems specially with the teaching staff whom
he showed little respect and dismissed many on frivolous grounds. His
activities are universally known and not my prerogative to enumerate
them. Eventually His Holiness Karekin II had to remove him, only to
send him back after 2 years during which time he served in Cologne in
Germany. During his tenure in the ACPA Decaon Bhagumian was appointed
as the Administrator whose attitude was aggressive and showed little
respect to anyone. He was also recalled and ordained a priest. In his
place another clergy was appointed.
Eventually His Holiness Karekin II was compelled to recall Rev.
Oshagan Gulgulian and was replaced by Rev. Khoren Hovanessian. Those
who keep a close match on our clergy will know that he had been
defrocked but forgiven and then given the responsibility to prove his
worth as Manager of the ACPA.
One does not understand the rationale that a school which now has
barely 80 students has a Principal, Manager and Administrator. All
these posts are very highly paid. The Manager and Administrator have
luxurious apartments and equally luxurious life styles. For instance
the Managers quarters were made sound proof and an imported commode
(cost 1 ½ lakhs) installed all of which cost 25 lakhs was this
expenditure necessary for the enhancement of education?
Letters, statements and opinions from well wishers, old students and
others are storming the website in response to the recent happenings
in the ACPA most of the comments are justified and I personally am
very saddened at the way young lives are being suppressed by fear. The
slightest mischief attracts the ultimate punishment of deportation.
Severance from education, stress and trauma. The students have taken
the regular daily doses of corporal punishment, humiliation and suffer
from fear psychoses as part of their education. But, there must come a
time when saturation point is reached and what was it? Some boys
pleading with the Manager for a lad who has only a few months left for
his final examination in Class XII and that too in a very reputable
school La Martineire for Boys. Such a pity as he is intelligent and
keen on his studies. How can a priest not respond to a plea of mercy
when he is practicing the teaching of Jesus Christ our Saviour who
said `I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for
the sheep'. The priest should protect the children as if they are
`his' sheep.
For someone who has been entrusted as the post of Manager - can he not
sort out whatever problems arise? What was the necessity for 30
policemen to be called and that from Special Branch and were in the
college for 6 hours and not 30 minutes has been reported. Police
intervention is acquired when there is a crime committed or a breach
of peace, which cannot be contained. Now, the students have yet
another fear; the police. Those of you who are parents, Doctors and
educationists, you will well understand the long term implications on
a child's mind which can even haunt them in adulthood. This action of
calling in the police must have been advised by the Chief Accountant
A. K. Ghosh. His influence on the Managers has made them make many
wrong decisions. His advice of deliberately prolonging court cases
costing the college a pretty penny. He has had his salary raised to an
exorbitant amount and has always had a life style far beyond his
means. Not to mention the properties he has constructed for himself.
The students for once cried out for help and those who heard them did
their best to avert drastic consequences. But the situation has not
eased as Fr. Khoren was determined to send the lad back to Armenia.
Somehow Father has to be councelled not to go to the extreme and show
mercy and understanding and to go by the guidelines in Education. To
allow the Principal of the school to deal with the discipline which
comes under his duties as the head of the Institution.
The atmosphere in the college should be a happy and free of tension and fear.
Sonia John
Ex Hony. Manager, ACPA, Kolkata.
Ex-Chairman, Armenian Church Committee, Kolkata.
From: A. Papazian