Church Of South India’s Interference Affecting Well Being Of Students: Uduvil Girls’ College Parents’ Association
September 19, 2016
The Uduvil Girls’ College Parents’ Association has accused Church of South India of forcefully obtaining the retirement of Mrs. Shiranee Mills, the former principal of the school. In a statement issued today, the Parents’ Association has said that the church has not only deceitfully misled Mrs. Mills, but also misled students. “As parents we strongly condemn such dishonesty. The administration of a popular school behaving in such a manner, had led to producing a negative image for the school,” they said in a statement.
They also said that the interference of the Church of South India has greatly affected the wellbeing of the school.
“Priests from the Church, their family members and relatives have been appointed as teachers of the school. Appointment of teachers to the school is being used as an attractive perk for priests and members who formally left and joined the newly formed Church of the American Mission, to draw them back to the Church of South India. The authority of the principal to appoint teachers was curtailed and the whims and fancies of the church have become the deciding force of these appointments. It is due to such interference of the church a section of the teachers who now serve in the school are found to have unfit educational and professional qualifications. We fear that this situation will further deteriorate after the removal of Mrs. Shiranee Mills. Further, it may lead to a complete decline of the school’s standard,” the statement said.
Below is the full statement issued by the Uduvil Girls’ College Parents’ Association:
Statement by the Uduvil Girls’ College Parents’ Association with regards to the recent crisis situation at Uduvil Girls’ College
As parents of the students of Uduvil Girls’ College, an important section of the community of the school, and as an affected group, we would like to bring to the attention of the public, the deceitful actions during the appointment of the new Principal of Uduvil Girls’ College (UGC).
As a private school there are no legal restrictions for a Principal of UGC to serve beyond the age of 60. Former Principals of this school have served for more than 60 years. For example, Dr. SelviChelliah was 68 years when she retired from the school in 2004. We consider the decision taken by the School Board and committee of JD CSI, to not extend the term of Mrs. Shiranee Mills, who has served the school faithfully as Principal for the last 12 years, a deeply damaging decision for the school and students. The school has functioned well under the leadership of Mrs. Mills in both educational and extra-curricular activities. It is remarkable that under the leadership of Mrs. Shiranee Mills, as women and students, they have gained the courage to question the authoritative mindset of a patriarchal society that tries to suppress women within the family and in the society. As parents we appreciate the contribution of Mrs. Mills towards the students’ personal development.
We regret the manner in which the Church of South India forcefully obtained the retirement of Mrs. Shiranee Mills. The administrators of the Church of South India themselves requested her to reapply for the post of Principal in June. A verbal promise was given by the Bishop of the church that her term would be extended. The Bishop had said this to Mrs. Suneetha Jebaratnam, who has now assumed duties as the new Principal. Further, Mrs. Jebaratnam herself had conveyed to the students , “if in the case Mrs. Mills’ extension is not given, I along with my daughter will also join the struggle to bring Mrs. Mills back.” Those who are linked to the church and the new leadership of the school have not only misled Mrs. Shiranee Mills, but also the students in such a deceitful manner. As parents we strongly condemn such dishonesty. The administration of a popular school behaving in such a manner, had led to producing a negative image for the school.
Members of the selection committee, consisting of Mrs. Savithri Sumanthiran, Ms. Vijula Arulanantham, Mrs. Suganthi Vairasinghe and Dr. Alexander Jesuthasan from India have knowingly or unknowingly supported such dishonest actions. The students who were engaged in a peaceful, non-violent struggle against such dishonest practices, were attacked by the teachers and a priest. We condemn all such attacks against the students.
Members of the selection committee, consisting of Mrs. Savithri Sumanthiran, Ms. Vijula Arulanantham, Mrs. Suganthi Vairasinghe and Dr. Alexander Jesuthasan from India have knowingly or unknowingly supported such dishonest actions. The students who were engaged in a peaceful, non-violent struggle against such dishonest practices, were attacked by the teachers and a priest. We condemn all such attacks against the students.
