Ever since the introduction of the Intermediate education in the State in 1970, the B.S. Kannan Government Junior College in Chittoor district headquarters town kept posting enviable ranks till the early 90s, with its strength of over 3,000 students. But, the college strength slipped to just 15 students in 2013-14 academic year.
C. Ananda Reddy, working as principal at a neighbouring junior college at Irala, was transferred to Kannan College in May 2013. Mr Reddy, an old student of the Kannan, found just half-a-dozen students in second year while another half-a-dozen being absent, and over 45 requests pending for issue of transfer certificates. There was no trace of any student coming to join the first year.
Mr. Ananda Reddy thought something should be done to resurrect the college, otherwise its existence would be in doubt. He did not make any complaints about the administrative lapses of his predecessors and attempts of corporate colleges to lure the students. He saw only one option open to accomplish his mission. He took a couple of his colleagues into confidence and extensively campaigned for the college in Chittoor town and toured over a hundred villages around Chittoor, Palamaner and Kuppam. Mr Reddy met the parents of students who had applied for the TCs and tried to convince them to take back their requests, but in vain. His unflagging zeal did not desert him. He used the Samaikyandra bandh period to tour villages and meet parents. By the time, the agitation was over, the strength of the college rose to over 100 from 15.
To create confidence among parents and students, he consulted the Social Welfare Department officials and got girls and boys from BPL bracket admitted in the hostels. Mr. Reddy’s relentless pursuit brought donors for uniforms to students. He succeeded in providing midday meals to students though the scheme is not meant for junior colleges. Mr. Reddy is the first to arrive on the college premises before 8.00 a.m., and last to leave at 6.30 p.m..
