The death of a student who collapsed while warming up for a game of basketball at Madras Christian College has raised a question about the role of sports in higher education institutions.
It was after State universities adopted the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) that sports became a part of students’ curriculum. They could either choose sports or extension activities offered by the college such as literary/cultural/nature clubs, NCC or NSS.
Under the CBCS, students must take up one mandatory activity to graduate. The University of Madras adopted CBCS in 2008 and colleges, including autonomous institutions, had to reframe their curricula.
“Students must have 140 credits to be eligible to graduate. Colleges give one credit per extension activity,” said C.R. Ravi, a former principal of an aided college. While affiliated institutions follow the rules set by the University, autonomous colleges can frame their own curriculum, with the university’s approval.
Alexander Jesudasan, Principal of Madras Christian College, said the girl had joined the college in June and had chosen sports as an elective.
Around 300 students participate in sporting activities, Dr. Alexander added. Students must attend sessions two days a week in the first year and warm-up sessions are held by professionals. Students can approach the sports director for permission and can play a sport of their choice at any time, he said.
Since each student gets two credits, attendance is important. “We assign two professors per department to encourage staff to participate in sports,” the principal said.
“The girl came for practice and the students were sitting on the basketball court. Some of them decided to play and she joined them. Suddenly she fell and was gasping for breath...we dashed her to the hospital. Then they called me and said she was critical. Meanwhile the parents were informed,” he said. The post-mortem revealed that the student had died of cardiopulmonary arrest.
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