University
Vailankanni which was once an obscure village on the coast of the Bay of Bengal with a sparse population has now occupied pride of place in history. It is the choicest blessing of Our Blessed Mother to make her apparition in Vailankanni which has transformed this place into a Holy place of international repute to be called ‘The Lourdes of the East’.
This holy place has grown in all aspects over the years such as Banks, Hospitals, Schools, Pilgrim Lodges, Hotels, Bus and Railway stations. But it was felt in the hearts and minds of the people that something is lacking to its perfection and the Shrine Administration felt that it as is nothing other than a college for the rural youth. The Diocese of Thanjavur which administers the Shrine Basilica came forward to fulfill the long cherishing dream of the people.
The Shrine Committee meeting held on 11th June 2014 at Shrine Basilica, Vailankanni sowed the seed for its sprout. The Bishop briefed the necessity, urgency and long pending request of the people of Vailankanni regarding a new college. On 18th August 2014 the Shrine Committee members proposed to buy a land outside Vailankanni on the East Coast Road which would be an easy access for the students to reach the college from all sides. As the Governing Body of the Diocese of Tanjore Society also approved the decision, Very Rev. Fr. A. Michael was given the responsibility to buy the lands for the college which he executed in identifying and buying major portion of the land. After buying sufficient land by Fr. AMA Prabakar, Rector of Shrine Basilica with the able cooperation of Fr. Jacob, the Procurator of Shrine Basilica, bought the remaining portion of the land. Without further delay, the Bishop gave the responsibility to prepare the documents to Fr. John Kennedy, the Parish Priest of Thirupoondi to start the college.
On 8th November 2017, the Foundation stone was blessed by Most Rev. Dr. Devadass Ambrose, Bishop of Thanjavur in the presence of the Shrine Administration and Shrine committee members. On 7th February 2018, the Name ‘Vailankanni Madha Arts and Science College’ was proposed for the College which was accepted unanimously. This name was chosen in remembrance of the proximity of Vailankanni and the long pending request of the parishioners of Vailankanni for the future of their children.
Corona made the whole world stand still and the spade work and construction of this college was not an exception either to this pandemic. On 3rd Nov 2021 after a long struggle the opening ceremony of the college building was done in a simple manner by the Bishop of Thanjavur in which the Bishop thankfully remembered the past and the present administration of Shrine Basilica, Vailankanni and the construction team. The GO for the ‘Vailankanni Madha Arts and Science College’ was obtained on 17th August 2022 and University Affiliation was granted on 09-09-2022, thanks to the tireless mission of Fr. Adhi Arokiasamy, the Secretary of the College.
From 5th July 2023, with 87 students, the First batch of ‘Vailankanni Madha Arts and Science College’ is marching towards its mission of giving bright future to the rural youth under the able leadership of Fr. Adhi Arokiasamy. The College is successfully growing in numbers and stature with the blessings and guidance of Very Rev. Dr. L. Sahayaraj, the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Thanjavur.
Let us entrust ‘Vailankanni Madha Arts and Science College’ with its management, staff and students under the patronage of Mother Mary, Our lady of Health, Vailankann