History

 

ANDHRA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE, GUNTUR

INTRODUCTION

The origin of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church (the Management Society of the Andhra Christian College, Guntur), known widely as AELC in Andhra Pradesh's Christian community and across India, dates back to 1842. It began as the American Evangelical Lutheran Mission through the dedicated efforts of Rev. Dr. John Christian Frederick Heyer, the founding father of Lutheran Churches in India. Over time, AELC has grown significantly, encompassing three core missions: medical, educational, and evangelical. Today, it includes six Synods and a myriad of institutions such as hospitals, orphanages, old age homes, schools, the A.L. College of Education, Tarlupadu Lutheran College of Education, Kugler Memorial Physiotherapy Degree College, A.C. College of Law, and more, spread across South India, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and the Andaman Islands.

Father Heyer recognized the vital connection between spiritual values and knowledge, understanding the need to nourish both the soul and the mind. Thus, 1842 marked a new era of academic and cultural development in the region. That year, Andhra Christian College began as an Anglo-Vernacular School in Guntur, handed over to Fr. Heyer by the then Collector. The academic reach of AELC extended further in 1885 when it was upgraded to a Secondary Grade College affiliated to Madras University. The transformation into a full-fledged college in 1926, with affiliations first to Andhra University and later to Acharya Nagarjuna University, heralded a new era in education, opening its doors to both young men and women from Guntur and surrounding areas. The sprawling 35-acre campus, with its monumental structures like the College tower—symbolic of a temple ofknowledge—still stands as a testament to the unrelenting and selfless service and labour of love of its founding fathers.

The College houses its students in three protected hostels, a unique feature that continues to offer a home away from home for its residents. The College's sporting arena, 'the Gunta Ground,' adds another feather to its cap. The A.C. Evening College, now known as the second shift, promotes the concept of 'Earn while you learn,' continuing as a jewel in the crown of the Institution as it approaches its golden jubilee. Eminent alumni of the College, scattered across the continents, take pride in visiting their alma mater, walking its halls with awe and respect as it has grown from undergraduate to postgraduate levels over the years..

COLLEGE ERA

American Evangelical Lutheran Mission College :

Meanwhile in 1883, Rev. Dr. Luther Benaiah Wolf joined the Mission and was appointed as Assistant Principal to assist Dr. Uhl. When Dr. Uhl retired as principal and went on furlough, on January 1, 1885 Dr. L.B. Wolf became the Principal of the school. In September 1885, with the efforts of Dr. L.B. Wolf the United Evangelical Lutheran Church Mission School was upgraded as United Evangelical Lutheran Mission Second Grade College, and later named as 'American Evangelical Lutheran Mission College' under the rules of University with Dr. L.B. Wolf as its first Principal. The newly established college offered two years course with two optional groups such as Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry and another group Sanskrit, History, Modern History and Logic or languages. This College was affiliated to Madras University. It is the only Lutheran College in India. The school remained on the same campus as Anglo Vernacular School till 1893. Hence Guntur witnessed a new era of the mission in this form.
The primary stage in the history of the school passed and its life as a Second Grade College had begun. The purpose of a Christian College in India is to present Christ in and through its regular academic work.

Aim :

It has been the aim and endeavour of this institution to provide the highest type of Christian education, academic standards and opportunities for the development of sound character, creative scholarship, inspire and foster among its alumni, a proper appreciation of the social, moral and spiritual values of life, that will help to prepare worthy citizens, who would dedicate their lives and talents to the service of the country and their fellowmen. Its purpose is also make education relevant to the needs, aspirations and ethos of the community and the country.

Motto :

"Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free". John 8:32. (June 1944).
Knowledge of the Truth liberates humanity from the bondage of ignorance.

Emblem :

The Lotus flower with a candle in its midst.
"The Lotus that germinates out of mud stands tall atop the surface of water in the pond signifying truthfulness, simplicity and chastity, while the candle symbolizes dissemination of knowledge and dispelling the darkness of ignorance.

Vision

To dispel the darkness of ignorance through dissemination of knowledge to the young men and women of Andhra Pradesh in particular and the country in general.
Spreading knowledge among the superstitious and illiterate masses of the region is the primary aim of the institution. Ignorance is a stumbling block to emancipation and empowerment. It is our objective that education should percolate to the grass root level thus creating a generation of tech savvy individuals confident and capable. It is our aim to strive for the cause of women empowerment by providing equal opportunities to women through co-educational system. The vision of the institution to train men and women to inculcate aspirit of service for the best interest of their fellows and their country. To foster gender equality among the students, thus inspiring them to over come the evil of gender bias.

Mission

To train and nurture the youth of the country towards empowerment and self-sustainability while inculcating in them values of integrity, sincerity and honesty.
The mission of the institution is to provide holistic and quality education and to inculcate self reliability, empowering them with good character and a strong personality , to foster a spirit of service and patriotism, to instill an abiding sense of respect towards the sacredness of the human personality , to promote gender  equality, to motivate and inspire academic excellence, to provide career guidance and counselling and training in skills employing a proper blend of conventional methods of teaching and E-Learning, a pre-requisite for employability both in the public and private sectors The mission of the college is to create a new generation of citizens enabled and empowered to stand on their feet, create opportunities for themselves and capable of turning adversity into opportunity. Instilling self confidence and self reliance among our students by motivating them and encouraging them towards self sustainability is our dream.

By inspiring them to follow the Christian ideals of integrity, sincerity and honesty we aim to produce a new generation of students who are above dishonest practices to usher in a corruption free society.

Objectives of the Institution

 

GROWTH OF THE COLLEGE :

Watt’s Memorial Building:

Significant work was done for the college through the efforts and energies of Dr. Uhl. He raised funds from friends in America and received sizeable donations. A large portion of the amount was received from Messrs Watt's family in the memory of their dear son Arthur G. Watt's M.D (1861-1888). Then the Mission acquired a large site about seven acres of land at main road in 1889 for the construction of a building for college. The building construction was started under the  supervision of Dr. L.B. Wolf. The ground was broken by his young son Geo. Brenner Wolf on June 27, 1889. A month after the ground breaking the young boy passed away due to Cholara on July 22nd 1889. The cornerstone was laid by the District Collector A.T. Arundel on March 18, 1890. The building was formally dedicated and opened by His Excellency. Lord Wenlock, the Governor of Madras Presidency on the 17th of March 1893 in memory of Arthur G. Watts, who died at the age of 27. Then the building was named as 'Arthur G Watt's Memorial Building. The building was of granite stone, accommodating 400 students in 14 class rooms. The college, the high school and its vernacular branches for English Education  and the Theological school, which were earlier housed in a tiled building near old chapel in the Chapel Compound were moved into Watts Memorial Building in October 1893.

Father Heyer Memorial Hall :

The year 1892 is marked as the Golden Jubilee of Guntur Mission and remembrance of his remarkable efforts. During this time Dr. L.B. Wolf along with native Mission workers of this area toured 192 villages in 59 days and gathered an amount of Rs.15,000/- from Christians of rural congregations. With this amount a two storeyed tiled building with 16 rooms and verandahs was constructed in Groening Compound in 1893. In this building, the orphan boys who were earlier living in old mud thatched houses were accommodated. Then this new building was called as Orphan Boys Home. Later this Orphan Boys Home was renamed as Fr. Heyer Memorial Hall as a mark of recognition for services rendered and progress made by Rev. Dr. J.C.F. Heyer. In 1893, the District Missionary Board of Guntur Mission established a Boys Boarding School in Fr. Heyer Memorial Hall. The Missionary Board started searching for brilliant students from congregational schools in rural areas of the Mission area to give Bible Training. A few bright students were identified and were given training to preach and teach the Gospel and were placed in the same building. Since the Boys Boarding School, Orphan Boys Home and Bible Training students were placed in the same building; it became difficult for the mission to accommodate and maintain order under one roof. Then the mission decided to shift Orphan Boys Home and Boys Boarding School to Mission compound, Brodipet and shifted them to the Mission Compound in 1926. In its place a Christian Hostel maintained by college in a rented house was shifted in 1927. At this hall a new hostel building was built with stone and named as Heyer Hall in 1940. Then Fr. Heyer Memorial Hall and newly constructed hall both were called as Heyer Hall and the Groening Compound was named as Heyer Hall Compound. During the period of Dr. Wolf as principal, the American Evangelical Lutheran Mission College was otherwise known as 'Watt's Memorial College). For his invaluable services to the College, he was regarded as the 'Father of the College'. In 1903, the colleges have secured highest percentage i.e., 70% of the passes in F.A (First Arts) Examination. The government inspector reported that the college bids fair to be the best in the Northern circars. The high report of the inspecting officer was a shot in the arm of Dr. Wolf and his abilities as an administrator and educationist became widely known in the Madras University circles. After retirement of Dr. Wolf in 1907 Dr. Uhl was appointed as Principal. It was during his period 1907-13 the incomplete work of Watt’s Memorial building and construction of North and South wings of the building was completed. Then Dr. Uhl marked as main architect of the building). In 1908, when the National Movement was in swing, the students of the college participated in the Swadeshi and National  Educational Movement under the leadership of Konda Venkatappaiah. During the period of Dr. John Roy Strock in 1913, the 'Old Boys Association' now styled as 'Alumni Association’ was formed. For the first time in the history of College, two girl students have joined in 1914 and hence forth the College became a Co-educational College. When Dr. Roy Stroke went on furlough during 1916- 1918, Dr. Rev. George Alleman Rupley was appointed as principal. In 1917 he secured a ground of around seven acres from local Municipality for athletics and sports at Kothapet. This was known as 'Gunta Ground', on the condition that land should be used for athletics and play for college students only. During the furlough of Rev. Dr. John Roy Strock, he raised huge amount of funds in America for the equipment and endowment of the college. With a part of this money Dr. Uhl Memorial High School building was constructed in 1926. For his great (educational and administrative) services Dr. Strock was awarded with the medal ‘Kaiser-I-Hind’ by the government. At the world level, the world council of churches of Geneva recognized Dr. Strock ‘Among Ten Thousand’ at the conference held in Madras Christian College, Tambaram in Dec. 1938. In 1926 during the period of Dr. H. H. Sipes, the school which was housed in Watt’s Memorial Building was shifted to newly constructed ‘Uhl Memorial School Building’ located on the sourthern part of the college campus. Then the school administration was separated from the college and a separate full time manager was appointed to the school.

First Grade College :

In March 1926, the College was upgraded as 1st  grade college, by introducing B.A. degree course with Mathematics, Physics and History as an American system of education and was affiliated to Madras University during the tenure of Dr. H.H. Sipes. In April 1926, Andhra University act came into force. According to it, the first grade college offering degree course was affiliated to Andhra University in July 1926. As the history of second grade college had passed and life of first grade college had begun, it was the first step for the academic development of the College. In the same year the management of the College ‘Mission Council in India’ has changed the name of AELM College to United Lutheran Church Mission College.

ANDHRA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE :

In January 1928 during the period of Dr. Roy Strock the Mission Council made an action, and the College name was changed from 'United Lutheran Church Mission College to 'Andhra Christian College. While the freedom movement was in great progress in 1930, Gandhi called for Civil Disobedience Movement or Salt Satyagraha. In its response, a big movement was started in Guntur, number of college students were joined. The Indian members of the college staff were also supported indirectly by sending their family members. In this connection, for example, there was a large procession taken by ‘Sanathana Dharma Mandali’ under the leadership of Mrs. D. Satyabayamma, who was the wife of D. Venkayya, Professor in Andhra Christian College). Under  such tense situations, Pricipals, who hailed from America maintained harmony amongst the staff and students and their participation directly or indirectly without disturbing the academic values. Being Americans had easily gained the students confidence for it was a known fact that the Americans were sympatric towards the Indian struggle for Independence. This is a sure sign of their wisdom and maturity.

Visit of India League Delegation :

With a rare combination of British and Indian intellectual elite, a team of high profile people comprising of V. Krishna Menon, Monica Whatley, Political Scientist Harold J. Laski, L.W. Shooter under the chairmanship of Betrand Russel formed into a group to study the colonial oppression in India. This team was called ‘India League Delegation’. This delegation reached Guntur via Madras on September 4th, 1932 and they visited Andhra Christian College and met the Principal Dr. J. Roy Strock. Monica Whatley in an informal meet at Andhra Christian College on 5th September 1932 exhorted to the Indian Community, not to assess every Britisher as an oppressor. She also continued not to evaluate entire British Nation as a Social, Economic and Political offender. In 1934, Dr. H.H. Sipes introduced B.Sc degree course with Mathematics and Physics. A Theological degree course i.e., Bachelor of Divinity for a single batch during 1936-39 was started in the college with Rev. Dr. Graefe as its Principal. Later the College was shifted to Luthergiri, Rajahmundry in 1940).

Night School :

The college opened a Night School for children and adults in 1936 for the community residing in Kannavarithota. Mr. J. Raja Rao had kindly lent the Chapel (Samuel’s Chapel) for use during the night time. At the beginning the response was encouraging. The Christian students of Heyer Hall co-operated wholeheartedly, and batches were arranged. In 1937, the District Munsif Court Compound with its buildings within an area of 6.25 acres was purchased for the College use. The College library was shifted to the court building from Watts Memorial Building. Later Principal Dr. Sipes shifted the library from Munsif Court building to Watts Memorial Hall in 1945

Andhra University at Andhra Christian College :

While the World War II crisis was at its peak, the axis powers raged through India too. While American fleet sheltered in the inner harbour at Visakhapatnam, Japanese air craft failed to approach the fleet. On 6th April 1942 while the Stafford Cripps Mission was on its visit to India. The Japanese forces bombarded Visakhapatnam. This resulted in the shift of Andhra University Campus to be operational from Guntur. One of the prominent venues for Andhra University is Andhra Christian College. Senior Congressmen like M.V. Rangaiah recorded this event. For few years Andhra University functioned from Andhra Christian College during Dr. H.H. Sipes principalship. Dr. T.S. Paulus was appointed as Special War Front Organizer in 1942 for 3  years by the Madras Government for the Guntur District to assist the District Collector and to mobolize the youth to go to war front and educate the public to support government during war period. In recognition of his brave and valuable services as War Front Organizer, the British government conferred on him the title ‘Rao Saheb. At the behest of the Department of Public Instruction a Department of Education i.e., B.Ed., training course was opened in 1950 at Munsiff Court Building under the leadership of Dr. F.B. Irvin and he was appointed as head of this department and the other members of the staff are Liela-Vandeusen, Dr. Eykamph, A.M. Gopal, J. Jennie and B. Surya Rao. The school subjects taught by the department were Mathematics, Science and Social with English and Telugu as  languages during the principalship of Dr. Swavely. The ULCM High School which on the college campus was given as model school. In 1953, During Dr. Thalathoti Satyananda Paulus (T.S. Paulus) tenure B.Com degree course was started.

Nehru’s Visit :

In the history of Andhra Christian College, the visit of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was a remarkable and historical land mark during the principal ship of Dr. T.S. Paulus. On the request of the Principal Dr. T.S. Paulus, Pandit Nehru the First Prime Minister of India visited the college and had dinner on December 10, 1955, on his way back from Nandikonda (Nagarjuna Sagar) after laying foundation stone for the construction of the Dam on the Krishna River. Incidentally on this very day, the 70th Anniversary  Celebrations of A.C. College were held in college campus with Shri Bezawada Gopala Reddy the Chief Minister of Andhra State and Sri Kotha Raghu Ramaiah, Union Cabinet Deputy Minister for Defence (alumnus) being present. After the formal anniversary was over, Prime Minister Nehru graced the occasion by taking part in Dinner along with his fellowmen. Pandit Nehru, Prime Minister of India recognised the calibre of Dr. T.S. Paulus and selected him as an ‘advisor’ to the India Delegation to the United Nations Organization. It was a rare privilege to the Principal of a Christian College. Dr. T.S. Paulus, the Principal of the college greeted the Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on behalf of the college on his birthday i.e., Nov. 14th, in 1956. In response, Pandit Nehru expressed his gratefulness and gratitude for the birthday wishes. In 1956 new hostel for girls was constructed at Munsif Court Compound. In1961, the library was shifted from Watt’s hall to the newly constructed 'Swavely Memorial Library Building.

Lal Bahudur Sastry’s Visit :

Distinguished Prime Ministers of India have visited Andhra Chrstian College. After Jawaharlal Nehru, his successor Shri Lal Bahudur Sastry’s visit was significant. This was because, in 1964, the AICC inner session took place in the college campus on 7th   November. In this context, the All India Tribal Conference was chaired by the President of AICC Shri Kamraj Nadar and graced by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Sastry along with the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Kasu Brahmananda Reddy and senior leaders like Morarji Desai. Dr. J.B. Williams was principal at that time.

Andhra Lutheran College of Education :

In 1965, during the period of Dr. J.B. Williams the Department of Education which was manned by Stalwart educationists like F.B. Irvin, Dr. T.A. Fishman and Dr.S. Anantham for 15 years in the past had existed as a constituent department of Andhra Christian College been constituted into a separate College called the Andhra Lutheran College of Education from 01-05-1965 with G.L. Benny as its first Principal, formerly Head of the Department of Philosophy of this College.

Teaching and Non-teaching staff of A.L. College of Education 1966.

The Andhra Lutheran College of Education, housed in Andhra Christian College and the Lutheran Multipurpose High school from Uhl Memorial School building (present Annex Building) were moved to the newly constructed three storeyed building in Uhl-Oswald compound at Brodipet in March 1970.

Andhra Christian Evening College :

Andhra Christian Evening College was started in July 1967 with B.A degree course during the period of Mr. J. Paulus. In 1970 Intermediate course was opened and after five years of establishment of college in 1972 B.Com degree course was added. The purpose of establishing Evening College is to provide opportunities for higher education, particularly to those who are employed in Government, Non-government and unorganized sectors. The College worked between 6.00 PM to 10.20 PM. Due to changed policies of the government, the college was shifted to afternoon session from 1.00 pm to 5.30 pm from 1988. Then onwards this college was called II Shift College.

Post Graduation Courses:

During the period of Dr. M. George Thomas, the College status was elevated by introducing the Post Graduate courses in History and Archaeology in 1971. M.A. History course was started from the academic year 1971-72. Since then the College was upgraded to the level of Post graduate institution and it was affiliated to Andhra University. Along with M.A History, other courses  M.A. in English in 1996, M.Sc Zoology in 1998, M.Sc Chemistry in 2006 M.Sc. Mathematics and M.Com in 2018, and M.Sc Botany and M.A. Telugu in 2019 were introduced and affiliated to Acharya Nagarjuna University.

Andhra Christian College of Law:

The department of Law (course) was introduced from the academic year 1974-75, during Dr. N. Isaac’s period. B.L. in the day college and B.G.L in the Evening College were opened and affiliated to Andhra University. Due to some administrative inconveniences the admissions were not made for two academic years in 1979-80 and 1980-81. From the academic year 1981-82 the admissions were restarted. For the administrative convenience, the Law Department in Andhra Christian College was organised as a separate college as "Andhra Christian College of Law" in 1982 with Prof. Lam Rajaratnam as its first Principal during the period of Dr. P. Prabhudas and the college was affiliated to Nagarjuna University. At the same time Law College was shifted to Annex Building from the college.

Visit of Mrs. Indira Gandhi :

On November 19, 1977, a devastating cyclone hit the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh resulting in the loss of thousands of lives both human and cattle stock. Andhra Christian College served as a rehabilitation centre to hundreds of homeless providing food and medical facilities. Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India personally visited these families at Andhra Christian College and spent a good amount of time to console and encourage the affected people.

Man on the Moon :

The most significant person that ‘Man on the moon’ Col. James B. Irvin Astroanut NASA, USA was a Test pilot visited our college with the world renounced Evangelist Rev. B. Yesu Padam on Feb.21, 1983 during the principalship of Dr. P. Prabhudas. Irvin addressed the students and shared his experiences during his stay on Lunar. He served as Apollo Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo-15. He was the eighth person to work on the moon. He stayed on the lunar between July and Aug 7, 1971. Irvin stayed 295 hrs. 11 mins. in space and on moon’s surface 18 hrs. and 35 mins.

The Centennial Celebrations :

One of the remarkable and historical land mark events of Andhra Christian College is the conduct of Centenary Celebrations.

1) Exhibition : The Centenary celebrations of Andhra Christian College were started with the exhibition by arts and science departments from Nov. 23rd to  Nov. 30th, 1985. Most of the public and students in and around the city had witnessed and benefitted. The exhibition was inaugurated and declare open with ribbon cutting by the District Collector and Magistrate, Guntur A. Changappa. The departments of social sciences like history, politics, philosophy and psychology exhibited different types of photos. They exhibited the maps of Geographical and Political features of India and World. The students of social sciences have prepared the bust size portraits of great personalities of History, Philosophy, Psychology, Political Science, etc. with plastor of paris. The staff and students of the department of Economics have taken much care in preparing the charts, graphs and maps showing statistical information about the Indian Economy. In the same way, the science departments were also installed the pictures and photos of great scientists and personalities of the times with the help of students. Students paid interest in exhibiting their inventions. Support of the staff in success of the exhibition is highly significant.

One of the staff members from the department of Botany Mrs. B.S. Prameela carved the vegetables like radish, brinjal, lemons, bitterguards, pumpkins, watermelons, onions etc. into dolls like Police Constable, Vegetable vendor, ducks, dogs, hippy, clown etc.

The other attractive exhibits were tobacco, cotton, cereals, plants, flowers, specimens of animals etc. The most attractive and high light of the exhibition was ‘Dinosaurs’ which designed and prepared by V. Subrahmanyam senior most faculty of Department of Zoology with the help of Mr. G. Rajeswara Rao of Evening College and installed at the Department. And another significant item which prepared by a B.Com final year student R. Solomon David was college in Miniature. By and large the exhibition which established in college in connection with the Centennary celebrations was very much popularized and the crowd watched enthuestically and enjoyed.

2) Centenary Cricket Cup Tournament : Apart of Centenary Celebrations during 1985-86, the management of the college with sports minded senior staff members planned to conduct Cricket Tournament as Centenary Cricket Cup Tournament annually for the Teaching Staff of aided colleges of Andhra and Nagarjuna Universities. The President of AELC Rev. K. Nathaniel inaugurated the mega tournament. The prominent political and Church leaders, staff, students and public witnessed the inaugural function on February 19, 1986. The Principal Dr. P. Prabhu Das put in his meticulous efforts for its grand success.

3) The Function :

March 11th 1986, remains in the annals of the College as a resplendent occasion. This function of pomp and granduer was graced by the President of Indian Republic, His Excellency Shri Giani Zail Singh as the Chief Guest and Presided  over by the Honourable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (an alumnus of this college 1943-45) in the presence of all the Church Officers, Pastors, Staff, Students and invitees. The President of India applauded the services of the College to the Nation and acknowledged the order and decorum of this august gathering. The Principal Dr. Pinapati Prabhudas, who was instrumental in (conducting) making this historic event in a manner which hit the national headlines. The remarkable feature is the strength of student intake shot up to 5000 approximately and notably intake of staff to 209. This in itself is an evident of the popular image that college had. In every sense, this occasion remains as a memorable event to those who witnessed it during their life time.

National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) :

The year 2006-2007 is a milestone in the academic journey of the College. The NAAC peer team visited the college. This was the first cycle of accreditation team under the Chairmanship of Prof. Mulimani (a former Vice Chancellor of Gulbarga University). The associate members of the team are Dr. Abraham George, former Principal Marthoma College and Prof. Surya Kumari, Mother Teresa Univesity, Tamil Nadu. This peer team assesed the academic, extra curricular, residential campuses and sports activities of the College. Univeristy Grants Commission has awarded B++ grade. This first accreditation materialized due to the untiring efforts of management, Chairman, Board of College Education Dr. P. Deva Raj, Correspondent Dr. B.J.B. Krupadanam, Principal Mrs. K.E. Manorama Bai and NAAC Co-ordinator Dr. T.A.S. Deva Raj.

Re-Accreditation by NAAC :

After a gap of 10 years Andhra Christian College went for the Reaccreditation by UGC National Assessment and Accreditation Council. On 29th & 30th June, 2017 Peer team headed by Prof. M.O. Koshy, former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Kannur University, Manjada, Kerala, Prof. Bibuthi Bushanlal Das, Director of Commerce from Lalith Narayan Mithila University, Patna, Bihar as member Coordinator and Prof Mrs. Prem Kumari Gupta, Principal of Indira Gandhi National College, Kurukshetra Haryana have visited the College and thoroughly studied the development in the college for the last 5 years and they submitted the assessment report to the Principal. A cermonial gaurd of honour was given at the port of reception. The Management, Chairman, Board of College Education Dr. Patta Deva Raj, Correspondent Mrs. M.P.E. Sukanya Rani, Principal MES Vijaya Raj, IQAC Coordinator Dr. K. Moses, NAAC Coordinator Dr. M.S. Sridhar, Vice-Principals Mr. G. Nirmal Kumar, Dr. J. Rajendra Kumar and Heads of the Departments, Staff and Students have all put in long hours of hard work, commitment and prayers for the successful completion of 2nd cycle of NAAC. Moderator Bishop Most Rev. K.F. Paradesi Babu was kind and generous in extending financial assistance in times of need. The college wore a new look along with enthused academic activity. July 19th 2017 turned out to be a red letter day in the annals of College history, as the National Board of Accreditation awarded “A” grade and  erformer status with 3.01 CGPA in its 2nd cycle of NAAC. This not only put the college in revered position but also places challenges to prove. Transcending over a period of two hundred years, American Lutheran Mission in India grew and nursed itself into institutions of repute and acclamation. One such institution is Andhra Christian College. As a seed germinates, grows into a plant and tree sheltering many. A.C. College now bloomed into 26  Departments (18 UG + 8PG), 30 Ph.D’s, 4 Career Oriented Programmes and few thousands of students  standing as a tall pillar of Hope, light and empowerment to Christian community. Each year the vision and mission of this historical college withstood ravaging tides and storms from policies, communities and financial  constraints. Never did it ever distance itself from either the church or public welfare. Times have often revealed the impartial and genuine concern for the poor and marginalized communities. Staff in terms of teaching, Administration, outreach, always were outstanding and second to none. Names of Principals and staff of exceptional abilities were mentioned. Andhra Christian College has come a long way. Indeed, pessimists also had fears of contemporary developments, but as still waters are deep, so skilled was the sail of progress of college throughout the century. There is little doubt about irreversability but AELC is conscious of the benefits of reforms that benefit the community. Thus far, Andhra Christian College maintained an identity of its own and will continue to do so to be a ‘jewel in the crown’ of Education.

Affiliation to Different Universities:

The College began in 1885 as a second grade college with the name bearing American Evangelical Lutheran Mission College and was affiliated to Madras University. With the introduction of B.A. Degree course in 1926 it was upgraded as first grade college in the month of March and in the month of July it was affiliated to newly formed Andhra University. As the academic space of Andhra University is large, the need for a seperate University arose. In 1976 Acharya Nagarjuna University was established and Andhra Christian College tied affiliation to it with all its UG & PG courses in 1977.

MANAGEMENT :

Upto 1925, the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its Missions have governed and administered the Guntur Mission. Due to physical expansion and enormity of the growth of courses in Academia in American Evangelical Lutheran Mission College, the United Lutheran Church in America have resolved to transfer its managerial powers to the Principals in 1925. But the appointing authority of Principal and sanctioning of annual budget was vested in the hands India Mission of United Lutheran Church of America. A committee was constituted called the “Committee on Higher Education of the Mission Council”. This committee comprised of 12 members of whom 2 are elected representatives

from synods (Guntur and Rajahmundry). For the purpose of official correspondence with government and others, the post of Correspondent came into force from 1927. Then onwards the Principal acts as Manager and Correspondent before government. The powers of governing and administering were transferred from United Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its Guntur Mission with the change of name came into being from 1928, with American Evangelical Lutheran Mission College i.e., United Lutheran Church Mission College (ULCMC) being called Andhra Christian College and the Guntur Mission being called Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church. ‘The Committee on Higher Education of the Mission Council’ being called as ‘College council’. The post of finance officer came into existence from 1930 as ‘Bursar’. In 1941, the college council was renamed as College Board or Andhra Christian College Board. The composition of College Board has been enlarged the total number of Board Members rose to 15 of whom 5 were elected from the synods(88). In 1967 the college boards’ name changed as ‘Board of Collegiate  Education’ comprising of Principal’s of all colleges under Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church Management. In addition to them representatives from staff, synods, Non-church educationalists formed a cross section of enlarged College Board. The College Board Chairman was elected from amongst its members. All decisions and actions of college board are accountable to the Executive Council of AEL Church. The  President/ Moderator/Bishop of AELC acts as Manager of all Educational Institutions. With regards to college issues, every college under AELC has an academic council. The Principal as Chairman of academic council convenes and presides over the meeting. The academic council consisting with Vice-Principals, Correspondent, Bursar, Wardens and Heads of the departments. A collective effort is made for the smooth conduct of the college

Evaluation of Administration: Since establishment of the college, College is being administered and managed by the mission society of United Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Due to growth and development of the college year by year, the authorities decentralized its administration through constituting different committees, boards and associations for the smooth running of the college. This system of decentralization came into existence in 1928.

The nature of administration is service. It presents Christ in its practice. The chief server of the college administration is Principal and he/she will be assisted by the different functionaries.
All the bodies constitutionally framed and constituted with the staff and students. The most important functionaries are committees, boards, societies and associations.