St. Berchmans College was established in 1922 as an institution for men’s education. But in 1949, the institution took a significant, timely step by introducing a separate division to provide higher education for women. On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII declared the Dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To commemorate this event, the new women’s section of the college was officially named Assumption College.

Assumption College started functioning as an annex to St. Berchmans College. Thus, the Principal, Rev. Fr. Thomas William CMI, was also the Principal of Assumption College, with Rev. Sr. Mary Xavier SABS as the Vice Principal. This arrangement continued until 1955 when Assumption College transitioned into an independent institution. Rev. Sr. Mary Xavier was the Principal, and Rev. Sr. Teresa Mary CMC was the Vice Principal.

Prof Anniekutty: During this transitional period, female faculty members for Assumption College were included in the rolls of St. Berchmans College. Ms. A. T. Anniekutty was appointed to the Botany department in 1951, thus becoming the first lady faculty. She remained on the faculty rolls of St. Berchmans College until 1959. She served Assumption College till 1986, retiring at the age of 60.

Early years of Anniekutty: Since Prof Aniekutty is my mother-in-law, let me take the liberty to narrate her role as a faculty of the college and as a family woman. Ms Anniekutty completed her schooling in Kavalam, Kuttanadu, the place where she was born. However, she did her PUC in Women’s College and BSc in University College, both in Trivandrum, staying in the hostels. She used to travel by boat up to Kollam and then by bus to Trivandrum. On completing BSc she was appointed teacher in St Rock’s School, Trivandrum. In 1951, she was appointed at S B College /Assumption College.

She resided in the St Mary’s Hostel (now the RMS building, near the railway line) and Assumption Hostel. She shared a close association with Sr. Xavier, the Principal. Ms. Anniekutty would lead students to intercollegiate sports and games and the principal referred to her as the D Varghese of Assumption College. [Mr. D Varghese was the Physical education faculty at S B College]. In 1957, she was married to Mr. K M Antony, Kadavil Kokothamangalam, and settled in rented houses in the neighbourhood of Assumption College. Mr. Antony started his career as a chemist at Ruby Rubber Works Pvt Ltd located near the college. Their union brought forth four children, all born through caesarian sections—a rarity even today.

Anniekutty, a first-generation working mother, adeptly juggled the roles of a housewife and a working woman. Anniekutty the teacher: Renowned as a skilled teacher, who could illustrate plant Taxonomy on the blackboard with swift strokes. She actively used to participate in annual sports day events. Once she participated in a sack race in the early 1980s to encourage her reluctant daughter, then a faculty member. Her passion for teaching and her attachment to the college was evident when in her late 80s, signs of dementia emerged she, unknown to her family, used to dress up and walk to her beloved Assumption College.

Anniekutty the family woman: At home, she excelled in kitchen mastery and housekeeping. Known for her creativity, she designed and stitched dresses with matching innerwear and headgear for her daughters, who served as trend-setters for colleagues’ children. Her gardening skills earned her prizes in annual competitions, surpassing the college hostels.

During summer vacations, she undertook the polishing of the home furniture and replenishing the cotton bedding in the house. Amidst these responsibilities, she cared for her aged parents-in-law who stayed with them. She was always busy but maintained a cheerful disposition. Anniekutty was reminiscent of the biblical figure Martha, who was busy with domestic chores and short on time for conversation with guests. In her later years, her son and daughter-in-law, without any other assistance, diligently took care of her, ensuring her well-being until she passed from this world at the age of 94 on 24 November 2023.

S B – Assumption future scenario: SB initially catered exclusively to men, opening its doors to women only for Post Graduate Programs. Conversely, the Assumption was established exclusively for women. However, the landscape changed with the introduction of self-financing programs at SB in the 2000s, allowing the admission of women. Consequently, the current student body at SB comprises 41% women. The prevailing trend among youngsters favors co-education, posing a challenge to the growth of Assumption College, and limiting its prospects.

Starting in the 2024 academic year, S B and Assumption Colleges historically opened their admissions to both boys and girls.

The declining demand for traditional higher education programs in India, particularly in Kerala, poses a significant threat to the future of both S B and Assumption Colleges. Exploring various avenues becomes imperative to find viable solutions to address this challenge. In light of the new opportunities outlined in the latest education policy, obtaining university status emerges as a viable option. This would involve bringing SB and Assumption under a single umbrella. Under this proposed arrangement, history would be revisited, with Assumption becoming a constituent of the University, sharing a common chancellor and vice-chancellor with SB.

Role of women in the transitional phase: Women are undergoing a transformative journey, from traditional roles as housewives to embracing professional careers, symbolising the inherent challenges of balancing these dual responsibilities. Like Anniekutty, they initially exerted extraordinary efforts to excel in both realms. However, as exemplified by figures like Indira Nooyi, former CEO of Pepsico, there emerges a tendency for women to grapple with sacrificing aspects of their family life, accompanied by feelings of guilt. This evolution may eventually lead to a phase where women prioritize their careers, sometimes at the expense of familial commitments.

Presently, women find themselves in a transitional phase, navigating the intricate terrain of harmonising personal and professional spheres. Men, as life partners, play a crucial role in sharing some of the responsibilities traditionally shouldered by women. The prevalence of double-income families, driven by economic necessity, hinges on a balanced distribution of responsibilities between life partners, a phenomenon prominently observed in Western cultures and closely adopted by the Indian diaspora. Indian men often remain hesitant to take on responsibilities that they will ultimately need to shoulder.

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