MINUTES OF THE INAUGURAL MEET OF INSTITUTE OF CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (ICTAA), VRIDDHACHALAM HELD ON 23rd APRIL 2017 AT CHENNAI
The inaugural function of the Institute of Ceramic Technology Alumni Association (ICTAA), Vriddhachalam was held on 23rd April 2017 at Hotel Pratap Plaza, Kodambakkam, Chennai. Shri B.N. Subbarayan, Jt. Director (retd.), Dept. of Mining and Geology, Govt. of Tamil Nadu who formerly taught Geology at the Institute of Ceramic Technology, Vriddhachalam was present at the event as its Chief Guest. Out of 111 registered, 99 alumni of the Institute participated in the programme.
As planned and scheduled, the proceedings commenced with an invocation song ‘Tamizhthai Vazhthu’. Shri M. Thangavelu, an alumnus of 1975 batch presided over the programme. Flanked by Shri S. Ravichandran, Sr. Dy. Gen. Manager, BHEL/EPD, Bengaluru, Shri K. Jayachandiran, Dy. Director of MSME Dev. Institute, Chennai and Shri G. Parthasarathy Proprietor of M/s. Orient Ceramics, Vriddhachalam, the Chief Guest was on the dais.
Initiating the proceedings, Shri N. Seshadri (1980) welcomed the chief guest, invitees and the participants to inaugural ceremony of the alumni association “ICTAA”. Shri Seshadri, in his address gave an overview of the genesis of the association and the intended aims and objectives of forming a alumni association.
Shri BN. Subbarayan, the Chief Guest of the function, fondly remembered his memories that he had with the Institute of Ceramic Technology, Vriddhachalam. Citing a few incidents, he spoke on the contributions made by the Institute in the field of Ceramic Technology in general and geology in particular as a subject integral to the core subject. He underscored that the association should help the students in choosing a career.
Shri K. Jayachandiran emphasized that the association shall be registered as a Society under appropriate Acts & Rules after finalizing the Memorandum and Articles of the association. Registration should be the first and foremost task and obtain legal validity abiding statutory obligations, he added.
Shri S. Ravichandran made a presentation about ICTAA’s Vision & Mission and constitution of a core committee, executive committee and other functional committees for various activities. With help of power point presentation, the proposed structure of the association was explained. The members overwhelmingly supported his views. Enrolment of students who are pursuing courses at ICT, Vriddhachalam as members of ICTAA was important, he emphasized.
Later, the nominations of members for various committees were discussed. Shri M. Thangavel (1975) was unanimously proposed to shoulder the responsibility of the President of the Association. With him, the positions of Vice President, General Secretary, Joint Secretary (2 Nos.) and Treasurer will form the core group to take forward the activities of the association. To support this high-level group, a team of dedicated and enthusiastic members were nominated as executive committee members and accepted by the participants.
The details of office bearers, members of Executive committee and a special team to organize the Annual Conclave of ICTAA were discussed and decided. The details are shown in Annexure ‘A”. The proposed conclave will be held in Salem/ Yercaud, tentatively during 6 & 7th Jan. 2018.
Accepting the responsibility for being the President of the Association for a period of two years, Shri M. Thangavelu addressed the gathering. The evolution of a course in Ceramic Technology since early sixties, the phenomenal growth of ICT, Vriddhachalam were fondly remembered. Started as a certificate course how it was promoted to a diploma level examination and struggles connected with the processes were highlighted.
Later, a group discussion in the form of ‘Zero Hour’ was organized. Members, representing each batch shared their opinions and suggested the possible actions that the association should spearhead in future for the welfare of ICTAA members and support services to the junior members. Feedback was collected from the participants. On analysis of the feedbacks, the following points emerged.
- To inform every ICTians to become ICTAAians
- To facilitate more job opportunities for junior students
- A representative from each batch to be nominated for active of ICTAA
- Ministry of MSME and MSME-Dev. Institute will help for the diversification; members may help develop ceramic units in diversification/ modernization and expansion.
- To study the API 936 course for better job opportunities and willing to assist with required study materials.
- To motivate and encourage ICTians to become the entrepreneurs.
- More students intake in ICT deteriorate the quality of education. Infrastructure of ICT to be strengthened.
- Students to utilize the available job opportunities in Morbi region.
- ICT syllabus to be revised to improve the skill level of the students.
- To revive the admission in Anna University for Diploma students to pursue the B.Tech degree.
- E-books to be introduced in our website for the benefits of students.
- Student’s skill level to be improved.
S/Shri R. Arumugam, SN Gurunathan, K.R Perumal, K. .Kandasamy, R. Ravikumaran, NK.Venkatesan, K. Sivanand, T. Manoharan , K. Arun kumar , S. Poongunram, Krinshakumar and A. Sakthi took part in the discussions and gave valuable inputs, suggestions and useful feedback.
