John Varghese to be new Stephen’s College principal

Hyderabad-based John Varghese, a professor at the prestigious English and Foreign Languages University, will be the new principal of St. Stephen’s College after the current incumbent Valson Thampu retires at the end of this month.

The supreme council of the college, which includes members of Church of North India and Prof. Thampu, on Wednesday selected Prof. Varghese for the college’s top post. “In total, three applications were received for the position that was advertised months back. We interviewed the candidates today and the council unanimously decided to appoint Prof. Varghese to the post,” Church of North India general secretary Alwan Masih said.

Prof. Varghese, who was a professor at St. Stephen’s English department before joining the English and Foreign Languages University, will take charge as 13th principal of the college on March 1. Prof. Thampu, who had a rocky tenure full of controversies with repeated demands for his removal, said he was looking forward to enjoying the “festival of retirement” and extended his wishes to his successor. The college had to advertise twice for the post as limited applications were received. “First time, we received only two applications. We advertised again, but only three people came forward. I asked some of the outstanding alumni too, but every body was reluctant to apply considering the controversial nature of the post,” said Prof. Thampu.

Prof. Thampu, who studied at St. Stephen’s and later served the college as a lecturer and officiating principal, took over as the college principal in 2008 and will retire from the post on February 29.

Controversies like allegations of forced conversion of an administrative officer to Christianity, fake degree used for his appointment, banning of e-zine for not seeking permission on content and shielding a professor accused of sexual harassment of a research scholar, rocked the college from time to time during Prof. Thampu’s tenure.