Stephen’s to bid farewell to ‘controversy’s child’ Thampu

Marking an end to his tenure as St Stephen’s principal, the college will on Sunday bid farewell to Valson Thampu, who referred to himself as “controversy’s child”.

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. His tenure ends on Monday and his successor John Varghese will take charge of the institution on March 1.

Thampu, who has had a “love-hate” relationship with a section of teachers, alumni, students and even the media, says he is looking forward to celebrating the “festival of retirement”.

A fellowship meal by the Christian Staff Fellowship and a farewell lunch at the principal’s bungalow were held on Sunday, followed by the launch of a coffee table book on his tenure. “The farewell gesture closest to my heart was a coffee table book on my tenure, which has been dedicated by a few alumni, including Diljeet Titus. I am thankful to them for this most appropriate gesture by way of celebrating and commemorating my retirement,” Thampu said.

Another farewell meeting will be held in the college on Monmday, preceded by Farewell Chapel Service. It must be recalled that repetitive demands were made for his removal by various quarters.