Taught by traditions and disciplined by freedom

There are quite a few theories on how to develop discipline among youngsters. Strangely enough, the one that comes to the mind as we hear the term discipline is "punishment". They are affectionately called disciplinary actions in educational institutions though often the word 'strict' or 'severe' is used before them. There are certain other methods also, such as Counseling, Orientation, Yoga. This is one of the several aspects that makes Madras Christian College different.

MCC believes in the maturity and conscience of its students. The freedom here is as refreshing as its lush green campus. There are prohibited areas within campus but they do not have fences, there is no steadfast dress code, no 'silence please' sign boards, no professors to monitor the class bunkers and no separate lanes for girls and boys. There is no 'light-off' time in its residential halls and no spy cameras to keep an eye on students.

3 years of MCC experience has taught me that the key to discipline is freedom and not restraints. Restraints merely suppress your inclinations to evil. Freedom makes you refined. MCC gives you liberty to do almost anything, confident that you will not cross the boundaries. The hall life in MCC is significant in this regard. There we learn the algebra of community life and team work. Traditions of over 174 years, passing on from one generation to another, constitute the invisible syllabi of personality development. Celebrating Quartoseptcentennial year, MCC is riding on its success in contributing pillar figures in almost all spheres of life. And exemplary are their lives when it comes to the question of how to carry out oneself in society. Discipline is not taught here, yet we learn it. And the world has a name for the students of this college- "GENTLEMEN OF MCC".

- NITHIN JACOB THOMAS
3RD B.A POLITICAL SCIENCE
MADRAS