In the turbulent years of World War II, when the Ernakulam General Hospital was converted into a war hospital, an unexpected sanctuary emerged within the walls of Maharaja's College in Kochi. The city, under immense strain, found relief in the college's chemistry laboratories, where essential medicines and ointments were meticulously prepared to meet urgent wartime needs.
From Wartime Pharmacy to Academic Pioneer
This remarkable chapter, defined by a profound sense of duty and scientific precision, is a cornerstone in the storied journey of the Maharaja's College chemistry department. Nearly nine decades later, the department is set to revisit this legacy and many others through Rebond 2026, a mega alumni meet organized as part of the college's 150th-anniversary celebrations. The gathering is scheduled for Saturday at the college's Chemistry Gallery.
The department was formally established in 1935 with the inauguration of the Science Block, and its history is deeply woven into Kerala's academic and social fabric. Dr. Femina K S, the head of the department, informed that the college has identified over 400 alumni from previous years, with more than 200 expected to attend the event.
The wartime experience of producing vital medicines laid a foundation for future excellence. "This practical necessity later evolved into academic leadership," explained Dr. Femina. "Our department had the distinction of launching Kerala's first postgraduate programme in pharmaceutical chemistry."
A Legacy of Science and Social Transformation
The alumni roster of the department showcases a unique fusion of scientific achievement and social impact. It includes trailblazers like Dakshayani Velayudhan, the first Dalit woman elected to the Constituent Assembly, and Dr. Mary Varghese, a pioneer of physical medicine and rehabilitation in India.
Rebond 2026 aims to bridge generations nurtured by this rich tradition. The event will host several eminent alumni as special guests, including:
- Dr. K N Nainan, former deputy director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.
- Cancer specialist Dr. V P Gangadharan.
- Subi Jacob George, chair of the new chemistry unit at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research and a 2020 Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award winner.
More Than Just a Reunion
Organized by the Maharaja's College Chemistry Alumni Association, Rebond 2026 is envisioned as a holistic celebration beyond simple reminiscence. The programme will feature informal exchanges and a special Guru Vandanam ceremony to honour the former teachers who were instrumental in shaping the department's enduring ethos and culture.
This event not only commemorates a glorious past but also reinforces the continuing influence of an institution that has consistently served its community, from the pressures of global conflict to the frontiers of modern science and social change.
