Activists Launch Campaign to Protect 156-year-old Malabar School Building

Kozhikode: Heritage lovers in Kerala’s Kozhikode are standing up to the decision to raze the 156-year-old St. Joseph's Anglo-Indian Girls’ Higher Secondary School in the city.

Protesting against the destruction of the British-era building, as part of the renovation plans by the management, social media activists in the coastal town have come up with an online petition against the plan.

The petition claims the school management’s concerns can be addressed by restoring and strengthening the buildings with the help of architects, who are specialised in it.

The petition filed on change.org, which has got more than 2500 signatures by now, claims keeping heritage alive is of prime importance as the English medium school contains the collective memory of thousands of students, panning almost six generations. The petition, addressed to Archaeological Survey of India, also suggests that restoration work could be more economical, as compared to that of destructing the existing building and creating a new one.

“The restoration will only add to the historical value and character of the school. A building that is over 150-years-old must be considered a wealth to the city it is in. In a world where characterless and soulless skyscrapers and steel-glass embodiments are dimes a dozen; buildings like these serve as a place of solace and coolness for the soul and sight,” the petition filed by Aysha Mahmood, a Kozhikode-based social activist says.

An alumnus of the school, Ayshsa says she understands the concerns of the school management but requests them to look into a way where they can restore the building rather than pull it down.

“There are only a few such heritage buildings like St Joseph’s left in the city. Bringing down the school would be a huge loss for Kozhikode’s heritage. School authorities should give a thought to check if it is possible to preserve the building,” says Aysha.

Built in 1862 by Mother Veronica, St Joseph’s school is one of the oldest in the city. Located near Kozhikode beach, the school aims to empower girls in the Malabar region.