H. S. S. Lawrence
Encyclopedia
Harris Sam Sahayam Lawrence (28 July 1923 – 21 April 2009) is an India
n education
alist born in Nagercoil
, Tamilnadu.
He is the eldest of five children born to his parents, Sam and Arulammal Harris. He hails from Santhapuram, Kanyakumari
, Tamilnadu. His father named him Lawrence after John Lawrence
and Henry Lawrence
, two brothers one of whom was the Viceroy
.
As Special Officer for restructuring Educational Pattern in Tamilnadu and as Director of School Education, Lawrence planned and implemented the All India 10+2+3 pattern of education in 1978. During 1993–1994, Lawrence was Chairman of a High Level Committee on Vocational Education, constituted by the Government of Tamilnadu, and solved the long standing problem of salaries for the vocational teachers by raising it and installed a strong management structure for Vocational Education in Tamilnadu. He was conferred the title of "Father of Vocational Education in Tamilnadu".
Lawrence wrote his autobiography
called The Hand of God My Life and Times published by OM Books, Secunderabad
, India
on July 28, 2004.
He is married to Maisie Lawrence whom he met in 1951. He has two daughters: Chennai
-based Usha Rajendran and Bahrain
-based Ashalatha Sidney Ponniah. Lawrence lives in Anna Nagar
, Chennai
, Tamilnadu with his wife. He has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Lawrence’s childhood days were happy and he was brought up in the high values of Christianity
. His father, Mr. Sam Harris was a good teacher who motivated him in learning. His father followed Thirukural which says that the good that a man can do for his son is to give him a learning that will place him in the front rank in the assembly of the learned. His mother, Mrs. Arulammal Harris was specially loving and offered guidance and instilled the values of humbleness and dignity in her children. When Lawrence was nine years old, his mother died unexpectedly. He had his early schooling from standards I to IV in the Home Church Elementary School, Nagercoil
. He undertook his high school education in the Scott Christian English High School, Nagercoil from 1933 to 1939. He participated in the Peter Cator Examination held all over Madras Presidency by the Church Missionary Society and secured the fourth prize at the Lower Grade Examination in the second class for proficiency in Scripture Knowledge. He was a happy recipient of Rs. 35 from the Headmaster at the Morning Assembly in the school.
Lawrence was a student of the Intermediate classes of the Scott Christian College
, Nagercoil, during the two years 1939-1941. His subjects were English, Tamil, Ancient History, Modern History and Logic. He went to college at the College of Fine Arts Trivandrum
and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours (B.A.
Honours) in History and Economics. He was admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) of the University of Travancore on 13 November 1948 and to the Degree of Master of Arts on 10 February 1949.
. He functioned as Secretary of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Marina Canteen and Swimming Pool from September 1944 to September 1947. His duties was the sole responsibility for the whole administration of the canteen, bakery and swimming pool for the welfare of servicemen as well as the supervision of the work of all staff including the accountant, cashier, clerks, cooks, bearers, dishwashers, and sweepers.
, New York
. The response was quick from Columbia University. He was admitted to the Teacher Education Course beginning from September 1948.
He joined Teachers College in September 1948, when General Dwight D. Eisenhower
was the President of Columbia University and Dr. William F. Russel was the President of Teachers College. He was selected to specialize in teacher education and hence joined the division II- Educational Administration – Teachers Colleges, Normal Schools and Schools of Education. He joined the college for the winter session in September 1948 and continued throughout the summer without a break till September 1950. He collected enough high credits to complete MA
and Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) degrees.
He visited the following institutions:
He undertook educational tours of the institutions in Philadelphia, Baltimore
, Washington D.C, Williamsburg, Durham, North Carolina
, Knoxville, Tennessee
, Alabama
, New Orleans, Nashville
, Lexington, Kentucky
, Ohio
, Ottawa
, Canada, Toronto
, Canada. The MA
Degree was granted on 20 December 1950 and the Ed.D Degree Doctor of Education
on 11 December 1950.
Introduced practicals for B.Ed. students in education subjects. Lectured on Educational Psychology
and Educational Sociology.
A Tamil
Pandits Training Course was introduced in the College in 1961.
The Pandits had general education in Tamil Literature
but no knowledge of pedagogy of teaching and learning. Planned and implemented a sound program of student teaching for students in several high schools of Vellore
. Dr Rajendra Prasad, President of India
, accompanied by Shri K Kamaraj, Chief Minister
of Tamilnadu visited Vellore
for inaugurating a school improvement conference. On the way, the car stopped in front of the College and as Principal, Lawrence had the rare privilege of garlanding him. Mrs Lourdammal Simon, Minister for Local Administration, Dr Brand, Christian Medical College & Hospital
, Dr Roy Ebenezer, Ophthalmologist, Swamy Kripananda Varier, Swamy Chinmayananda graced the functions of the college.
The State Institute of Education, was founded by Dr. Lawrence in 1965 as the “academic wing” of the Education Department for research, innovations, in-service training, extension work, and publications. A quarterly journal in English and monthly in Tamil were also newly introduced. The State Institute of Education later developed into the State Council of Education, Research and Training (SCERT) and now, as the Directorate of Teacher Education, Research and Training (DTERT) with all the teacher training institutes under it. As Founder-Director, Lawrence had laid the proper foundations.
In charge of the whole gamut of primary and secondary education as well as teacher training in 3 districts. Supervised the work of the District Educational Officers and Deputy Inspectors of Schools. Undertook tremendous improvements of infrastructure
in schools and oversaw the enrolment of students, the increase in the number of Mid-day Meal centres, organizing school improvement conferences and progress of literacy programs. Lawrence had the rare privilege of welcoming and accompanying Valentina Tereshkova
of U.S.S.R., a Soviet cosmonaut, the first woman to travel into space at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai
.
As Special Officer for restructuring Educational Pattern in Tamilnadu and as Director of School Education, Dr. Lawrence planned and implemented the All India 10+2+3 pattern of education in 1978. As "Founder Chairman of the Board of Higher Secondary Education", he established Higher Secondary Education on sound foundations that even rural students could undertake 12 years of education without difficulty. This is unique in India and the last 30 years have shown it as a highly successful pattern of education. Hence Dr. Lawrence is regarded to be the “Architect of Higher Secondary Education in Tamilnadu”.
Dr. Lawrence as Director of School Education brought the few Matriculation schools affiliated to Madras and Madurai Universities under a separate Board of Matriculation Schools with him as Chairman. Today the number of Matriculation Schools has grown to over 2200. Lawrence is regarded to be the Founder Chairman Board of Matriculation Schools.
Government of Afghanistan and the Director General of UNESCO
approved of Dr.Lawrence’s candidature for appointment as Expert in Primary Teacher Training at the Academy for Teacher Educators, Charikar
, Afghanistan
under the UNESCO - UNICEF Joint-Project from 28 May 1969. Lawrence was given a briefing on UN and its Agencies, Economic Development, aims and functions of UNESCO and about Afghanistan at Paris the headquarters of UNESCO. In Afghanistan, he visited Higher Teachers College and Kabul Training College and elementary schools. Firm relationships were established with Asia Foundation
, USIS
, Indian Embassy and UN Organisations to cooperate jointly in the UNESCO Education Teacher Training Project. A Teacher Training College was set up in Charikar. Contributed to the upgradation of the curriculum of teacher training, organisation of student teaching, conducting post graduate courses, selection of teacher candidates through examinations and teacher educators for post graduate fellowships abroad and introduction of Educational television at the Academy. UNESCO and Government of Afghanistan extended his service every year from 1969 to 1975.
An Educational Exhibition was organised by Lawrence from 24 August to 5 September 1974 at Kabul Training College. The exhibition had teaching aids, audio-visual equipment and modern materials on one subject as prepared by staff and students. The subjects were Mathematics, Science, Educational Psychology, Languages, Arts and Crafts, History, Geography, United Nations and Physical Education. Dr Siddique, First Deputy Minister of Education, Mr R A Borthwick - UNDP Resident Representative, Mr J McIntosh - Chief Technical Adviser, Mr Kushkakai - Principal of the Academy, and others visited the exhibition and appreciated his efforts. He visited Training Colleges at Charikar, Kunduz
, Mazari Sharif, Jalalabad
, Gardez, Kandahar
, Herat
and implemented new policies.
He functioned as Chief Technical Adviser of the UNESCO Training Programme from August to December 1969 and also acted as UNESCO Programme Co-ordinator and Senior Adviser in July 1974.
State Bank
Group, Madras Circle included Tamilnadu, Karnataka
, Kerala
and the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Lawrence attended the office of the Regional Recruitment Board, conducted Board Meetings, organized written examinations, conducted interviews, published results and alloted candidates to Banks.
On 20 February 1986, Ministry of Finance (India)
, New Delhi
appointed Lawrence as Chairman, Banking Service Recruitment Board, Calcutta. The Banking Service Recruitment Board (Eastern Group) is responsible for recruitment of staff for banks in West Bengal
, Sikkim
and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Examinations, pre-recruitment training, orientation of officers for conduct of examinations, interviews
, and final selection were accomplished for twenty-eight public sector banks as well as regional rural banks under Lawrence's Chairmanship. Interviews for selection of candidates for banks were held in Calcutta, Berhampur
, Burdwan, Malda, Krishnagar
, Midnapur, Siliguri
, Gangtok
(Sikkim), and Port Blair
(Andamans). He lectured in staff colleges of UCO Bank and Allahabad Bank on the conduct of interviews.
Lawrence was elected member of Governing Board of IBPS, Bombay. He attended meetings of the Governing Board at the office of the Governor Reserve Bank of India
, Mr R. N. Malhotra
who was also Chairman of IBPS.
In 1978, Dr. Lawrence introduced Vocational Education at the +2 stage along with a syllabus for 52 Vocational subjects. Vocational Student enrollment in TamilNadu in 1978 was 24,400 which was 21%, the highest in the country and 1/3 of the total vocational strength in India. The Ministry of Education, Government of India in its publication – “Challenge of Education” stated that “TamilNadu has been a pacesetter in the case of Vocational Education”. During 1993–1994, Dr. Lawrence as Chairman of a High Level Committee on Vocational Education, constituted by the Government of TamilNadu, produced a report of 435 pages along with a new syllabus for 104 vocational courses in the areas of Engineering & technology, Commerce & Business, Agriculture, Home Science and Health.
Today the number of Vocational Students has grown to over 1 lakh and over 3000 part-time vocational teachers have become full time with proper scales of pay. For his contribution to the progress of vocational education in TamilNadu the vocational teachers of TamilNadu gathered in Periyar Thidal on 28 January 1995 and awarded him the title of “Father of Vocational Education in TamilNadu”.
appreciated this effort as unique in the whole of India.
President, Leprosy
Mission, Madras Chapter
Vice - President
Director, Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Chennai
Patron, Home Missionary Society, Chennai
Educational Consultant, AMM Foundation Schools
Member
Secretary, St. George's Cathedral Chennai
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
alist born in Nagercoil
Nagercoil
Nagercoil is the 12th largest city in the southernmost Indian state of Tamil Nadu and a municipality and administrative headquarters of Kanyakumari District...
, Tamilnadu.
He is the eldest of five children born to his parents, Sam and Arulammal Harris. He hails from Santhapuram, Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari District
Kanyakumari District ) is a district of Tamil Nadu state, India and is the southernmost land area of mainland India.The district is the second most urbanised district in Tamilnadu, next only to Chennai and ahead of Coimbatore. It also has the highest literacy and education levels in the...
, Tamilnadu. His father named him Lawrence after John Lawrence
John Lawrence, 1st Baron Lawrence
John Laird Mair Lawrence, 1st Baron Lawrence, GCB, GCSI, PC , known as Sir John Lawrence, Bt., between 1858 and 1869, was an Englishman who became a prominent British Imperial statesman who served as Viceroy of India from 1864 to 1869.-Early life:Lawrence came from Richmond, North Yorkshire...
and Henry Lawrence
Henry Montgomery Lawrence
Sir Henry Montgomery Lawrence was a British soldier and statesman in India, who died defending Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny.-Career:Lawrence was the brother of John Lawrence, 1st Baron Lawrence and was born at Matara, Ceylon...
, two brothers one of whom was the Viceroy
Viceroy
A viceroy is a royal official who runs a country, colony, or province in the name of and as representative of the monarch. The term derives from the Latin prefix vice-, meaning "in the place of" and the French word roi, meaning king. A viceroy's province or larger territory is called a viceroyalty...
.
As Special Officer for restructuring Educational Pattern in Tamilnadu and as Director of School Education, Lawrence planned and implemented the All India 10+2+3 pattern of education in 1978. During 1993–1994, Lawrence was Chairman of a High Level Committee on Vocational Education, constituted by the Government of Tamilnadu, and solved the long standing problem of salaries for the vocational teachers by raising it and installed a strong management structure for Vocational Education in Tamilnadu. He was conferred the title of "Father of Vocational Education in Tamilnadu".
Lawrence wrote his autobiography
Autobiography
An autobiography is a book about the life of a person, written by that person.-Origin of the term:...
called The Hand of God My Life and Times published by OM Books, Secunderabad
Secunderabad
Secunderabad popularly known as the twin city of Hyderabad is located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh north of Hyderabad. Named after Sikandar Jah, the third Nizam of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, Secunderabad was founded in 1806 AD as a British cantonment...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
on July 28, 2004.
He is married to Maisie Lawrence whom he met in 1951. He has two daughters: Chennai
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
-based Usha Rajendran and Bahrain
Bahrain
' , officially the Kingdom of Bahrain , is a small island state near the western shores of the Persian Gulf. It is ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family. The population in 2010 stood at 1,214,705, including 235,108 non-nationals. Formerly an emirate, Bahrain was declared a kingdom in 2002.Bahrain is...
-based Ashalatha Sidney Ponniah. Lawrence lives in Anna Nagar
Anna Nagar
Anna Nagar , formely known as Naduvakkarai, is a neighbourhood in the metropolitan city of Chennai, India. Named after the Tamil leader C. N. Annadurai, it is located in the north-western part of Chennai and forms a part of Egmore-Nungambakkam taluk...
, Chennai
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
, Tamilnadu with his wife. He has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Education
- 1944 Travancore University - M.A. (History and Economics) First Class
- 1950 Columbia University, New York - M.A. (Education)
- 1950 Columbia University, New York - Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
. His father, Mr. Sam Harris was a good teacher who motivated him in learning. His father followed Thirukural which says that the good that a man can do for his son is to give him a learning that will place him in the front rank in the assembly of the learned. His mother, Mrs. Arulammal Harris was specially loving and offered guidance and instilled the values of humbleness and dignity in her children. When Lawrence was nine years old, his mother died unexpectedly. He had his early schooling from standards I to IV in the Home Church Elementary School, Nagercoil
Nagercoil
Nagercoil is the 12th largest city in the southernmost Indian state of Tamil Nadu and a municipality and administrative headquarters of Kanyakumari District...
. He undertook his high school education in the Scott Christian English High School, Nagercoil from 1933 to 1939. He participated in the Peter Cator Examination held all over Madras Presidency by the Church Missionary Society and secured the fourth prize at the Lower Grade Examination in the second class for proficiency in Scripture Knowledge. He was a happy recipient of Rs. 35 from the Headmaster at the Morning Assembly in the school.
Lawrence was a student of the Intermediate classes of the Scott Christian College
Scott Christian College
Scott Christian College is an educational institution located in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India. It was established in 1893, and is an autonomous university managed by the Church of South India. The school includes undergraduate, masters, and doctoral programs....
, Nagercoil, during the two years 1939-1941. His subjects were English, Tamil, Ancient History, Modern History and Logic. He went to college at the College of Fine Arts Trivandrum
College of Fine Arts Trivandrum
The College of Fine Arts Trivandrum is a fine arts college located in Kerala, India.-History:The college was founded in 1888 by Moolam Thirunal Sir Rama Varma, the then Maharaja for the state of Travancore. The college was first known as H. H...
and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours (B.A.
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
Honours) in History and Economics. He was admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) of the University of Travancore on 13 November 1948 and to the Degree of Master of Arts on 10 February 1949.
War service
In search of employment, Lawrence went to ChennaiChennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
. He functioned as Secretary of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Marina Canteen and Swimming Pool from September 1944 to September 1947. His duties was the sole responsibility for the whole administration of the canteen, bakery and swimming pool for the welfare of servicemen as well as the supervision of the work of all staff including the accountant, cashier, clerks, cooks, bearers, dishwashers, and sweepers.
Teachers College, Columbia University, New York
Lawrence was selected for the Overseas Scholarship Scheme sponsored by the Government of India. He applied to Teachers College, Columbia UniversityColumbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. The response was quick from Columbia University. He was admitted to the Teacher Education Course beginning from September 1948.
He joined Teachers College in September 1948, when General Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States, from 1953 until 1961. He was a five-star general in the United States Army...
was the President of Columbia University and Dr. William F. Russel was the President of Teachers College. He was selected to specialize in teacher education and hence joined the division II- Educational Administration – Teachers Colleges, Normal Schools and Schools of Education. He joined the college for the winter session in September 1948 and continued throughout the summer without a break till September 1950. He collected enough high credits to complete MA
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
and Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) degrees.
He visited the following institutions:
- Public school 166, Manhattan
- The Central High School of Needle Trades
- Elementary and High Schools, Scarsdale
- Science School at Bronx
- New Jersey State Teachers College at Montclair
- High School at Wappingers Falls, New York
He undertook educational tours of the institutions in Philadelphia, Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, Washington D.C, Williamsburg, Durham, North Carolina
Durham, North Carolina
Durham is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the county seat of Durham County and also extends into Wake County. It is the fifth-largest city in the state, and the 85th-largest in the United States by population, with 228,330 residents as of the 2010 United States census...
, Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee
Founded in 1786, Knoxville is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of Tennessee, U.S.A., behind Memphis and Nashville, and is the county seat of Knox County. It is the largest city in East Tennessee, and the second-largest city in the Appalachia region...
, Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
, New Orleans, Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
, Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington is the second-largest city in Kentucky and the 63rd largest in the US. Known as the "Thoroughbred City" and the "Horse Capital of the World", it is located in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region...
, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
, Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
, Canada, Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Canada. The MA
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
Degree was granted on 20 December 1950 and the Ed.D Degree Doctor of Education
Doctor of Education
The Doctor of Education or Doctor in Education degree , in Latin, Doctor Educationis, is a research-oriented professional doctorate that prepares the student for academic, administrative, clinical, or research positions in educational, civil, and private organizations.-Differences between an Ed.D...
on 11 December 1950.
Collegiate
- Lecturer, Government Training College, Calicut 1951-53
Introduced practicals for B.Ed. students in education subjects. Lectured on Educational Psychology
Educational psychology
Educational psychology is the study of how humans learn in educational settings, the effectiveness of educational interventions, the psychology of teaching, and the social psychology of schools as organizations. Educational psychology is concerned with how students learn and develop, often focusing...
and Educational Sociology.
- Lecturer, Government Training College, Vellore 1955-56
- Principal, Government Training College,Vellore 1960-63
A Tamil
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
Pandits Training Course was introduced in the College in 1961.
The Pandits had general education in Tamil Literature
Tamil literature
Tamil literature refers to the literature in the Tamil language. Tamil literature has a rich and long literary tradition spanning more than two thousand years. The oldest extant works show signs of maturity indicating an even longer period of evolution...
but no knowledge of pedagogy of teaching and learning. Planned and implemented a sound program of student teaching for students in several high schools of Vellore
Vellore
Vellore It is considered one of the oldest cities in South India and lies on the banks of the Palar river on the site of Vellore Fort. The city lies between Chennai and Bangalore and the Temple towns of Thiruvannamalai and Tirupati...
. Dr Rajendra Prasad, President of India
President of India
The President of India is the head of state and first citizen of India, as well as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. President of India is also the formal head of all the three branches of Indian Democracy - Legislature, Executive and Judiciary...
, accompanied by Shri K Kamaraj, Chief Minister
Chief Minister
A Chief Minister is the elected head of government of a sub-national state, provinces of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, notably a state of India, a territory of Australia or a British Overseas Territory that has attained self-government...
of Tamilnadu visited Vellore
Vellore
Vellore It is considered one of the oldest cities in South India and lies on the banks of the Palar river on the site of Vellore Fort. The city lies between Chennai and Bangalore and the Temple towns of Thiruvannamalai and Tirupati...
for inaugurating a school improvement conference. On the way, the car stopped in front of the College and as Principal, Lawrence had the rare privilege of garlanding him. Mrs Lourdammal Simon, Minister for Local Administration, Dr Brand, Christian Medical College & Hospital
Christian Medical College & Hospital
Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore is one of the largest medical centres in India. This century-old Christian institution was founded by Ida S...
, Dr Roy Ebenezer, Ophthalmologist, Swamy Kripananda Varier, Swamy Chinmayananda graced the functions of the college.
- Director State Institute of Education 1965-69
The State Institute of Education, was founded by Dr. Lawrence in 1965 as the “academic wing” of the Education Department for research, innovations, in-service training, extension work, and publications. A quarterly journal in English and monthly in Tamil were also newly introduced. The State Institute of Education later developed into the State Council of Education, Research and Training (SCERT) and now, as the Directorate of Teacher Education, Research and Training (DTERT) with all the teacher training institutes under it. As Founder-Director, Lawrence had laid the proper foundations.
Administrative
- District Educational Officer, Madurai 1953-54
- District Educational Officer, South Malabar 1954-55
- District Educational Officer, Nilgiris 1956-60
- Divisional Inspector of Schools Madras Division 1963-65
In charge of the whole gamut of primary and secondary education as well as teacher training in 3 districts. Supervised the work of the District Educational Officers and Deputy Inspectors of Schools. Undertook tremendous improvements of infrastructure
Infrastructure
Infrastructure is basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, or the services and facilities necessary for an economy to function...
in schools and oversaw the enrolment of students, the increase in the number of Mid-day Meal centres, organizing school improvement conferences and progress of literacy programs. Lawrence had the rare privilege of welcoming and accompanying Valentina Tereshkova
Valentina Tereshkova
Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova is a retired Soviet cosmonaut, and was the first woman in space. She was selected out of more than four hundred applicants, and then out of five finalists, to pilot Vostok 6 on the 16 June, 1963, becoming both the first woman and the first civilian to fly in...
of U.S.S.R., a Soviet cosmonaut, the first woman to travel into space at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is a Chennai stadium and seats 40,000. It hosts football , and athletic competitions. The complex also houses a multi purpose indoor stadium with a seating capacity of 8000 which hosts volleyball, basket ball, table tennis etc. The stadium is named after Jawaharlal...
.
Head of School Education
- 'Special Officer for Restructuring Educational Pattern in the State of Tamilnadu 1976
- 'Director of School Education', Tamilnadu 1976-78
As Special Officer for restructuring Educational Pattern in Tamilnadu and as Director of School Education, Dr. Lawrence planned and implemented the All India 10+2+3 pattern of education in 1978. As "Founder Chairman of the Board of Higher Secondary Education", he established Higher Secondary Education on sound foundations that even rural students could undertake 12 years of education without difficulty. This is unique in India and the last 30 years have shown it as a highly successful pattern of education. Hence Dr. Lawrence is regarded to be the “Architect of Higher Secondary Education in Tamilnadu”.
Dr. Lawrence as Director of School Education brought the few Matriculation schools affiliated to Madras and Madurai Universities under a separate Board of Matriculation Schools with him as Chairman. Today the number of Matriculation Schools has grown to over 2200. Lawrence is regarded to be the Founder Chairman Board of Matriculation Schools.
UNESCO service Afghanistan
- UNESCO Expert on Teacher Education to Government of Afghanistan, Kabul. 1969-1975
Government of Afghanistan and the Director General of UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
approved of Dr.Lawrence’s candidature for appointment as Expert in Primary Teacher Training at the Academy for Teacher Educators, Charikar
Charikar
Charikar is the main town of the Kohdaman Valley and the capital of Parwan Province in northern Afghanistan. The city lies on the road 69 km from Kabul to the northern provinces. Travelers would have to pass by the city when going to Mazari Sharif, Kunduz or Puli Khumri. Charikar is at the...
, Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
under the UNESCO - UNICEF Joint-Project from 28 May 1969. Lawrence was given a briefing on UN and its Agencies, Economic Development, aims and functions of UNESCO and about Afghanistan at Paris the headquarters of UNESCO. In Afghanistan, he visited Higher Teachers College and Kabul Training College and elementary schools. Firm relationships were established with Asia Foundation
Asia Foundation
The Asia Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization professing a commitment to "development of a peaceful, prosperous, just, and open Asia-Pacific region." The Foundation supports Asian initiatives to improve governance, law, and civil society; women’s empowerment; economic reform...
, USIS
United States Information Agency
The United States Information Agency , which existed from 1953 to 1999, was a United States agency devoted to "public diplomacy". In 1999, USIA's broadcasting functions were moved to the newly created Broadcasting Board of Governors, and its exchange and non-broadcasting information functions were...
, Indian Embassy and UN Organisations to cooperate jointly in the UNESCO Education Teacher Training Project. A Teacher Training College was set up in Charikar. Contributed to the upgradation of the curriculum of teacher training, organisation of student teaching, conducting post graduate courses, selection of teacher candidates through examinations and teacher educators for post graduate fellowships abroad and introduction of Educational television at the Academy. UNESCO and Government of Afghanistan extended his service every year from 1969 to 1975.
An Educational Exhibition was organised by Lawrence from 24 August to 5 September 1974 at Kabul Training College. The exhibition had teaching aids, audio-visual equipment and modern materials on one subject as prepared by staff and students. The subjects were Mathematics, Science, Educational Psychology, Languages, Arts and Crafts, History, Geography, United Nations and Physical Education. Dr Siddique, First Deputy Minister of Education, Mr R A Borthwick - UNDP Resident Representative, Mr J McIntosh - Chief Technical Adviser, Mr Kushkakai - Principal of the Academy, and others visited the exhibition and appreciated his efforts. He visited Training Colleges at Charikar, Kunduz
Kunduz
Kunduz also known as Kundûz, Qonduz, Qondûz, Konduz, Kondûz, Kondoz, or Qhunduz is a city in northern Afghanistan, the capital of Kunduz Province. It is linked by highways with Mazari Sharif to the west, Kabul to the south and Tajikistan's border to the north...
, Mazari Sharif, Jalalabad
Jalalabad
Jalalabad , formerly called Adinapour, as documented by the 7th century Hsüan-tsang, is a city in eastern Afghanistan. Located at the junction of the Kabul River and Kunar River near the Laghman valley, Jalalabad is the capital of Nangarhar province. It is linked by approximately of highway with...
, Gardez, Kandahar
Kandahar
Kandahar is the second largest city in Afghanistan, with a population of about 512,200 as of 2011. It is the capital of Kandahar Province, located in the south of the country at about 1,005 m above sea level...
, Herat
Herat
Herāt is the capital of Herat province in Afghanistan. It is the third largest city of Afghanistan, with a population of about 397,456 as of 2006. It is situated in the valley of the Hari River, which flows from the mountains of central Afghanistan to the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan...
and implemented new policies.
He functioned as Chief Technical Adviser of the UNESCO Training Programme from August to December 1969 and also acted as UNESCO Programme Co-ordinator and Senior Adviser in July 1974.
Banking service
- President, Regional Recruitment Board for State Bank of India Madras Circle, Chennai 1980-86
State Bank
State bank
A state bank is generally a financial institution that is chartered by a state. It differs from a reserve bank in that it does not necessarily control monetary policy , but instead usually offers only retail and commercial services.A state bank that has been in operation for five years or less is...
Group, Madras Circle included Tamilnadu, Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
, Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
and the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Lawrence attended the office of the Regional Recruitment Board, conducted Board Meetings, organized written examinations, conducted interviews, published results and alloted candidates to Banks.
- Chairman, Banking Service Recruitment Board (Eastern Group), Calcutta, West Bengal, Sikkim, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands 1986-88
On 20 February 1986, Ministry of Finance (India)
Ministry of Finance (India)
The Ministry of Finance is an important ministry within the Government of India. It concerns itself with taxation, financial legislation, financial institutions, capital markets, center and state finances, and the Union Budget....
, New Delhi
New Delhi
New Delhi is the capital city of India. It serves as the centre of the Government of India and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. New Delhi is situated within the metropolis of Delhi. It is one of the nine districts of Delhi Union Territory. The total area of the city is...
appointed Lawrence as Chairman, Banking Service Recruitment Board, Calcutta. The Banking Service Recruitment Board (Eastern Group) is responsible for recruitment of staff for banks in West Bengal
West Bengal
West Bengal is a state in the eastern region of India and is the nation's fourth-most populous. It is also the seventh-most populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants. A major agricultural producer, West Bengal is the sixth-largest contributor to India's GDP...
, Sikkim
Sikkim
Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayan mountains...
and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Examinations, pre-recruitment training, orientation of officers for conduct of examinations, interviews
Interviews
Interviews is:# the plural form of "interview"# a compilation album by Bob Marley & the Wailers, see Interviews # a C++ toolkit for the X Window System, see InterViews...
, and final selection were accomplished for twenty-eight public sector banks as well as regional rural banks under Lawrence's Chairmanship. Interviews for selection of candidates for banks were held in Calcutta, Berhampur
Berhampur
Brahmapur , nicknamed "The Silk City", is a city located in the eastern coastline of Ganjam district of the Indian state of Orissa, about south to state capital, Bhubaneswar.It is also dubbed as "The Dance City" of Orissa after Prince Dance Group and Harihar Das made the state famous in India's...
, Burdwan, Malda, Krishnagar
Krishnagar
Krishnanagar is a municipality and administrative headquarters of Nadia district in the Indian state of West Bengal.-Geography:Krishnanagar is located at . It has an average elevation of 14 metres...
, Midnapur, Siliguri
Siliguri
Siliguri is a city in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located in the Siliguri Corridor or Chicken's Neck - a very narrow strip of land linking mainland India to its north-eastern states. It is also the transit point for air, road and rail traffic to the neighbouring countries of Nepal,...
, Gangtok
Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital and largest town of the Indian state of Sikkim. Gangtok is located in the Shivalik Hills of the eastern Himalayan range, at an altitude of . The town, with a population of thirty thousand belonging to different ethnicities such as Nepalis, Lepchas and Bhutia, is administered...
(Sikkim), and Port Blair
Port Blair
Port Blair is the largest town and a municipal council in Andaman district in the Andaman Islands and the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India...
(Andamans). He lectured in staff colleges of UCO Bank and Allahabad Bank on the conduct of interviews.
- Member, Governing Board (1986–1988), Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) Bombay
Lawrence was elected member of Governing Board of IBPS, Bombay. He attended meetings of the Governing Board at the office of the Governor Reserve Bank of India
Reserve Bank of India
The Reserve Bank of India is the central banking institution of India and controls the monetary policy of the rupee as well as US$300.21 billion of currency reserves. The institution was established on 1 April 1935 during the British Raj in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of...
, Mr R. N. Malhotra
R. N. Malhotra
R. N. Malhotra was the seventeenth governor of the Reserve Bank of India , serving from 4 February 1985 to 22 December 1990.Malhotra was a member of the Indian Administrative Service. He had served as Secretary, Finance, and as India's Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund before...
who was also Chairman of IBPS.
Vocational education
- Chairman, High Level Committee on Vocational Education, Tamilnadu
In 1978, Dr. Lawrence introduced Vocational Education at the +2 stage along with a syllabus for 52 Vocational subjects. Vocational Student enrollment in TamilNadu in 1978 was 24,400 which was 21%, the highest in the country and 1/3 of the total vocational strength in India. The Ministry of Education, Government of India in its publication – “Challenge of Education” stated that “TamilNadu has been a pacesetter in the case of Vocational Education”. During 1993–1994, Dr. Lawrence as Chairman of a High Level Committee on Vocational Education, constituted by the Government of TamilNadu, produced a report of 435 pages along with a new syllabus for 104 vocational courses in the areas of Engineering & technology, Commerce & Business, Agriculture, Home Science and Health.
Today the number of Vocational Students has grown to over 1 lakh and over 3000 part-time vocational teachers have become full time with proper scales of pay. For his contribution to the progress of vocational education in TamilNadu the vocational teachers of TamilNadu gathered in Periyar Thidal on 28 January 1995 and awarded him the title of “Father of Vocational Education in TamilNadu”.
Panel inspection
An innovative scheme of annual panel inspection of Higher Secondary Schools by College Professors, inspecting officers and Heads of Schools was introduced in 1977-78.School complexes
School Complexes were organised in over 2072 schools to break down the isolation of schools and to make them function as cooperative groups. A school complex voluntarily links a group of 10-20 primary schools and 3-4 middle schools around a high school as a viable unit for school improvement. The Ministry of Education, Government of India has appreciated the initiative of Tamilnadu.Voluntary supply of radios to schools
Due to a drive given by Dr. Lawrence from 1976, as many as 31,800 schools were supplied with radio sets by the public to listen to School broadcasts. All India RadioAll India Radio
All India Radio , officially known since 1956 as Akashvani , is the radio broadcaster of India and a division of Prasar Bharati. Established in 1936, it is the sister service of Prasar Bharati's Doordarshan, the national television broadcaster. All India Radio is one of the largest radio networks...
appreciated this effort as unique in the whole of India.
Survey of unrecognized schools
As Chairman of a Committee on Unrecognised Schools, Dr. Lawrence made a survey and submitted his report and recommendations to Government of TamilNadu in 1977.Introduction of book banks
Schools were requested to start Book Banks on a voluntary basis for the benefit of disadvantaged children. In 1978, over 35,000 schools introduced the scheme to benefit over 12 lakhs of children.Medals for toppers in Public Examinations
For the first time in 1977, Gold and Silver medals and certificates of merits were distributed to students who obtained the first few ranks in Public Examinations.Good Conduct Prizes
From the academic year 1976-77, Dr. Lawrence requested schools to introduce a scheme of awarding prizes for good conduct to pupils during annual school days. Character, virtues, good manners, good conduct, punctuality, cooperation, devotion to studies, team spirit, regularity and obedience are important aspects in education.Scholarship to children of teachers
From 1977-78, scholarships were given for the first time to children of teachers who joined professional courses.Village Adoption Scheme
This was launched in schools on Republic Day 1977 to introduce an integrated approach to rural development with the cooperation of school students. Its main objective was to create and sustain contact among students and villagers for constructive purposes. The adopted villages would gain a new atmosphere while making education meaningful and realistic to students.Operation Clean Up
Dr. Lawrence requested schools to launch “Operation clean-up” November 1976. The scheme took the practical form of cleaning doors and windows, removing dirt, dust and cobwebs, whitewashing, painting, and simple repairs. The science laboratory, library, storerooms, playground and classrooms were to be cleaned and made presentable. This was work experience, self-help, social training and practical work for students.150 years of the Education Department (1826-1977)
Lawrence, as Director of School Education had the unique privilege of organizing the celebration of 150 years of the Education Department in TamilNadu on 24 December 1977.First Prize for School Education Department Float
Dr. Lawrence personally supervised the production of a Float at the Republic Day March Past in 1977. The float had a big painting of Bharati and school students danced and sang popular songs of Bharati. The Committee of judges selected this float as the best among all the floats.Professional memberships held
- Founder Chairman, Board of Higher Secondary Education, Tamilnadu
- Founder Chairman of Matriculation Board, Tamilnadu
- Member, Senate and Academic Council of the Universities of Madras, Madurai and Annamalai
- Phi Delta KappaPhi Delta KappaPhi Delta Kappa is an US professional organization for educators. Its headquarters are located in Bloomington, Indiana. It was founded on 24 January 1906. Phi Delta Kappa also had a youth organization, called Xinos, girls, and Kudos, guys.-Membership:Currently, membership consists of students,...
, a professional fraternity in Education, USA - Member, Board of Examiners for B.Ed, M.Ed and Ph.D degrees of Madras, Kerala, Annamalai, Venkateswara and Baroda Universities
- Member, Assessment Team of the National Council of Educational Research and TrainingNational Council of Educational Research and TrainingThe National Council of Educational Research and Training is an apex resource organization set up by the Government of India, with headquarters at New Delhi, to assist and advise the Central and State Governments on academic matters related to school education.it was Established in the year of...
(NCERT), New Delhi for assessing extension services in Teacher Colleges - Member, Advisory Committee for Educational Survey and Data Processing, National Council of Educational Research and TrainingNational Council of Educational Research and TrainingThe National Council of Educational Research and Training is an apex resource organization set up by the Government of India, with headquarters at New Delhi, to assist and advise the Central and State Governments on academic matters related to school education.it was Established in the year of...
(NCERT), New Delhi - Member, Advisory Committee of Primary Education Journal, National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi
- Member, Advisory Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi
- Member, Advisory Committee for School Curriculum, National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi
- Chairman, Board of Teacher Education, Tamilnadu
- Chairman, Committee on Unrecognized Schools Tamilnadu
- Member, Board of Studies in Education, Madras University
- Member, Board of Anglo Indian Education, Tamilnadu
- Member, Board of Technical Education, Tamilnadu
- Text-Book Review Committee, Chennai
- Member, Board of Governors of Regional Institute of English, Bangalore
- Member, Board of Governors of Technical Teachers Training Institute, Chennai
- Consultant, National Workshop on Curriculum for Development, Kabul
- Member, Advisory Panel, Central Board of Film CertificationCentral Board of Film CertificationThe Central Board of Film Certification is a Government of India regulatory body and censorship board of India controlled by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It reviews, rates and censors motion pictures, television shows, television ads, and promotional material...
, Mumbai
Voluntary service
Chairman- Board of Directors, Madras Christian CollegeMadras Christian CollegeThe Madras Christian College, commonly known as MCC, is a liberal arts and sciences college in Madras , India. Founded in 1837, MCC is one of Asia's oldest extant colleges. Currently, the college is affiliated to the University of Madras, but functions as an autonomous institution from its campus...
, Tambaram TamilNadu - UNESCOUNESCOThe United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
Staff Association, Afghanistan - Compassion InternationalCompassion InternationalCompassion International is a Christian child sponsorship organization dedicated to the long-term development of children living in poverty around the world. Compassion International, headquartered in Colorado Springs, functions in 26 countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Haiti, Kenya, and...
Trust TamilNadu - Vellore Christian Rural Institute
- Junior Red Cross, TamilNadu
President, Leprosy
Leprosy
Leprosy or Hansen's disease is a chronic disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Named after physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen, leprosy is primarily a granulomatous disease of the peripheral nerves and mucosa of the upper respiratory tract; skin lesions...
Mission, Madras Chapter
Vice - President
- Founder Fellow, TamilNadu Academy of Sciences
- Bharat Scouts and Guides, TamilNadu
Director, Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Chennai
Patron, Home Missionary Society, Chennai
Educational Consultant, AMM Foundation Schools
Member
- Planning Board, Alagappa UniversityAlagappa UniversityAlagappa University is located on about in the business town of Karaikudi in Sivaganga District in Tamil Nadu, India. Karaikudi is 400 km south of Madras on the Madras–Rameswaram line and is accessible from Tiruchirappalli and Madurai in about 2 hours by road and rail. This seat of higher...
- Meston Education and Development Association (MEDA), Madras
- Board of Governors, St. James' School (India), Calcutta
- UN Staff Association, Executive Board, Afghanistan
Secretary, St. George's Cathedral Chennai
Publications
Lawrence has published over 100 professional papers; his books include:- In-Service Teacher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India
- Hand Book of implementation of Higher Secondary Education in Tamilnadu
- 150 years of Education in Tamilnadu
- A survey of Unrecognised Schools in Tamilnadu
- Kalvi Iyal (Tamil)
- Education – Concept and Practice
- Towards Better Vocational Education in Tamilnadu – High Level Committee Report
- Vocational Education in Higher Secondary Schools (Tamil)
- CSI St. George's Cathedral Chennai - Booklet
Awards
- Distinguished Service Award Southern Literates Association. 1983
- Father of Vocational Education in Tamilnadu - 28 January 1995
- For the Sake of Honour Award Rotary Club of Madras Mid Town - 19 April 1996
- Outstanding Personality - 1998 Award, Certificate of Merit and Gold Medal from Management Studies Promotion Institute (MSPI), New Delhi 30 October 1998
- Thiruvalluvar Day Prize (Government of Tamilnadu prize)for the book Kalvi Iyal – 1988 (First Prize)
- Thiruvalluvar Day Prize (Government of Tamilnadu prize) for the book Vocational Education in Higher Secondary Schools (Tamil) – 2000
- Award of Honour from Kanyakumari Diocese Church of South IndiaChurch of South IndiaThe Church of South India is the successor of the Church of England in India. It came into being in 1947 as a union of Anglican and Protestant churches in South India. With a membership of over 3.8 million, it is India's second largest Christian church after the Roman Catholic Church in India...
, 29 September 2002