Government Brennen College, Dharmadam, Thalassery is one of the premier institutions of higher education in the state of Kerala. With a tradition of 130 years, the college is catering to the comprehensive advancement of the various sections of the society in the region. Developed out of the Free School established in 1862 by Edward Brennen, the institution was elevated to the status of Grade II College in1890. It is now a First Grade College recognized as a Center of Excellence with the status of ‘Heritage College’.
The College offers 18 UG, 12 PG and One M. Phil course. There are eight research departments. The selection process to the courses is transparent. Due weightage is given to the marginalised, the differently-abled and the like categories who are provided with ample emotional and economic support so as to bring them to the main stream.
The teaching, learning and evaluation procedures are being revised and updated from time to time. Well-designed Tutorial System, transparent Internal Assessment, fruitful remedial coaching etc. are the highlights of the institution. The meritorious academic community, led by resourceful faculty of national and international reputation testify the vibrant academic ambience of the college. The college regularly hosts national and international conferences/ seminars/workshops. The research activities are further supplemented with the Research Journal – ‘Brennen Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies’. The Central Library of the college with its vast collection of books is upgraded to a knowledge-hub with advanced facilities.
The institution is always keen to promote community-academic interaction. The NCC/NSS units together with various departments and clubs undertake extension programmes that commit the academic community to social service. With the support of the Alumni association, the college has been running a successful military recruitment training programme that has secured placement to many in the armed forces. The college has also excelled in Sports. Our athletes and players are regular winners in national and international competitions.
The Brennen Alumni is a prestigious asset to the college and they include the current chief minister of the state and the minister of state for external affairs and parliamentary affairs in the central cabinet.
History
Government Brennen College, which is one of the premier institutions of higher education in Kerala, developed out of the free school established in 1862 by Edward Brennen, a Master Attendant of Tellicherry Port. It was elevated to the status of a II Grade College with F.A. Classes in 1890. The institution became a I Grade College in 1947, and it was shifted to the new building at Dharmadam in 1958. Government Brennen College celebrated centenary in 1990. The then Vice President of India, His Excellency Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma inaugurated the centenary celebrations. Government Brennen College is recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Government of Kerala. The University Grants Commission had included the college in 12B and 2F Category. In 2011 January, this institution with its entire legacy and quality drive was accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council with A Grade.
Campus & Location
The Brennen College Campus is situated in Dharmadam Panchayat on a historic hillock just 5 km north of Thalassery town and 1Km. away from Kannur-Thalassery National Highway. In the approximately 16.5 Acres of land with serene and pristine natural environment, the campus houses the Academic Departments, Administrative Office, Central Library, Students’ Hostels, Staff Quarters, Play Ground and other necessary units that provide the basic amenities for staff and students.
The institutional facilities in no way disturb the natural environment of the campus, as it is evident from the impressive presence of ‘Santivanam’ which is probably the only one conserved pristine forest patch in a college campus in Kerala. The Green House beside the new PG Block and the Medicinal Herbs Garden in front of the Administrative Block also signify the eco-friendly culture of Brennen College