President Droupadi Murmu inaugurates 100-year celebrations of St Teresa’s College in Kerala

In a landmark event at the heart of Kerala’s educational landscape, President Droupadi Murmu graced the centenary celebrations of St Teresa’s College, Ernakulam on Friday, marking a century of the institution’s commitment to women’s education. Founded in 1925 by the Carmelite Sisters of St Teresa (CSST) with just 41 students, the college has grown into a premier autonomous institution hosting over 4,000 students annually and affiliated with a wider network of nine colleges and 254 schools across the country. 

The President not only inaugurated the centenary festivities but also launched the institution’s special centenary logo — a symbol of its enduring legacy. In her capacity as chief guest, she was presented with a collection of cultural gifts highlighting India’s rich tapestry of heritage. Among them were a hand-woven ‘Pattola’ mulberry silk shawl from Gujarat and a delicate palm-leaf painting (“Pattu Chithra”) from Odisha, reflecting the college’s national reach and the breadth of its celebration. 

The significance of this milestone was underscored by the institution’s achievements: from its humble origins to obtaining autonomous status in 2014, securing an A++ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), and ranking 60th among Indian colleges in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) standings. 

Reflecting on the journey, the college’s principal, Rev. Sr. Anu Joseph, remarked that the vision of the founder — “to uplift society through women’s empowerment” — remains alive and robust even after a century. She pointed out that the college has nurtured numerous distinguished alumnae in politics, public service, the arts and beyond — among them freedom fighter Achamma Cherian, K.-R. Gouri Amma (Kerala’s first woman minister), and celebrated performers such as Asin Thottumkal and Amala Paul. 

During her address, President Murmu emphasised the critical role that women’s education plays in driving social change and national development. She lauded the institution's adaptability, pointing to its recent ‘SLATE’ (Sustainability, Learning, Action, Technology & Engagement) initiative which bridges classroom learning with real-world impact. The college’s community radio station, Radio Kochi 90 FM, was also highlighted as a platform giving voice to local fisher-folk and student communities alike. 

In keeping with the spirit of the centennial, the college campus was adorned with exhibitions showcasing archival photographs and memorabilia from its 100-year history — from its founding days to its present status as a beacon of female education in the region. The celebration is expected to span multiple events throughout the next academic year, culminating in an alumni meet and service-oriented initiatives involving the surrounding community.

For guests, students and alumni alike, the President’s presence has added a special gravitas to the unity of past, present and future. As one student leader put it: “This isn’t just a celebration of our college — it’s a recognition of every woman who walked these halls and carried forward the mission of transformation.”