President Murmu Celebrates 100 Years of St. Teresa’s College, Hails Women’s Leadership and Educational Empowerment

In her keynote address, the President lauded St. Teresa’s College for its unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment through education, rooted in spiritual values and holistic development.

In a momentous event underscoring the legacy of women’s education and leadership in India, President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the centenary celebrations of St. Teresa’s College in Ernakulam, Kerala, on October 24, 2025. The ceremony marked 100 years of one of Kerala’s most iconic women’s colleges, recognized for its transformative role in advancing female education, societal progress, and value-based learning.

Celebrating a Century of Excellence in Women’s Education

In her keynote address, the President lauded St. Teresa’s College for its unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment through education, rooted in spiritual values and holistic development. Founded in 1925, the college has emerged as a beacon of academic excellence and social impact, fostering leadership, self-reliance, and critical thinking among generations of women.

“The institution has played a vital role in nation-building by promoting women’s education with a vision deeply grounded in values,” she said, paying homage to the pioneers and visionary educators who steered the college over the last century.

President Murmu reflected on the evolving role of women in society and acknowledged the college’s significant contribution in shaping women who have gone on to become trailblazers in their respective fields.

Kerala: A Cradle of Women’s Leadership

The President proudly highlighted the rich history of Kerala’s women in national leadership, particularly during the making of independent India. Of the 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly of India, three hailed from Kerala:

• Ammu Swaminathan, a fearless freedom fighter and advocate of women’s rights

• Annie Mascarene, a strong voice for labor rights and equality

• Dakshayani Velayudhan, the first and only Dalit woman in the Assembly, and a champion for social justice

Their contributions were instrumental in shaping the sections of the Constitution related to fundamental rights, gender justice, and social equality.

The President also commemorated the judicial milestones achieved by Kerala’s women:

• Justice Anna Chandy, who became the first female High Court Judge in India in 1956

• Justice M. Fathima Beevi, the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India, appointed in 1989

These achievements, she said, are not only historic but serve as enduring inspiration for future generations.

Women at the Forefront of India’s Development

Addressing the vibrant student body of St. Teresa’s College, the President described them as the embodiment of “young India, thriving India, and vibrant India.” She emphasized the critical importance of women’s active participation in India’s growth story, particularly in the context of the demographic dividend that India seeks to harness.

“One of the key pillars of Viksit Bharat 2047 is to achieve 70% women’s workforce participation,” she stated.

Citing statistics, she noted:

• A 4.5x increase in Gender Budget allocations over the past decade

• A near doubling of women-led MSMEs between 2011 and 2024

• Rising representation of women in key sectors including entrepreneurship, governance, and innovation

She expressed satisfaction over the role played by the alumnae of St. Teresa’s College, many of whom have significantly contributed to India's socio-economic growth, public service, and global engagement.

SLATE: Empowering Women through Sustainability and Leadership

A major highlight of the centenary celebration was the college’s newly launched educational initiative titled SLATE (Sustainability, Leadership and Agency through Education). President Murmu applauded the institution for taking proactive steps aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes multidisciplinary learning, values, and preparing youth for the future.

She praised SLATE’s focus areas:

• Building leadership capacity among young women

• Integrating sustainability and climate consciousness into the curriculum

• Enhancing job-readiness and future skills for India’s youth

• Aligning institutional goals with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

“By connecting education with SDGs and job-market readiness, the college is shaping the changemakers of tomorrow,” she added.

Role of Higher Education Institutions in India’s Knowledge Economy

The President stressed the critical role played by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) like St. Teresa’s College in transforming India into a global knowledge superpower. She encouraged such institutions to continue championing:

• Equity and inclusivity in access to quality education

• Development of 21st-century competencies like digital literacy, innovation, and critical thinking

• Promotion of ethical leadership, environmental stewardship, and civic responsibility

A Vision for the Future

As India marches towards the centennial celebration of its independence in 2047, President Murmu reiterated the nation’s commitment to women-led development, stating that educational empowerment of women will be at the heart of India’s ambition to become a developed nation.

The centenary celebration was also marked by cultural performances, tributes to the founding sisters, and a showcase of the college’s contributions over the decades in arts, science, social work, and community engagement.

A Century of Impact, A Future of Promise

The visit of the President to St. Teresa’s College not only recognized the institution’s legacy of excellence but also offered a powerful message of hope, empowerment, and opportunity for the women of India. It was a moment of pride not just for the college, but for the broader movement of women’s education and leadership in India.