Kochi, Oct 24 (UNI) President Droupadi Murmu urged young women to take the lead in shaping a developed India by 2047, while addressing the centenary celebrations of St. Teresa’s College, here today.
Describing the centenary as a proud milestone, the President said St. Teresa’s College has played a historic role in promoting women’s education and social transformation in the country.
“This institution has been spreading the light of knowledge among women for a century and transforming lives with steadfast commitment to values and nation-building,” she said.
Referring to the founder, Mother Teresa of St. Rose of Lima, the President said the college has carried forward her noble ideals through its academic and social initiatives.
Highlighting Kerala’s pioneering contribution to women’s empowerment, President Murmu recalled that three of the 15 women members of India’s Constituent Assembly — Ammu Swaminathan, Annie Mascarene, and Dakshayani Velayudhan — were from Kerala.
“Their voices enriched the Constitution with progressive ideas on social justice, equality and fundamental rights,” she said.
Quoting Ammu Swaminathan’s 1949 speech in the Constituent Assembly, the President noted that India was among the few nations to have enshrined equal rights for women in its Constitution.
She also praised trailblazers like Justice Anna Chandy, India’s first woman High Court judge, and Justice M. Fathima Beevi, the first woman judge of the Supreme Court, for their groundbreaking achievements.
The President said Kerala’s favourable gender ratio serves as a model for the nation and emphasized the need for greater participation of women in the workforce.
“One of the key goals of Viksit Bharat 2047 is to achieve 70 per cent women workforce participation. Women from different walks of life have been driving India’s progress, and alumnae of this college are playing a commendable role,” she said.
President Murmu lauded the institution’s alumnae who have distinguished themselves in civil services, science and technology, education, law, medicine, business, aviation and social service. She also appreciated the college’s community outreach, especially its volunteer work during floods and its commitment to serving the underprivileged.
She took special note of the college’s innovative projects such as SLATE — Sustainability, Leadership and Agency through Education — which aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020. The initiative, she said, helps students connect education with sustainability goals and prepares them for the jobs of tomorrow.
The President also praised Radio Kochi 90FM, the college’s community radio, for its role in promoting communication and assisting people at the grassroots level.
Addressing the students, President Murmu encouraged them to make life choices with clarity and confidence. “Choose the path that allows you to express your passion and capabilities. A society led by women is likely to be more humane while being more efficient,” she said.
Expressing confidence in the youth, she added, “This generation of young women will lead India into becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
Concluding her address, President Murmu conveyed her greetings in Malayalam: “Ellaavarkkum Ende Aashamsagal” (My best wishes to all), drawing warm applause from the gathering.
UNI DS VAN PRS