Palai: In a momentous gathering that brought together students, faculty, alumni, and dignitaries, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the valedictory function of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of St. Thomas College, Palai, Kerala, today. The event marked a remarkable milestone in the institution’s 75 year journey of nurturing intellect, character, and social responsibility, standing as a testament to the transformative power of education in India’s rural heartlands.

Addressing the assembled audience with warmth and gravitas, President Murmu reflected on the enduring mission of St. Thomas College. She observed that the institution was founded with a vision to provide access to quality education to students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring that social and economic barriers would not impede the pursuit of knowledge. “For seventy five years, this college has been more than an institution; it has been a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for generations of young minds,” she said.

The President highlighted that St. Thomas College is not just a center of learning but a crucible where destinies are shaped. Through its emphasis on holistic education, the college has fostered intellectual curiosity alongside ethical grounding, nurturing students who are not only academically competent but socially conscious and morally responsible. “Education here is imbued with a spirit of inclusivity, sustainability, and social justice, values that are critical for shaping future leaders,” she added.

President Murmu described the 21st century as the ‘Knowledge Century,’ emphasizing that education, literacy, and intellectual development are the engines that drive innovation, social mobility, and national self-reliance. She pointed out that Kerala, through decades of emphasis on literacy and human development, has emerged as a leading state in India on multiple social indicators, from health to education, reflecting the transformative impact of knowledge on society.

Speaking specifically about the city of Kottayam, she praised its historical significance as a cradle of educational and social reform movements. A century ago, the city witnessed the iconic Vaikom Satyagraha, a bold movement against untouchability that became a symbol of courage, justice, and the pursuit of equality. Kottayam earned the moniker ‘Akshara Nagari’ (City of Letters) for its unmatched contributions to literacy and education, spearheading initiatives like the ‘Sakshara Keralam’ movement, which sought to eliminate illiteracy and empower citizens through knowledge.

The President paid tribute to Shri P.N. Panicker, whose pioneering efforts in the library movement brought the simple yet profound message of ‘Vayichu Valaruga’ Read and Grow into the homes of countless Keralites. “It is this very spirit of learning, dissemination of knowledge, and intellectual awakening that has made Kerala a model of human development and civic consciousness,” she said.

Throughout her address, President Murmu repeatedly emphasized that education is a guiding light, illuminating both individual aspirations and collective societal progress. She applauded St. Thomas College for its unwavering commitment to spreading this light, nurturing not only academic excellence but also empathy, ethical reasoning, and civic responsibility among its students.

“The college has consistently promoted a culture of intellectual pursuit with a moral compass,” she noted, expressing confidence that St. Thomas College would continue to play a pivotal role in fostering equitable growth and building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, India’s centenary of independence. The President underlined that institutions like St. Thomas College serve as incubators of knowledge, innovation, and societal consciousness, crucial to shaping a progressive and inclusive nation.

The Platinum Jubilee celebrations extended beyond ceremonial speeches. The event featured vibrant cultural programs, alumni tributes, panel discussions on educational innovation, and exhibitions showcasing the college’s historical journey. From its humble beginnings in 1950 to its emergence as a center of holistic learning, St. Thomas College has championed academic rigor, community engagement, and social empowerment. Alumni shared inspiring stories of transformation, highlighting how the institution’s ethos of excellence and social responsibility shaped their lives and careers.

President Murmu’s presence added a historic dimension to the celebrations, symbolizing the national recognition of the college’s enduring contributions to education, social reform, and rural empowerment. She concluded by encouraging students and faculty alike to continue striving for excellence with integrity, reinforcing the belief that education is the ultimate instrument for personal empowerment and societal progress.

As the valedictory function drew to a close, it was evident that the Platinum Jubilee of St. Thomas College was not only a celebration of the past but a clarion call for the future. The institution stands as a shining example of how education can transform lives, bridge social divides, and cultivate a more equitable and enlightened society. With its steadfast commitment to knowledge, values, and social responsibility, St. Thomas College is poised to continue shaping generations of thinkers, leaders, and citizens dedicated to building a prosperous, inclusive, and Viksit Bharat by 2047.

In essence, the college’s 75 year journey reflects the power of vision, resilience, and education in transforming both individuals and society a legacy that will continue to illuminate the path of learning and progress for decades to come.