President Droupadi Murmu on Friday graced the centenary celebrations of St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam, and used the platform to stress that active participation of women is essential for India to fully harness its demographic dividend.
Women’s Education: A Century of Social Transformation
In her address, the President highlighted the institution’s century-long commitment to women’s education and spiritual values. She said St. Teresa’s College has played a significant role in social transformation and nation-building by empowering generations of women.
Recalling Kerala’s legacy of women leaders, President Murmu referred to the contributions of women to India’s constitutional journey and judicial history. She cited pioneering figures who helped shape public life and governance in the country.
Demographic Dividend and Women’s Workforce Participation
The President underlined the economic importance of higher female labour-force participation. Quoting recent progress, she noted that gender-budget allocations have increased markedly over the past decade and that women-led MSMEs almost doubled between 2011 and 2024.
“One of the pillars of our vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047 is achieving 70% women workforce participation,” she said, urging institutions and policymakers to create enabling environments that convert education into meaningful jobs.
SLATE: Education for Sustainability and Leadership
President Murmu praised St. Teresa’s College for launching SLATE — a project focused on Sustainability, Leadership and Agency through Education. She described the initiative as well-aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and India’s Sustainable Development Goals.
By linking higher education with employability and sustainability goals, the President said colleges like St. Teresa’s can help the nation emerge as a knowledge superpower.
Legacy and Local Pride
The President also acknowledged notable women from Kerala who have shaped public life, including early members of the Constituent Assembly and high court and Supreme Court trailblazers. She lauded alumnae of St. Teresa’s for contributing to growth and public service across sectors.
The centenary event included the launch of the college’s commemorative logo and cultural tributes marking 100 years since the college’s founding by the Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa in 1925.
For the official release and the President’s full address, see the Press Information Bureau release and the President’s Secretariat records.
