President Droupadi Murmu Highlights the Vital Role of Women in India’s Progress at St. Teresa’s College Centenary Celebration

Ernakulam, Kerala , October 24, 2025 — President Droupadi Murmu attended the centenary celebration of St. Teresa’s College in Ernakulam, commending the institution’s century-long service to women’s education and empowerment.

Addressing students and faculty, the President said that the college has played a transformative role in advancing women’s education while upholding spiritual and ethical values — a foundation, she noted, essential for nation-building and social progress.

President Murmu recalled the remarkable legacy of Kerala’s women who have shaped India’s history and institutions. She highlighted the contributions of Ammu Swaminathan, Annie Mascarene, and Dakshayani Velayudan — three of the 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly — whose vision helped shape India’s Constitution with insights on gender equality and social justice. The President also mentioned Justice Anna Chandy, India’s first woman High Court judge, and Justice M. Fathima Beevi, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court.

Applauding the students of St. Teresa’s College, President Murmu described them as the symbol of “young, thriving, and vibrant India.” She emphasized that women’s participation across all sectors is crucial for the country to fully harness its demographic dividend. Noting the government’s commitment, she shared that Gender Budget allocations have increased 4.5 times over the past decade, while women-led MSMEs have nearly doubled between 2011 and 2024.

“The vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 depends on achieving 70 percent women workforce participation,” the President said, adding that women from all walks of life are driving India’s growth and innovation.

She also praised the college’s new initiative, SLATE (Sustainability, Leadership and Agency through Education), calling it a step aligned with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The project aims to connect students with India’s Sustainable Development Goals and prepare them for future-ready careers.

President Murmu concluded by expressing confidence that higher education institutions like St. Teresa’s College will continue to strengthen India’s position as a global knowledge hub.