100 Years of Excellence: St. Teresa's College, Kerala's Beacon of Women's Empowerment

Ernakulam, Kerala, July 5, 2024; St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam, the first women's college in the old princely state of Kochi and the second in Kerala is celebrating its centenary on July 15, 2025 with a year-long plan of events, projects, and initiatives. Dr. Sr. Vinitha, Manager of St. Teresa's College, announced that the Honorable President of India is expected to inaugurate the centenary celebrations in September.

The first phase of the newly built Centenary Block on T.D. Road has been completed. This eleven-storied building will host self-financed programs. Other significant projects include the Karunyaniketan scheme for senior citizens in Vallarpadam, the Thusharam project for palliative care patients, TIBIC Incubation Centre, a Finishing School and the Teresian Skill Hub.

The celebrations commenced with a Thanksgiving Offering by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore on June 27, 2024. On the same day, the first phase of the Centenary Block was inaugurated and medicine kits were distributed to 100 cancer patients at Ernakulam General Hospital as part of the Thusharam project.

St. Teresa's College has earned NAAC A++ accreditation and is ranked 41st in the NIRF ranking. Currently, around 4200 students are enrolled in 68 programs across 25 departments and 126 scholars are pursuing research in 7 research centers.

Dr. Sr. Vinitha the Provincial and the former Principal stated, "We aim to become a university and provide supportive education to ensure job opportunities in India. We are collaborating with entrepreneurial initiatives to encourage students to become entrepreneurs and contribute to the workforce. We want to prioritize keeping our students employed within our country."

In 2014, the college became autonomous and has now completed 10 years of autonomy. St. Teresa's College has received numerous awards, including national and international accolades for the Best College. Several Presidents and Prime Ministers have visited the institution.

Dr. Sr. Teresa, the General Councilor for Education of CSST Congregation and the former Principal expressed her vision for the institution's future. "As we commemorate a century of educational ministry, we are inspired by the beacon light handed down to us, which we will carry forward into the next century, making it ever brighter. May the knowledge we impart lead to deep wisdom and enlightenment, building a world of justice, peace, love and joy and establishing God’s kingdom on earth through our higher education institutions.”

A book chronicling the 100 year history of St. Teresa's College will be published in English and Malayalam in September.

By Catholic Connect Reporter