-C. P. Radhakrishnan Attends Valedictory Ceremony of Centenary Celebrations at St. Berchmans College
New Delhi : The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, attended the valedictory function of the centenary celebrations of St. Berchmans College in Changanassery, Kerala, on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said it was his third visit to Kerala after assuming office and described the visit as special, remarking that “Kerala has become Keralam,” symbolising the State’s deep cultural identity and pride.
Highlighting the legacy of the 100-year-old institution, he said the college is not merely a campus of classrooms and corridors but an institution that has quietly contributed to nation-building for a century. Recalling its history, he noted that when India was under colonial rule, the college served as a centre of intellectual awakening. Established in 1922, he said, the institution has been a guiding light of knowledge and character, shaping both minds and the nation.
Reflecting on its distinguished alumni, the Vice-President said many former students have made significant contributions in India and abroad. He mentioned renowned actor Prem Nazir and former Chief Ministers Oommen Chandy and C. M. Vasudevan Nair among the college’s notable alumni, adding that producing two Chief Ministers is among the institution’s remarkable contributions to the State’s development.
Emphasising the importance of mutual respect, he said that respecting the sentiments of others is essential for safeguarding one’s own values. He also underlined that learning is a lifelong process and encouraged people to remain open-minded regardless of their social or economic background.
The Vice-President noted that he frequently attends education-related events and reiterated that education is the most powerful tool for transformation. He said education builds character and that an educated citizen plays a key role in shaping society and the nation.
Stressing the importance of research and technological advancement, he said the era when education merely produced clerks during colonial rule is long over. India, he added, is changing rapidly and must move from adopting technologies to creating them so that the world adopts what the country produces.
Expressing confidence in India’s future, he said this transformation is being driven by the country’s dynamic youth. He added that as India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, institutions like St. Berchmans College will play a crucial role in shaping responsible citizens, innovators and leaders.
Referring to the college motto, Caritas Vera Nobilitas (Charity is True Nobility), he said true nobility lies not in birth or wealth but in the spirit of giving. He emphasised that charity is not limited to money and can include kind words, emotional support, time, knowledge and guidance. Urging students to give back to society, he said living only for oneself is not desirable and encouraged them to uphold the values of their alma mater.
Addressing the students, he said they represent the college’s second century and that the next hundred years will be shaped by their ideas, courage and commitment. He encouraged them to dream big, work hard and remain rooted in values.
Concluding his address, the Vice-President expressed confidence that the centenary marks the beginning of a new era of greater achievements for the institution.
On the occasion, he also inaugurated the Berchmans Centre for Emerging Technologies and the Dr. K. M. Abraham Centre for Energy and Environment.
Among those present were the Governor of Kerala Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Tourism Suresh Gopi, Kerala Minister for Cooperation, Ports and Devaswom V. N. Vasavan, Member of Parliament Kodikunnil Suresh, MLA Job Michael, Archbishop of Changanassery Mar Thomas Tharayil, Principal of St. Berchmans College Dr. Teddy Kanjooparampil, Manager of the college Mr. Antony Ethackad, and other dignitaries.
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