The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, graced the Valedictory Function of the Centenary Celebrations of St. Berchmans College in Changanassery, Kerala, today. The Vice-President said that this was his third visit to Kerala after assuming office and described it as a special one, noting that “Kerala has become Keralam,” reflecting the deep cultural identity and pride of the State.
Describing a 100-year-old college as “not just a campus of classrooms and corridors,” the Vice-President said that for a century, the institution has silently yet steadily contributed to nation-building. He noted that when the country was under colonial rule, the historic college served as a centre of intellectual awakening.
Founded in 1922, he said, the college has stood as a guiding light of knowledge and character, shaping minds and the nation alike. Reflecting on its legacy, the Vice-President said that countless alumni have carried the light of the institution across the country and the world.
He particularly mentioned that the great actor Prem Nazir and former Chief Ministers Shri Vasudevan Nair and Shri Oommen Chandy were alumni of the college. He remarked that producing two Chief Ministers is among the institution’s greatest contributions to the development of the State.
Emphasising the importance of mutual respect, the Vice-President said that respecting the sentiments of others is essential to ensure respect for our own sentiments. He observed that learning never ends, irrespective of one’s social or economic status, and stressed the importance of maintaining an open mind throughout life.
Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan noted that he attends many education-related functions and reiterated that education is the most powerful tool for transformation. “Education builds character,” he said, adding that an educated citizen shapes society and the nation.
Highlighting the importance of research and technological development for national growth, he said that the era of education merely producing clerks for colonial rule is long over. India, he stated, is changing rapidly. “The time of merely adopting technologies is over.
We must become creators of technology so that the world adopts what we produce,” he said. Expressing confidence in the country’s future, he added that this transformation is possible because India is changing and is powered by its dynamic youth.
He added that as India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri 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), the Vice-President underlined that true nobility lies not in birth or wealth, but in the spirit of giving. He remarked that charity is not limited to money; it can be a kind word, emotional support, time, effort, knowledge or guidance.
“Living for oneself is not bad, but living only for oneself is bad,” he said, urging students to give back to society and keep the college’s motto in mind wherever they go. Addressing the students, he said, “You are the second century of this college.
The next hundred years will be written by your ideas, your courage and your commitment. Dream big. Work hard. Stay rooted in values.” Concluding his address, the Vice-President expressed confidence that the centenary marks not the end of a hundred years but the beginning of a new era of greater glory.
“Let the next century shine brighter than the last,” he said. On the occasion, the Vice-President also inaugurated the Berchmans Centre for Emerging Technologies and the Dr. K. M. Abraham Centre for Energy and Environment during the centenary celebrations.
The Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar; Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Tourism, Shri Suresh Gopi; Kerala Minister for Cooperation, Ports and Devaswom, Shri V. N. Vasavan; Member of Parliament Shri Kodikunnil Suresh; MLA Shri Job Michael; Archbishop of Changanassery Mar Thomas Tharayil; Principal of St. Berchmans College, Dr. Teddy Kanjooparampil; Manager of St. Berchmans College, Mr. Antony Ethackad; and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.