New Delhi, February 28 (IANS). Vice President of India CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday attended the closing ceremony of the centenary celebrations of St. Birchman’s College in Changanassery, Kerala as the chief guest. The event was held on 28 February 2026 at the Archbishop Kavukattu Hall, where the Vice President described the 100-year journey of the college as a glorious story of nation-building and character building.
In his address, the Vice President said that this is his third visit to Kerala after assuming office and he described it as very special. “Kerala has now become Keralam,” he said, reflecting the state’s cultural identity, pride and confidence.
He described the college as not just a campus, but an institution that has shaped the nation for a century. Established in 1922, this college remained a center of intellectual awakening even during the colonial period. The Vice President said that this institution has been a guide of both knowledge and character. Its alumni have spread the light of the college in the country and abroad. He specifically mentioned alumni like legendary actor Prem Nazir, former Chief Minister Vasudevan Nair and Oommen Chandy and said that producing two Chief Ministers is one of the biggest contributions of the college.
Emphasizing on education, he said, “Education builds character; educated citizens shape the nation.” He described learning as a lifelong process and appealed to keep an open mind. Emphasizing on respecting each other’s feelings, he said that it is necessary to respect others to ensure respect for one’s own feelings.
Talking about technology and development, the Vice President said that the era of technology adoption is over. “India should become a creator nation, so that the world adopts the technology created by us.” He mentioned the vision of a developed India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that this is possible with the enthusiasm of the youth. Institutions like St. Berchmans will produce responsible citizens, innovators and leaders.
Referring to the college’s motto ‘Caritas Vera Nobilitas’ (charity is true nobility), he said that true nobility lies not in birth or wealth, but in the spirit of giving. Donation is not limited to money; It could also be time, knowledge, support or guidance. He said, “Living for yourself is not bad, but living only for yourself is bad.”
Appealing to the students to give back to the society and adopt the motto in life, he said, “You are the second century of this college. The next hundred years will be written by your ideas, courage and commitment. Dream big, work hard, and stick to the values.”
In closing he expressed confidence that the centenary year is not an end but the beginning of a new glorious era. ‘May the next century shine brighter than the last.’
On this occasion, the Vice President met Berchmans Center for Emerging Technologies and Dr. K. Also inaugurated the M. Abraham Center for Energy and Environment.The program was attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, Kerala Minister V.N. Vasavan, College Principal Dr. Teddy Kanjuparampil, Manager Antony Ethakkad and other dignitaries were present.
–IANS
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