Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan ignited aspirations at St Berchmans College’s centenary finale in Kerala’s Changanassery on February 28. Chief guest at Archbishop Kavu Kutty Hall, he lauded the institution’s 100-year odyssey as integral to India’s character and growth.
His third Kerala visit felt special, dubbing the state ‘Keralam’ for its cultural renaissance. From 1922 roots in colonial shadows, the college illuminated minds and morals, exporting talent worldwide via alumni like actor Prem Nazir and ex-CMs V.S. Achuthanandan and Oommen Chandy.
Central theme: ‘Education crafts character; informed people build nations.’ Lifelong learning and reciprocal respect were his calls to action.
Boldly on innovation: ‘Ditch being users – become creators whose tech the world craves.’ Tying to PM Modi’s vision, he spotlighted youth dynamism and role of hubs like this college in raising principled leaders.
The motto ‘Caritas Vera Nobilitas’ inspired: True nobility is generosity in all forms. ‘Self-centered existence falls short,’ he reflected.
Empowering students, ‘Your era defines the future 100 years – via daring ideas, hard labor, core values.’ New facilities for emerging tech and energy-environment studies were inaugurated amid dignitaries: Governor Arlekar, Ministers Gopi and Vasavan, Principal Kanjuparambpil et al.
He sealed with hope: Centenary marks new heights ahead.