CHENNAI: Ethiraj College for Women celebrated the 125th birth anniversary of its founder V L Ethiraj on Saturday on its campus. Students, alumni, former principals children had all come together to celebrate the day.
“He was a great man with a great vision,” said V M Muralidharan, chairman of Ethiraj College Trust and great grandson of the late founder. “He lived well, and saved a lot. People mistook him to be a miser initially, but after a few years, in one go, Ethiraj built this huge respectable women’s college,” he added.
Post Master General of Chennai City Region, Mervin Alexander released a special post cover which had the late founder’s picture in it. “To start a women’s college at a time when sending girl children to school was a huge deal and is in itself a great thing. From a few students to a strength of 8,000, this institution has come a long way. He will always be remembered for his endeavours,” said Mervin.
M Anandakrishnan, chairman, board of governors IIT Kanpur who had also presided over the function praised the founder and his initiative, “I am proud to be a part of his birth anniversary. It’s really hard to come across such people who devote their lives to noble deeds. I wish this institution a great future,” he said. In his remembrance, the teachers also released a CD documenting his life and the college’s progress. “Our goal is to strive for excellence in every aspect and build a university in the his name,” said an excited A Nirmala, principal and secretary of Ethiraj college.