CHENNAI: At midnight on Sunday, when the clock signalled the arrival of a new day, a tired and worn out city slumbered into oblivion, but for the shouts of joy and celebration in the heart of Nungambakkam. Hope was afresh on the campus of Women’s Christian College, as its students, alumnae, present and past staff and well-wishers ushered the centenary year of the private women’s college.
True to the motto of the college ‘Lighted to Lighten’, faces radiated with the spirit of rejoicing at the Midnight Thanksgiving Service on the commencement of the centenary year. The pomp and splendour marked the beginning of a historic year.
The 100-member choir led by Jayanthi Prabhakar, a musician and alumna, was splendid as they rendered Mary Lynn Lightfoot’s ‘Cantate Hodie’ and reached a crescendo at the start of the New Year with David Haas’ anthem ‘You are mine’. The young and vibrant energy echoed in the 50-voice choir of current students conducted by Tony Davids.
A short film on the significant milestones of the college was screened and every historic moment was cheered by the students.
Adopting the same objective that the 12 missionary societies from the US, Canada and Great Britain had on July 7, 1915, the stakeholders of the college renewed their pledge for service to women, and communal harmony and empowerment. Christian evangelist and former director of World Vision, Rev Dr Sam Kamalesan, whose late wife was an alumna of the college, delivered the special message. It was followed by the lighting of a 100 lamps by 100 alumnae and students. As an act of fellowship and togetherness, a symbolic ten-tiered cake was cut amid the singing of the happy birthday chorus.
On Monday, one of its oldest alumna, 100-year-old Anna Jacob joined the celebration and cut the cake. The function was presided over by H Devaraj Vice-Chairman UGC and R Thandavan Vice-Chancellor Madras University. The festivities kickstarted with the choir rendering two songs conducted by Jayanthi.
Devaraj congratulated the students and staff for having contributed to a meaningful journey. He added that HRD Minister Smriti Irani would institute over 150 courses in this regard, and that the college would receive the jubilee grants. Seminars to commemorate the completion of 100 years would be conducted at the University of Madras.The first centenary tree sapling was planted by Thandavan and the centenary flag was hoisted at the Doveton House.
Inputs from Aparna Desikan