Chennai: Hundreds of students, alumni and teachers ushered in the 100th anniversary celebrations of the iconic Women’s Christian College (WCC) at its campus on Tuesday. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, chief guest at the event unveiled the Centenary logo of the institute that commenced in 1915. “Women Empowerment has always been a hallmark of Tamil Nadu,” she said and added that WCC has been empowering women for a hundred years with an important tool called education.
“People say women’s colleges lack enthusiasm. I don’t think so because I too studied in an all women’s college and women set higher standards for themselves,” she told the gathering. The celebration started at midnight with a thanksgiving service where students, alumni and staff lit candles to signify their motto ‘Lighted to lighten’. There were stalls that sold WCC t-shirts and other commodities.
The grounds and the entrance were decorated with flowers and huge banners were hung in the college to create a festive mood. A 100-voice choir and the student choir sang songs during the event.
R. Thandavam, Vice Chancellor, University of Madras and a host of alumni facilitated the centenary celebrations. Mallika Srinivasan who is the chairman of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE), Srilatha Zaheer, Dean of a B-school in United States, Aruna Bahuguna, IPS, who heads the National Police Academy in Hyderabad and Angeline Premalatha, IFS, ministry of external affairs, shared their experience as past WCC students during the event.
“What I learned at WCC travels with me always and has laid the base for my position today,” said Srilatha Zaheer. “The college started with seven teachers and 41 students 100 years ago and now it has over 3,500 students and 180 teachers,” said R. Thandavam who mentioned that WCC has made three significant achievements – service to women, creation of communal harmony and empowering the nation.
“Last year we had a bike rally but we wanted it to be eco friendly this time so we made sure we used cycles,” said S. Niveda, student coordinator of the event. She feels proud to be the batch that completes the course during the 100th year of WCC.
