Literacy drives Keralas improvement, says President Droupadi Murmu

The energy of literacy and information has enabled Kerala to rank among the many main States on a number of human improvement indicators, President Droupadi Murmu has mentioned.

Addressing the valedictory operate of the platinum Jubilee celebrations of St. Thomas College at Pala on Thursday (October 23, 2025), the President emphasised that information drives innovation, propels society ahead, and fosters self-reliance.

Shaping destinies

Noting that St. Thomas College was established with the target of offering training primarily to college students from rural areas, she mentioned the establishment has fulfilled this mission for 75 years, selling mental pursuits guided by an ethical compass. “Educational establishments like St. Thomas College are workshops the place destinies are formed,” the President mentioned.

Speaking about Kottayam, she highlighted the area’s wealthy legacy of social and academic transformation. “This place witnessed the nice motion for the eradication of untouchability, famously often known as the Vaikom Satyagraha, 100 years in the past. Kottayam is rightly known as ‘Aksharanagari’ because it has lengthy been a fountainhead of literacy and training. The ‘Sakshara Keralam’ motion was strengthened by the lively participation of individuals from this space. P.N. Panicker’s exceptional initiative to advertise studying by the library motion was impressed by a easy however highly effective message: “learn and develop”, the President mentioned.

The operate was presided over by Joseph Kallarangatt, Bishop of the Diocese of Pala, Syro-Malabar Church, with Vicar-General and faculty supervisor Joseph Thadathil and Principal Sibi James main the proceedings.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister of State George Kurian, Cooperation Minister V.N. Vasavan, Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine, Lok Sabha MP Okay. Francis George and Rajya Sabha MP Jose Okay. Mani had been additionally current.