Mangaluru’s St. Agnes College completes 100 years of women’s education

By Thomas Scaria

Mangaluru: Apostolic Carmel Sisters have celebrated the centenary of St. Agnes College in Mangaluru.

The valedictory program on 10 April showcased the congregation’s mission of “empowering women in India” at various fields.

One of the premier women’s colleges in India, St Agnes has produced veteran women in fields such as science and education, judiciary, entrepreneurship, politics and social service in the past 100 years, according to a documentary presented during the celebration.

The chief guest on the occasion was a former student, Anjana Devi, who is now a scientist at Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany. She credited the college with the laying of foundation of her character and said she was indebted to her alma mater for her achievements.

“I have many ups and downs in my life as a researcher and scientist, but my determination, hard work and passion kept me move forward,” said Devi who asked the students to take up research as a career option.

Devi’s mother and sister were also products of St. Agnes College which gave them an opportunity to “grow higher.”

The Apostolic Carmel order was founded as a missionary congregation 150 years ago by Mother Veronica to educate girl children in India. They began their mission by establishing the St. Ann’s School in Mangaluru in 1871.

St. Agnes College was founded by Mother Mary Aloysia, an Indian member, on July 2, 1921, under the Madras University. “God is My Strength” is the motto of the college which has currently about 5,000 students doing various courses.

College principal Sister Maria Venissa, who welcomed the audience, said women’s education is their main apostolate. “Education will lead to character formation and it is a powerful means to make a difference in the world,” she added.

Vedavyas Kamath, a local legislator, said the federal government has selected St. Agnes College and St. Aloysius College managed by Catholic religious congregations in Mangaluru, to implement various “innovations in education.”

“The alumnae of St Agnes College have their presence all over the world and have reached greater heights in various professions,” said Kamath, who assured his government’s full support to the institution.

Sister Maria Nirmalini, the superior general of the congregation, chaired the function and honored the past principals of the St. Agnes College. In her closing remarks, she congratulated all the faculty and students of the Institute for continuing to draw inspirations from the motto of the College, “God is my Strength.”

Earlier, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore celebrated the jubilee Mass.