Chennai: Women must equip themselves with the skills and confidence needed to make a mark in today's world, Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin told graduates of Queen Mary's College at Kalaivanar Arangam here on Saturday.

Mr. Stalin said the ability to communicate well, be it in Tamil or English, would stand students in good stead. Women must have the confidence to compete in fields where they are still considered second-class citizens, he said.

Students who scored the best marks in various streams received cash prizes. A total of 1,281 students were awarded their degrees.

The Minister commended the students for performing well although many of them came from economically weak families. He hoped they would become top bureaucrats, artistes, journalists, educationists, politicians or social workers, just like many of their alumnae.

Mr. Stalin said he was proud to have been part of the struggle to protect the College campus when the previous ruling party had wanted the land. He was jailed at Cuddalore for about 15 days during the prot ests.

College Principal Eugenie Pinto said 44 visually impaired students also received their degrees. "I am proud of my students for the effort they have put in," she said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail