Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) P.T.R. Palanivel Thiagarajan commended the role played by women missionaries in the proliferation of education in Southern Tamil Nadu.
He was addressing the students of Lady Doak College on their 70th College day, here on Friday. Mr. Thiagarajan elaborated on the role played by Katie Wilcox, the founder of Lady Doak College, and Rose Benedict, the founder of Fatima College, and said that women’s education is a key indicator of development.
“Women’s education is not a highly philosophical concept. It is fundamental to the economy and development,” he said. He added that women's participation in workforce and the percentage of women enrolling into elementary education should be the basis on which the centre allocates funds for each Indian State.
“Transformation in the country takes place only when the bottom of the pyramid (here women) is included in the movement towards progress.”
Bringing to light the contributions of the Justice Party, the MLA said that the institution provided inclusivity by ensuring women had an equal vote as early as the 1920s. He also said that they introduced a compulsory elementary education for both genders — leading to better development indicators in the present day.
“Women who graduate should ensure they enter the workforce. I request the administration to amp up the interviews from private companies,” he said.
D. Pothirajulu, former Bishop, Church of South India, Madurai, said that more women should enter the realm of governance and help in creating policies.
Christianna Singh, Principal and Secretary of the college, presented the annual report highlighting the achievements of the college.
A total of 12 staff members received their doctorate degrees and several other students received awards for their performance in academics, sports and cultural activities.
