Vice President Inaugurates Centenary Valedictory Ceremony at St. Berchmans College
Changanassery, February 28, 2026: The historic St. Berchmans College in Changanassery celebrated a momentous milestone as the Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, graced the valedictory function of the institution’s centenary celebrations. The event marked the official conclusion of a century-long legacy of academic excellence and service that began in 1922.
Addressing the gathering at the college’s Archbishop Kavukattu Hall, the Vice President hailed the institution’s century-long journey as a “saga of nation-building and character formation.” Describing St. Berchmans College as more than just a campus, he noted that it has served as a lighthouse of knowledge, shaping countless minds and contributing significantly to the nation’s intellectual growth during and after the colonial era. He proudly highlighted that the college’s distinguished alumni include legendary actor Prem Nazir and former Kerala Chief Ministers, Shri Vasudevan Nair and Shri Oommen Chandy.
Emphasizing the transformative power of education, Shri Radhakrishnan urged students to dream big and remain rooted in values. “You are the second century of this college,” he remarked, encouraging the youth to embrace innovation and become creators of technology rather than mere adopters.
In a boost to the college’s research capabilities, the Vice President inaugurated the Berchmans Centre for Emerging Technologies and the Dr. K. M. Abraham Centre for Energy and Environment.
The prestigious event was attended by Kerala Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister of State Shri Suresh Gopi, State Minister Shri V. N. Vasavan, and other prominent dignitaries. Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil, College Principal Dr. Teddy Kanjooparampil, and Manager Antony Ethackad were also present to mark this historic chapter in the college’s history