Date:08/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/08/stories/2006100813630600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Stella Maris College principal felicitated

Special Correspondent

For `dedicated service to cause of women's education'

CHENNAI: Stella Maris College principal Annamma Philip was felicitated here on Saturday by the Committee of Hosts for her "dedicated and committed service to the cause of women's education."

The two-page citation, read out by Queen Mary's College principal Eugenie Pinto, commended her for being a "visionary administrator and educationist who enriched the academic and personal lives of many generations of college students."

Committee of Hosts joint convenor K.V. Mathew handed over a cheque for Rs.1 lakh on behalf of the organisation as initial contribution towards setting up Sr.Annamma Philip Endowment Fund.

Prince Of Arcot Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, who handed over the scroll to Sr.Annamma Philip, said he saluted her for her "wonderful service in the field of education." He also congratulated her for leadership during her stint as chairperson of the Minorities Commission. While expressing his admiration for Sr.Annamma's ability to match her pursuit of high standards of excellence with the principle of social equity and providing access, N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu , said he felicitated the institutional milieu in which she worked. Christian institutions working in the field of education had made magnificent contributions.

Mr. Ram said Sr.Annamma had excelled in imparting a social consciousness among her students. She had also successfully headed the institution during the time of autonomy.

IIT-Madras director M.S. Ananth said the Stella Maris' serving principal for over 15 years upheld the values on which the college was founded - love, truth and charity. She had an important role to play in raising the college to one of the foremost centres of higher learning in the country. Colleague and former vice-principal of the College, Geetha Sridhar, said Sr.Annamma was clear about her target and knew how to get there. She had a strong inner core that kept her going. Fellow missionary and former vice-principal, Sr.Flavia, praised Sr.Annamma's zest for life.

Private Colleges Management Association president Robert Guruswamy appreciated her ability to nurture talent in students.

Bina Raju, editor, Eve's Touch, Tara Mohan Rao, alumna, Stella Maris College, and June Hedlund of the Ecumenical Fellowship were also felicitated.

In her acceptance speech, Sr.Annamma Philip thanked the Committee of Hosts, students, colleagues in the college and her order, the Fransiscan Missionaries of Mary, for their continued support.