Date:05/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/05/stories/2008090554552600.htm

National

Sonia Gandhi’s message

On the auspicious occasion of the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the University of Madras, I send my warm felicitations to all those associated with the university – teachers, staff and students, past and present. It is an honour and privilege for me to be with all of you on this occasion, and to now have a personal association with the University of Madras – an association that I will always cherish.

It is a happy coincidence that the 150th anniversary celebrations are taking place on the eve of Teacher’s Day. A great institution is built through the calibre and cumulative efforts of its people. The University of Madras today stands for educational excellence because it has been blessed in this respect. Over the past century and a half, its dedicated teachers have instilled in their students the quest for knowledge and truth, the abiding values of good citizenship, and the highest academic standards. Its alumni, in turn, have distinguished themselves in every field of national life, and brought pride and glory to the University as well as the country. I am sure this glorious tradition will be upheld and taken forward in the years to come.

Sonia Gandhi

President, AICC