The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the centenary celebrations of St. Stephen’s Higher Secondary School in Pathanapuram , Kollam today.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President described the completion of 100 years as a “remarkable milestone” achieved by very few institutions. He noted that the school has spent a century shaping minds, nurturing character, and building futures, with generations of students emerging as responsible citizens, leaders, professionals, and compassionate human beings.
The Vice-President emphasized that the true strength of any institution lies not in its infrastructure but in its values.He underlined that the celebration was not only about the past but also about the future. In a rapidly changing world driven by technology and innovation, he said education must go beyond textbooks and cultivate critical thinking, empathy, resilience, and integrity. He encouraged students to dream big, work hard, remain humble, and uphold the values imparted by their school.
The Vice-President urged students to say “No to Drugs.” He described drug abuse as one of the biggest curses afflicting society and stressed that the campaign against drug use must become a mass movement cutting across religions, languages, and political parties.
He also said that healthy competition among political parties to serve society is a positive and welcome development.
Connecting the institution’s legacy with the national vision, he said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving forward with the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He also highlighted the importance of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The Vice-President observed that the India of 2047 will be shaped by the ideas and initiative of today’s students. He called upon them to seek not just personal success but also to create a positive impact on society.
Describing the centenary as a time of renewal, he expressed hope that as the school enters its second century, it will embrace modern educational advancements while remaining rooted in its moral and cultural foundations. He urged the institution to continue producing not only academic achievers but also responsible citizens committed to nation-building.
Highlighting Kerala’s strong emphasis on education and social development, the Vice-President noted that institutions like St. Stephen’s High School have significantly contributed to the state’s educational reputation.
Concluding his address, the Vice President said the centenary year should be marked by meaningful programmes that honor the past, celebrate the present, and prepare for the future.
The Vice President also paid Floral tributes at the holy tomb of the Four Metropolitans located at Mount Tabor Dayara in Pathanapuram.
The centenary celebrations were attended by Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar , Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Tourism, Govt. of India, Shri Suresh Gopi, Minister for Transport, Govt. of Kerala, Shri K. B. Ganesh Kumar, Finance Minister of Kerala, Shri K. N. Balagopal, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Shri Kodikunnil Suresh, Catholicos of the East, Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Metropolitan, Kollam Diocese, Dr. Joseph Mar Dionysius, Superior, Mount Tabor Diara, Younan Samuel Ramban, Secretary, Mount Tabor Diara, Philip Mathew and other dignitaries.
