Marking the platinum jubilee of Thiagarajar College, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman disclosed the book 'Thiagarajar College Opening The Doors To Education.' The book serves as a tribute to the visionary contributions of Karumuttu Thiagarajan Chettiar, an industrialist, social reformer, and educationist.
Nirmala Sitharaman lauded Chettiar, stating that he not only dreamt but also realized his vision of bringing the aesthetic essence of Cambridge to Madurai. Despite missing the opportunity for higher education at Cambridge, Chettiar founded the institution on the banks of the Vaigai River, aligning its standards with the prestigious Cambridge University.
The Finance Minister commended Secretary K Hari Thiagarajan for upholding ethical standards in education, reflecting the institution's commitment to excellence and integrity. Mallika Srinivasan, Chairperson of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE) joined in, praising Chettiar's persistent belief in the transformative power of education for societal progress.
The book, authored by Uma Kannan, serves as a special tribute to three influential figures in the institution's legacy founder Karumuttu Thiagarajan Chettiar, Dr. Radha Thiagarajan, and her husband Karumuttu T Kannan. It honours their selfless service, dedication, and significant contributions to Thiagarajar College.
Co-author Sandhya Sridhar shared insights into the writing process, expressing initial daunt at the extensive archival material. However, after navigating the rich historical content, the authors successfully crafted a narrative that captures the enduring values and contributions of institution builders, various principals, academic heads, students, and alumni associated with Thiagarajar College.
The event underscored the dynamic legacy of Thiagarajar College, with Mallika Srinivasan highlighting the institution's ongoing commitment to excellence and modernism. The book stands as a testament to the enduring impact of visionary leaders in shaping educational institutions and fostering values that resonate through the decades.
