WELCOME TO 2016-2017 SESSION

History repeats itself. Today as we prepare to begin a new semester, as our new Junior members prepare to begin a new phase in their lives, the College community as a whole welcomes them to one of the most unique places of higher education in India. Welcome!

You have done your best and have been selected to this college – the best college in India. You may be a freshman student from India or abroad; irrespective of that go ahead and enjoy the benefits. What are these benefits?…You will find that the college is very different from other such places – be it the architecture, the sprawling open spaces, the modest accommodation or the simple but good fare that is available in the Dining Hall; but what sets apart the College is none of that, though they add to the overall positive experience of College. The College is distinguished by its work ethic. And the example is set by its Senior members.  

The Senior members, our faculty, are role models for the Junior members. Be it their work, or their manner of interaction – the Senior members instill in the Junior members a sense of order, thoroughness and commitment. And they have been doing it year after year. And they are not tired of it because they know very well that each student is unique and needs a different approach. They have reinforced this belief over the years and help the Junior members become young men and women, who can confidently face the world. It has happened in the past and we hope that this happy trend will continue – thus history repeats itself.

To our returning students, I say “Welcome back!”. The college has missed all of you dearly and it’s time to get back to work and play in all their myriad forms. I know you will put your all into the work because by now you must have realised that you have to prove yourselves and contribute to the world that is waiting. Make the most of your time in class and make every moment count. Don’t forget to play either; the friendly faculty in the Sports department will be happy to guide you, even if you are a novice, and remember Residence is an important part of the education at St Stephen’s.

To my colleagues and non-teaching staff I say “Let’s get on with our mission, there is much to do”. There are some new initiatives, like the e-filing system, partnerships with institutions both within and outside India and an increased frequency in the number of our meetings that have been planned. They are all with a single purpose – Ad Dei Gloriam.   

PROF. JOHN VARGHESE