Stella Maris College: Latest Updates, Events, Photos & Campus Reports

Stella Maris College is a Public Catholic institution of higher education for women located in the capital city of Indian Tamilnadu state - Chennai. Here are the happenings of SMC:

Stella Maris College celebrating 50 years of the Department of Sociology

With a keen focus on social empowerment and deep-rooted passion towards enriching the ecosystems, the Department of Sociology was inaugurated in 1971 with the aim of building social leaders who carry a vision towards contributing for the development, structure, and functioning of human society. The Sociology Department has a rich alumni strength of over 5000 who create a mark in the field. The Department is proudly stepping into its 50th year and the Golden Jubilee celebrations are commencing from 19 August 2021. 

On this landmark celebration, Thiru K Ponmudi, Honourable Minister for Higher Education, Government of Tamil Nadu addressed an august gathering of educationists, teachers, former students, industry leaders and current students with a blend of hybrid participation. In his address, the Honourable Minister highlighted the importance of empowering and educating young women which runs in the ethos of Stella Maris College vision and mission statement. He also added that Stella Maris College sets an exemplary model to other institutions for all round development of women in academics and NSS, NCC and YRC units. He also mentioned employment based education and the importance of having an interdisciplinary approach in higher education. 

During this significant celebration, Dr. Sr. Rosy Joseph fmm, Principal, Stella Maris College stated, “Sociology, the youngest of the social sciences, has special significance in a diverse, multicultural society such as India. It is said that because it has such a strong bearing on the problems of the world, Sociology is considered to be the best approach to all the social sciences. It was indeed provident that the study of the subject was instituted half a century ago, and is today one of the foremost disciplines in the social sciences and humanities for study and research.”

Dr. J. Maria Sasitha, Head, Department of Sociology, Stella Maris College stated, “The 50th Year Celebrations sets the tone for strengthening the mission of the Department of creating socially sensitive citizens who enrich our society and world. Rich legacy, great heritage, our Sociology Department has grown from strength over 50 years enabling students to build a world that truly values nature, people, culture, diversity and the ecosystem. The Golden Jubilee year marks an important milestone that will see our Department set higher benchmarks, raising the bar by enabling newer learning methodologies demanded by the 4th Revolution.”

Dr. Sasitha further added, “This Department is one of the most promising and dynamic verticals that is a preferred choice amongst the young generation. There are a variety of career opportunities available post completion of the under-graduate study of sociology. With humble beginnings in 1947, Stella Maris has been a forerunner in delivering highest standards of education giving the students an edge. Many leading personalities from the Corporate, Social and Political are proud alumni of our College and the Sociology Department is committed to giving our country, responsible citizens and change makers with academic excellence and inclusive development.” 

Dr. R. Ravanan, Regional Joint Director of Collegiate Education, Tamil Nadu Government also graced the occasion. The two-day event is curated in a specially designed “Made in India” virtual platform that will connect our virtual participants with real time simulation enabling meeting up Leaders from the World of Sociology. Many eminent academicians will be speaking to us in the virtual mode. 

Prof. R. Indira, Department of Sociology, University of Mysore, the moderator for the first technical session, Dr. Sari Hanafi, Professor of Sociology, American University of Beirut, who will be delivering the Presidential Address, Professor Kamala Ganesh, University of Mumbai, who will give us the Keynote Address. 

Professor Sujata, JNU, Professor Harish Ramaswamy, Vice-Chancellor, Raichur University and Professor Paramjit Singh, President, Indian Sociological Society will address us during the second session of the conference.

This inauguration is the flag off for a year round celebration with Industry summits, panel discussions, career symposiums and intellectually enriched articulate events which will raise the bar and set bigger benchmarks in creating a rich value proposition. Standard operating procedures will be adhered at all times during on campus events.

Twin Celebrations at Stella Maris College of 75th Independence Day and College Birthday

Date: August 16, 2021

In the annals of the history of Stella Maris College, 15 August 2021, is particularly significant as it commences its 75 years of glorious existence together with Independent India. As a part of the jubilee festivities, this date also marks the beginning of year-long events and activities to celebrate our commitment to giving our country, women devoted to academic excellence and all-around development.

In this special occasion, women achiever, Brig. (Dr.) G. Himashree, Brigadier Medical, HeadQuarter Dakshin Bharat Area hoisted the national flag and enthused the audience about the importance of commitment towards national integration and community development to become responsible citizens. She also highlighted the need for becoming proficient, competent, working hard in academics and becoming responsible citizens who eventually touch more lives.

During these momentous twin celebrations, Dr. Sr. Rosy Joseph fmm, Principal, Stella Maris College stated, “As Stella Maris College celebrates its 75th year of academic and social empowerment of young women, we are still confronted with the challenges and difficulties brought on by the impact of Covid-19. Since then we have lived through “new normal” situations, times of extreme difficulty, hardship and suffering. But the most heartening part is that as a community, we have sought and found new opportunities to continue our work, develop our resources, especially technology, and thrive amidst the many obstacles facing us.”

Dr. Sr. Rosy further added, “I would like to make an announcement regarding some special initiatives we have lined up for the jubilee year. They are Online Certificate and Diploma Programmes from the Digital Learning and Research Centre, moving towards zero waste campus, Cloud-based ERP and Learning Management Systems (LMS), a skills-enhancement programme for self-employment through outreach programmes, and year-long programmes planned by the Departments.” 

Dr. C. Rangarajan, Former Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister | Former Governor, RBI | Chairman, Madras School of Economics, in his address stated the need for forming a strong economy and society and to promote quality higher education. He also added accessibility, quality and equality in higher education help shape good citizens.

Justice Prabha Sridevan (Retd.), Madras High Court and Former Chairperson of the IPAB in her uplifting and heartfelt address stated the importance of our country’s Preamble. Justice, equality, liberty and fraternity are the keywords used in our Preamble and as citizens, we should act in full responsibility towards the nation. She also mentioned the enablement of equality between men and women and exercising the fundamental duties as citizens of India.

Ms. Aliya Fathima Sheriff, Students’ Union 21-22 President expressed, “As a union, we have started to actively use the digital platform and are planning to conduct 75 events throughout the year to commemorate this Jubilee year. The celebrations come as a much-needed enthusiasm, positivity and hope.” 

The milestones of the College over its 75 years of existence were presented. Sr. Francoise Massy fmm, Superior General, Most Rev. George Antonysamy, Bishop of Madras - Mylapore, and Dr. Sr. Francisco Nirmala fmm, Provincial, Chennai Province felicitated the role of the institution in women education and empowerment.

To ear-mark the commencement of the 75th year, the College is releasing Postcards of the iconic structures of our campus which will be available in both black and white and colour.

The inaugural programme of the jubilee celebrations culminated with a cultural programme. 

Standard operating procedures will be adhered at all times and at all events conducted on campus.