The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Bicentenary Celebrations of CMS College and laid the Foundation Stone of its Bicentenary Block today(February 26, 2016) at Kottayam, Kerala.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said CMS College has been the source of strong currents of knowledge and critical inquiry that have moulded the scholastic and socio-cultural landscape of Kerala as well as propelled the State to the forefront of social development. Over the years, it has attracted distinguished faculty, with unswerving commitment to their profession. Its students have at the same time distinguished themselves in various fields, achieving distinction in academics as well as cultural and sports activities. The history and achievements of the CMS College are a matter of legitimate pride for not only its students, faculty and administrators but also the entire State of Kerala.There is however little room for complacency. Higher education is the key to making available a large pool of skilled manpower essential for our economic development.

The President said Kerala has been a pioneer and a path-breaker in many fields. Universal literacy and total primary education has been achieved.Its success in the field of literacy and school education has, however, not been matched by its achievements in higher education.The time has now come for the State to show its mettle by becoming a world leader in this field.

The President said our education system has to be geared up in terms of both quantity and quality. The demands of higher education in our country can be met only if private sector participates equally with the public sector institutions. The private sector has played a key role in higher education in many countries. Top international universities including Harvard, Yale and Stanford are the result of private sector efforts.If India has to be one of the front ranking nations in the world, the way ahead is only through a robust education system. Our educational institutions must be at the cutting edge in research, innovation and technological developments.

This release issued at1600 hrs.