Bengaluru: A rare photograph from 1960 captures a moment etched in the collective memory of St Teresa’s Educational Institution in Chamarajpet — a few children gathered excitedly as the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru paused to greet them in their school in an open car. Six decades on, the institute stands on the threshold of its centenary, celebrating a legacy and an unwavering commitment to girls’ education.It completes 100 years this Dec, marking a milestone for one of the area’s most iconic educational institutions. Founded in 1925 by French sisters, it aimed to educate girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.The school was started by nuns under the Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate (SMMI), who came down from France. The sisters arrived in 1914, amid the First World War. “They spent most of the day learning customs, culture and local languages like Kannada, Tamil, and Sanskrit, and interacting with the people. Gradually, they realised education was the most important weapon to end social evils. They started educating children, women, and adults in an informal manner by gathering them under trees and in open spaces,” said Sr Prema Joseph, principal, St Teresa’s Degree College.Education started informally with one student in Tamil medium in 1919. With the gradual increase in the number of students, a school building officially named ‘Saint Teresa School’ was started in 1925. “Now, we have over 3,000 students, mostly from economically weaker sections and minorities,” Sr Prema said.“The motive is to empower women through very affordable education. Kannada medium is running free of cost. English medium charges very little fee. We have seen thousands of girls stepping out into the world, achieving great heights. This is why we continue to be popular,” she added.The school has started a branch affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations.Aparna Addanki, the alumni president, said: “The school has been the foundation upon which generations have built their lives. This is a place where values, discipline, and life skills were nurtured with care. I hope to strengthen this bond through an inclusive and vibrant alumni community that continues to uphold the spirit of our school, rooted in faith, friendship, and lifelong commitment to growth. We are proud to carry forward its legacy into the next century.”
