When one thinks of leading educational institutions for women in Chennai, Ethiraj College is certainly among those at the top of the list. This assessment would indeed make its founder very proud. Eminent barrister V.L. Ethiraj was convinced of the need to educate women and gave his life's earnings for the cause. He donated Rs.10 lakh (a stupendous amount at that time) and the title deeds of two bungalows on Whites Road. The college was started in 1948 with 169 students for the then Intermediate course (a two-year stint of study between today's X standard and degree courses) and B.A. Economics and moved to its present campus in 1951.

The initial years witnessed the start of many undergraduate programmes in Botany, Chemistry, Zoology, History and English. The accompanying infrastructure requirements were fulfilled simultaneously. Between 1968-78, the college grew in all directions with the introduction of many B.A. courses and a few at the PG level as well. A significant development in the next phase 1978-88 was the thrust on research. The faculty members took to research and the introduction of M. Phil and Ph.D. programmes followed suit.

The present decade saw it rise to the very top, with the introduction of a variety of job-oriented self-financing courses like the BBM, BBA, Biochemistry and Microbiology. Today, the institution has nearly 5000 students (3000 in day college and 2000 in evening college), with extensive buildings to house its various faculties.

Here is a list of the courses being offered at the graduate level at both UG and PG levels:

Next week: An interview with the Principal of Ethiraj College, Ms. Indrani Sridharan. 

Alaphia Zoyab

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