Palai (Kerala): President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said that education is the key to individual and collective progress and lauded Kerala's achievements in literacy and human development, attributing them to the state's deep-rooted culture of learning.

Addressing the valedictory function of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of St. Thomas College, Palai, the President said educational institutions like St. Thomas College serve as “workshops where destinies are shaped.” She commended the college for its 75-year legacy of providing quality education to rural students and for promoting holistic learning, social justice, and inclusivity.

Calling the 21st century a “knowledge century,” the President said knowledge that fuels innovation makes societies self-reliant and progressive. She noted that the power of literacy and education has enabled Kerala to emerge among the leading states on several human development indicators.

Referring to Kottayam's legacy, the President highlighted its historic role in Kerala's literacy movement, the Vaikom Satyagraha, and the contributions of reformer P.N. Panicker, whose message of “Vayichu Valaruga” (Read and Grow) continues to inspire generations.

“The light of education illuminates the path to individual and collective progress,” the President said, expressing confidence that St. Thomas College would continue to nurture quality education and contribute to building an equitable and developed India by 2047.