The 168th birth anniversary of Servant of God Mother Teresa of St. Rose of Lima and the presentation of the Mother Teresa of St. Rose of Lima Award was held at St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam. Social activist and co-founder of the NGO Prajwala, Dr. Sunitha Krishnan, was selected for this year’s Mother Teresa of St. Rose of Lima Award.
The programme began with a welcome address by Rev. C. Maji CSST, Principal of St. Antony’s High School, Kacheripady. Rev. C. Jose Lynette, Superior General of the CSST Congregation, presided over the function. The event was inaugurated by the Bishop of the Kottappuram Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Ambrose Puthenveettil, who urged students to follow the life and vision of St. Rose of Lima, especially her leadership in promoting vocational education.
Renowned Malayalam poet Prof. V. Madhusoodanan Nair delivered the keynote address. Drawing a parallel between the lives of St. Rose of Lima and Dr. Sunitha Krishnan, he described both as mothers to countless girls despite not having biological children. He remarked that Mother Teresa of St. Rose of Lima, who worked for women’s empowerment and vocational education nearly 150 years ago, could be considered a “Gen Z” woman of her time. Prof. Nair added that Dr. Sunitha Krishnan, like the Mother Teresa St. Rose of Lima, has dedicated her life—often risking her own safety—to protect and uplift women. He also recited verses from his poem “Malayile Prasangam” referring to Jesus Christ.
Rev. Sr. Shilpa CSST, Superior of St. Teresa’s Convent, introduced the award recipient. The award was presented by Provincial Superior Rev. Sr. Neelima CSST. The award comprises a cash prize of ₹25,000, a citation, and a plaque.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Sunitha Krishnan said that over the past 35 years, she has helped rescue nearly 35,000 women from sex trafficking. She noted that sex trafficking has grown into a $150 billion industry globally and revealed that she has rescued children as young as three years old from trafficking networks. Recalling her earlier visit to St. Teresa’s College in 2013, she acknowledged the support of the college’s students and faculty in the success of her women-centric film Ente (Mine). She urged society not to remain silent in the face of sexual violence, stating that silence only emboldens criminals.
Following the award ceremony, prizes were distributed to winners of various competitions in connection with founders’ day. St. Teresa’s College Principal Dr. Anu Joseph delivered the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with cultural performances by students.
