THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI

• Hon’ble Minister, Delhi Government, Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa Ji,

• Chairman, Governing Body, Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney Ji,

• President, DSGMC, Sardar Harmeet Singh Kalka Ji,

• Principal, Prof. Harpreet Kaur Ji,

• Distinguished guests, faculty members, parents and dear students,

The Annual Day is an important moment, in the life of an institution. It brings together achievement, reflection, and aspiration. It is a reminder of the journey undertaken, over the past year, and also an opportunity to think, about the direction ahead. For students, it marks progress, not only in academic terms, but also in terms of personal growth, confidence, and the ability to engage, with the world.

Since its establishment, in 1967, within the Mata Sundri Gurdwara Complex, this institution has grown significantly, in both, scale and scope. From a modest beginning, to a vibrant academic community, of several thousand students, it reflects the expanding role of education, in shaping opportunity. At the same time, the emphasis here, has extended beyond academics, to include cultural engagement, social responsibility, and a growing awareness of sustainability, and global interconnectedness. 

The legacy associated with Mata Sundri Ji, provides a deeper context, to this institution. Her life represents resilience, leadership, and a sense of responsibility, during a period of transition. That legacy is particularly relevant, in a space dedicated to, the education of young women. It underlines an important idea, that leadership is not defined, by position alone, but by the ability to guide, to sustain, and to contribute, in meaningful ways. In that sense, the presence of Mata Sundari College for Women, in such a historically significant setting, is not incidental; it carries with it a certain continuity, of thought and purpose.

The motto of the college, “Truth is the highest, of all virtues, but true living, is higher still,” offers a useful perspective. It suggests that education is, not only about acquiring knowledge, but about applying it, with integrity and responsibility. In an environment where information, is widely accessible, the real distinction often lies, in judgment, in values, and in the ability to translate, knowledge into meaningful action.

There is also a personal dimension, to this occasion. My own association with Punjab, and its institutional history, has shaped my understanding of the role, that education and reform movements, have played in society.  My grandfather, Sardar Teja Singh Samundri, a fearless reformer with humanity, who championed education and gender equality, and played a key role in founding several historic institutions, including a girls’ college in Sarhali in 1917. In a different time zone my father’s leadership in area of Education, reflected similar commitment, to continuity and responsibility. 

(Mother …...) 

These historical experiences, underline a broader point, that institutions endure and evolve, when they are guided by principles, and sustained by collective effort.

For students, particularly those moving forward, in their academic journeys, this is a moment of transition. The knowledge and skills, you have developed, will now begin to find application, in wider contexts. This transition often comes, with uncertainty, but it also opens up possibilities. The choices you make, the paths you pursue, and, the values you uphold, will shape not only, your individual journeys, but also, the spaces you inhabit.

We are living in a period, where the role of women, in shaping India’s future, is expanding in meaningful ways. Education is central to this transformation, not only as a means of individual empowerment, but as a force, that strengthens families, communities, and institutions. As PM Narendra Modi Ji, has emphasized, India is moving, from women’s development, to Women led development. And that journey, begins in classrooms, like yours. For institutions such as this, the responsibility is therefore, not only, to provide knowledge, but to enable confidence, agency, and the ability to lead, in an increasingly complex, and interconnected world.

It is also important to recognize, that the idea of empowerment, has evolved over time. It is no longer limited to, access to education, but extends to participation, leadership, and the ability, to influence outcomes. Women today are entering, diverse fields, and are increasingly contributing, to how these fields are defined, and developed. This brings with it, both opportunity and responsibility,—the responsibility to expand access, to support others, and to contribute, to a more inclusive environment.

As you move ahead, it may be useful, to remain open to learning, even beyond formal education. Engage with different perspectives, approach challenges with a sense of inquiry, and be willing to adapt to changing circumstances. At the same time, remain anchored in values, that allow for both individual growth, and collective well-being.

The Annual Day, also recognizes achievement, and I would like to extend, my best wishes, to all those being awarded today. These recognitions are milestones, but they are also, starting points for further effort, and contribution.

As this institution, continues its journey, its role in shaping informed, capable, and responsible individuals, will remain significant. The students who pass, through its classrooms, will carry forward, not only academic learning, but also a sense of purpose, and engagement.

Thank you.

JAI HIND.