Ethiraj College Song Lyrics [UPDATED]
Ethiraj College for Women anthem (often associated with the "Women's Anthem") is a powerful tribute to female empowerment, unity, and social justice. While the college frequently hosts musical performances—including students singing Ilaiyaraaja
hits for the maestro himself—the core college song remains a symbol of its mission: "To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield". Review: "Equality, Development, and Peace" Theme and Impact:
The lyrics focus on the transition of women from the "shadows" into "true equality". It serves as a call to action for women to build a better world where peace prevails over conflict. The refrain,
"So sing a song for women everywhere / Equality, Development and Peace,"
is particularly resonant for an institution dedicated to high-quality education and academic excellence. Key Lyrical Highlights: Empowerment:
The opening lines describe women "longing to be free" and no longer being "forced to stay behind". Social Justice:
Stanzas emphasize that "women can't be silent" when children cry or people are hurt, shifting the focus from individual growth to global responsibility. Visionary Ending:
The final verses envision a world where men "lay down their weapons" and people work collectively to "bring an end to war". The Verdict: ethiraj college song lyrics
The song is more than a traditional anthem; it is a mission statement. It perfectly mirrors the vision of the founder, Thiru V.L. Ethiraj
, by inspiring students to pursue self-directed learning and contribute to national and international goals of development. For any "Ethirajian," the lyrics represent a lifelong commitment to being "heroines and patriots". Ethiraj College |
4.1 Daily Rituals
- Morning Assembly: The anthem is sung at the start of every morning assembly, reinforcing a shared identity among students across diverse academic streams.
- Convocation & Graduation: It is performed during convocation, marking the culmination of students’ academic journeys and symbolizing the transition from learners to ambassadors of the college’s ideals.
I. Lyrics in Tamil (Original)
எதிராஜ் கல்லூரி எங்கள் பண்பாட்டுக் கேள்விக்கு என்றும் ஒளிவிளக்கு ஏற்றும் இனிய தமிழ்த் தாய் வாழ்த்து.
தெய்வத் தமிழோசை சீரும் சிறப்புமாய்ப் பாடும் திருவருள் மழை பொழியும் செந்தமிழ்க் கல்விக் கோயில்.
வித்தகன் வேதியர் தந்தை வேண்டும் வாழ்த்துக்கள் நாங்கள் விடுதலைப் பெண்கல்வி வேண்டி வந்த தொண்டர் வாழ்க.
Part 2: The Structure of the Lyrics
Most long-standing institutions have a bilingual or trilingual anthem. Ethiraj College’s primary anthem is predominantly in Tamil, with a sprinkling of Sanskrit (Mantras) and English phrases. This mix symbolizes the college’s mission: rooted in local tradition but reaching for global knowledge.
While the college maintains the official version, the widely circulated lyrics among students are as follows (Note: There are slight variations based on the decade of attendance, but this is the standard core version): Ethiraj College for Women anthem (often associated with
IV. Context & Significance
- The Founder: The lyrics reference the founder, Thiru. V. L. Ethiraj, a prominent lawyer and philanthropist. He donated his life earnings to establish the college, believing that education was the key to women's liberation and empowerment.
- The Motif: The song highlights the college as a "Temple of Learning" (Kalvi Koil) and emphasizes the importance of the Tamil language and culture ("Tamil Thai" - Mother Tamil).
- Occasions: Students stand in respect when this song is played. It serves as a reminder of the college's motto of discipline, service, and academic excellence.
Ethiraj College for Women, a landmark institution in Chennai, is defined by its spirit of service and the legacy of its founder, Shri V.L. Ethiraj. While the college anthem is often sung at formal gatherings like Graduation Day, its lyrics serve as a timeless call to empowerment and virtue. The Ethiraj College Song
The song is a tribute to the "Ethirajian" identity—celebrating the transition from students to enlightened women ready to serve society. Lyrics:
Hail! Ethiraj, our Alma Mater,To thee we lift our hearts and voices;With love and pride, we sing thy praise,In joyful strains and varied lays.
Guided by truth, inspired by love,With faith in God who reigns above,We strive to reach the heights of fame,And glorify thy noble name.
Service to all, our motto grand,We'll spread the light across the land;In virtue’s path, we’ll ever tread,By thy pure light, we shall be led.
Hail! Ethiraj, our Alma Mater,To thee we lift our hearts and voices;With love and pride, we sing thy praise,In joyful strains and varied lays. Core Themes of the Anthem
Service and Light: The anthem emphasizes the college motto, "To Strive, To Seek, To Find, and Not to Yield," translating it into a mission to "spread the light" across the country through selfless service. Morning Assembly: The anthem is sung at the
The "Alma Mater" Bond: It highlights the deep emotional connection students feel toward the institution, viewing it as a nurturing mother (Alma Mater) that provides the moral compass for their lives.
Ethical Foundation: By mentioning "virtue's path" and "truth," the song reinforces the college’s commitment to building character alongside academic excellence. Cultural Significance
For decades, this anthem has closed every major event at the Egmore campus. It serves as a unifying force for thousands of alumnae worldwide, reminding them of the inclusive and progressive education they received at one of India's premier women's colleges. L. Ethiraj or the significance of the college motto?
You're looking for the lyrics to the Ethiraj College song!
Ethiraj College, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, has a rich history and a strong alumni network. The college song is a cherished part of its tradition and heritage.
Here are the lyrics to the Ethiraj College song:
5.1 Women’s Education in Post‑Independence India
The anthem’s lyrics and performance context illustrate the broader national agenda of the 1950s–60s: to increase women’s participation in higher education. By celebrating “voice” and “march,” the song aligns the college’s micro‑mission with the macro‑goal of social emancipation.