Ethiraj College Song: Lyrics

Our college, our pride Our mother, our wealth Guiding us for our life For our future, the beginning

The Ethiraj College song serves as a powerful tribute to the institution’s founder, V.L. Ethiraj, and embodies the spirit of women’s empowerment and social progress. Often referred to as a "favorite song" of the founder, it carries a deep message of strength and purpose, designed to inspire students to look beyond themselves. Core Themes of the Anthem

The lyrics are anchored by the college motto: "To Strive, to Seek, to Find and not to Yield". This vision, drawn from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s Ulysses, reflects the institution's commitment to:

Empowerment: Sensitizing young women to their rights and societal roles.

Holistic Growth: Fostering independent thinking and self-confidence alongside academic excellence.

Service & Ethics: Inculcating values that encourage students to contribute to economic and social equity. Cultural Impact

As a hallmark of the Ethiraj College for Women experience, the song is central to major events like College Day and Founders’ Day. It acts as a unifying anthem for a diverse student body, which has included notable alumnae like singer Sudha Ragunathan and actress Trisha Krishnan.

The anthem is more than just a melody; it is described as a "meaningful song" with a "strong message" that challenges students to avoid "sweet sounds" that lack depth, pushing them instead toward meaningful action in the world. ethiraj college song lyrics

CONGRATULATIONS to Swetha Ramkarthik of Folsom, ... - Facebook

Finding the Ethiraj College song lyrics is easy—copy them from above. But understanding them is a rite of passage. The song is a contract between the college and the student: Ethiraj provides the Gnana Oli (light of knowledge), and the student promises to be a Penmai (woman) who radiates that light back into a dark world.

As you recite the words, remember the 17-year-old girl in 1948 who walked into that college for the first time, nervous and hopeful. She sang the same "Vetri, Vetri, Vetri." Decades later, her daughters and granddaughters continue the echo. Keep the lyrics close to your heart, and keep the victory alive.

Disclaimer: Lyrics are based on the standard version taught at Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai. Minor variations may exist based on the batch year (e.g., pre-2000 and post-2010 versions).


Do you have a different version of the lyrics? Alumni are encouraged to share their batch’s variation in the comments below to preserve the oral history.

The "Ethiraj college song lyrics" are more than a string of words or a Google search query. They are a rite of passage. For a student who joins at 17, it is a mysterious string of sounds. By the time she graduates at 20, it is a part of her DNA. By the time she turns 50 and attends her Silver Jubilee, it is a time machine.

Whether you are an alumna trying to teach the song to your children, a current student who forgot the third stanza before the annual day, or a curious musicologist studying women's education in South India, the anthem remains the same: Our college, our pride Our mother, our wealth

"Karpom, Kodai Karpom... Kaikural Karpom... Kadamai Karpom."

(We will learn, we will learn generosity... we will learn humility... we will learn responsibility.)

Long live the song. Long live Ethiraj.


Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to accurately transcribe the common interpretation of the Ethiraj College song lyrics, readers are encouraged to consult the official college handbook for the authoritative version, as minor revisions to words (e.g., replacing old Tamil with modern equivalents) occur once a decade by the academic senate.

The official Ethiraj College Song (often referred to as the College Anthem) serves as a solemn tribute to the institution's founder, Shri. V.L. Ethiraj , and the values of women's empowerment he championed. Lyrics and Significance

The song is a staple at all major institutional events, typically performed just before the National Anthem to conclude official ceremonies.

Tribute to the Founder: The lyrics center on the legacy of V.L. Ethiraj, a prominent lawyer and philanthropist. Historical accounts from the college magazine describe it as a "very meaningful song with a strong message" regarding his vision for education and social change. Do you have a different version of the lyrics

Thematic Focus: Much like the Mission of Ethiraj College , the lyrics emphasize Inclusion, Empowerment, and the Torchbearing role of women in society. It reflects the founder's belief that education is the primary tool for social restoration and democratic progress.

Musical Legacy: While the official anthem is a formal, classically-inspired piece, the college has a rich musical culture where students frequently perform contemporary works, such as the music of A.R. Rahman or Ilaiyaraaja , during cultural fests like Athena . Student Review & Experience

For many "Ethirajians," the song is more than just a melody; it is a symbol of their collective identity. A.R.Rahman - Rahmania - WordPress.com

"Thannambikkai Oliyodu, Thaniyalum Manam Ellaam,
Nermaiyin Vazhi Nindraal, Nigar Illai Ulagilae..."

(Meaning):

எங்கள் கல்லூரி எங்கள் பெருமை எங்கள் தாய் எங்கள் சொர்மை எங்கள் வாழ்விற்கு வழிகாட்டி எங்கள் எதிர்காலத்திற்கு ஆதி