Venkaiah Naidu calls education cornerstone of women’s empowerment at St Francis College graduation
HYDERABAD: St Francis College for Women, Begumpet, marked its 45th Graduation Day on October 11, 2025, celebrating academic achievement and women’s empowerment through education.
Venkaiah Naidu calls education key to empowerment
The morning session was attended by former Vice-President Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu as Chief Guest, and Deepali Masirkar, IPS, Director, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, as Guest of Honour. Naidu described the event as “a celebration of women’s educational empowerment”, urging students to uphold their mother tongue and combine “ancient wisdom with modern technology” to make India a global leader in education.
He commended the institution for growing from 15 students at inception to 3,495 and praised the 183 faculty and 106 non-teaching staff for their commitment. He stressed skill-based learning and international collaborations to prepare students for future challenges. “Nature and culture together will ensure your bright future,” he said.
Alumna Deepali Masirkar inspires students
Masirkar, a 2005 alumna, shared her pride in returning to her alma mater. She encouraged graduates to join public service and “walk with humility, work with excellence, and serve with love.” Offering life lessons, she told them to “love deeply, fight bravely, live fiercely, and never stop learning.”
Afternoon session highlights innovation and entrepreneurship
The afternoon session featured Prof K. Shashikanth, Controller of Examinations, Osmania University, as Chief Guest, and Rama Devi Lanka, Superintending Engineer, GHMC, as Guest of Honour. Prof Shashikanth urged students to embrace innovation and critical thinking to adapt in a changing world. Rama Devi Lanka encouraged exploration in research and new sectors like semiconductors, calling for gender parity in the workplace.
A total of 981 students received graduation certificates, and 58 gold medals were presented. Notable awardees included Umaima Aijaz (Arts), who received three gold medals, and Nampally Supriya, G. Varsha (Commerce), and B. Aswini (Science), who won four gold medals each.
Pleased to attend the 45th Convocation of St. Francis Girls’ College at Begumpet in Hyderabad, as Chief Guest. Starting from a small group of 15 girl students, the institution has scaled up to a total strength of 3495 students, 183 dedicated teaching faculty & 106 non-teaching… pic.twitter.com/Jcpco6eh7C
— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) October 11, 2025
