“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” ― Aristotle
I consider it a great honour to serve as the eleventh Principal of Jesus and Mary College, New Delhi. The institution’s legacy, the contributions of its visionary leaders, the accomplishments of its dedicated faculty members and the vibrancy of its student community have enabled the institution to build its reputation in India and beyond. Clearly, it reflects the sincere involvement and significant contribution made by each member of this institution over the last five decades.
An institution run by the Religious Sisters of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, the College upholds the values and ideals of Saint Claudine Thevenet, the foundress of the Congregation. Saint Claudine lived through the troubled times of the French Revolution and was deeply moved by the atrocities and miseries that she witnessed. Convinced that only knowledge and the love of God could transform the society, her aim was to make God known and loved through Christian education of the young, especially the poor. At this point in history when the world is battling the COVID 19 pandemic, what better way than to reflect on the life and works of the foundress, to deepen our conviction about the powerful and divine intervention of God during these difficult times. New ways of being and living are emerging and perhaps will soon be the norm. While we experience systemic changes in the approaches to education, it is our uppermost priority and responsibility to respond in an optimistic and positive manner towards making higher education more accessible and meaningful. To do this, we must accept change and provide space for growth, bring out the finest qualities and harness the talent and intellect of every student who enters the portals of this great institution.
Our methodologies, strategies, approaches and styles may be new and sometimes difficult to adapt. Nonetheless, we will move on as a team and stay committed to the cause of serving the collective needs of the college community and the society at large. These efforts should bring to fruition the College vision of transformative education, the empowerment of young women and the promotion of a more just, peace filled and humane society. We believe that it will be a new path but a focussed one as we find newer meanings in life and define our own ‘new normal’ at Jesus and Mary College.
It is my privilege and pleasure to welcome the students, staff and all others who visit this portal. The JMC website endeavours to provide a comprehensive profile of the College from the time of its inception to the present and will keep you updated and connected with us. I pray that the Almighty continues to bless this Institution and all those who are associated with it. God Bless You!
Dr. Sandra Joseph
Principal, JMC
Open Book Examination 2020
