CHENNAI, June 2026:
Twenty-two Class X and Class XII toppers from schools across North Chennai were felicitated by Chevalier T. Thomas Elizabeth College for Women, Perambur, at a special School Toppers Felicitation Programme held on the college campus.

The programme brought together students, parents, teachers and educational leaders to celebrate academic excellence and encourage young learners to pursue higher education, lifelong learning and personal development.
Addressing the gathering, Dr S. Sridevi, Principal of the College, congratulated the students and their families on their achievements. She observed that academic success is built upon discipline, perseverance and family support, and encouraged students to view education as a lifelong pursuit rather than merely a means of obtaining examination results.
Highlighting the importance of reading, Dr Sridevi urged students to cultivate a daily reading habit. She noted that reading enhances critical thinking, creativity, communication skills and intellectual growth. She also encouraged students to make effective use of digital learning resources and online libraries, pointing out that platforms such as Project Gutenberg provide free access to more than 75,000 books.
The Principal stressed the importance of responsible digital citizenship and advised students to use social media constructively for learning, networking and professional development. Referring to platforms such as LinkedIn, she noted that a positive digital presence could open pathways to educational and career opportunities.
She further observed that employers increasingly value qualities such as communication skills, adaptability, integrity, emotional intelligence and a willingness to learn alongside academic qualifications. Students were encouraged to embrace emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), as tools for learning and innovation.
The chief guest, Mr Cholai Tamileniyan, Editor of Ilakkiyacholai, delivered an inspiring address on the transformative power of reading. He encouraged students to develop intellectual curiosity, respect their parents and teachers, and pursue higher education with confidence and determination.
Emphasising Chennai’s rich library culture, he urged students to visit libraries regularly and engage with literature, current affairs and scholarly works. He also encouraged them to use social media wisely and to contribute positively to the future development of North Chennai.
A special moment during the programme was the recognition of the two highest-scoring Plus Two students, Harini R. of Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Erukkanchery, and Aishwarya Letchumi P. of Kaligi Ranganathan Montford Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Perambur. They were presented with copies of North Chennai, a publication of the College documenting the educational history and heritage of the region.
All the participating toppers received Certificates of Merit, a cash award of ₹1,000 and books published by Cholai Pathipagam in recognition of their academic achievements.
Dr Sudha Srikanth, Placement Director of the College, addressed the students on preparing for future careers and personal success. She emphasised the importance of character, resilience, curiosity and adaptability, and encouraged students to cultivate leadership qualities, communication skills and technological awareness.
The programme also featured a motivational session by Mrs Alima Zehera, Head of the Department of Psychology. She spoke on personal growth, mental well-being and lifelong learning, encouraging students to seek mentorship, set meaningful goals and continuously upgrade their skills through platforms such as NPTEL, SWAYAM, Skill India and Coursera.
Mrs Zehera also highlighted the importance of maintaining positive relationships, avoiding unhealthy influences and developing confidence in one’s unique abilities. Drawing on Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, she reminded students that success takes many forms and that each individual possesses distinct strengths and talents.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks. Parents and students expressed their appreciation to the College for recognising academic excellence while also providing valuable guidance on higher education, employability, personal development and responsible citizenship.
Honoured School Toppers
The following students were felicitated for their outstanding performance in the 2026 Public Examinations:
Class X
• Pooja S – St. Mary’s Matriculation Girls Higher Secondary School, Perambur – 491/500
• Thilaga K – St. Mary’s Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Redhills – 483/500
• Sanjana K – St. Mary’s Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Redhills – 483/500
• Thasbeeha Thahaseen M – Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Erukkanchery – 488/500
• Jayasri K.M – KRM Public School, Villivakkam – 442/500
• Samra T – VOC Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Vyasarpadi – 491/500
• Yasana J – Railway Bala Bhavan Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Ayanavaram – 483/500
• M. Bhavi – Guru Shree Shantivijai Jain Vidyalaya, Vepery – 471/500
• P. Neha – Guru Shree Shantivijai Jain Vidyalaya, Vepery – 471/500
• Aarthi A – Lourdes Girls Higher Secondary School, Perambur – 487/500
• Mythily R – Princess Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Pulianthope – 479/500
• Prabha A – Kaligi Ranganathan Montford Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Perambur – 486/500
Class XII
• Akshayaa P – St. Mary’s Matriculation Girls Higher Secondary School, Perambur – 586/600
• Teena J – St. Mary’s Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Redhills – 562/600
• Harini R – Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Erukkanchery – 587/600
• Geeva Bhasrini P.A.S – KRM Public School, Villivakkam – 437/600
• Sweatha A – VOC Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Vyasarpadi – 562/600
• G. Kavya – Padma Prakaash Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Kodungaiyur – 565/600
• Janani V – Lourdes Girls Higher Secondary School, Perambur – 582/600
• Afreen A – Princess Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Pulianthope – 571/600
• Aishwarya Letchumi P – Kaligi Ranganathan Montford Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Perambur – 587/600
• Dharsvini V – Chennai Girls Higher Secondary School – 586/600
Expressnews


