Ethiraj College Song Lyrics Jun 2026

Here are the lyrics to the official college song (often referred to as the "College Anthem" or "Motto Song") of Ethiraj College for Women , Chennai. The song is based on the college motto: "Ever To Excel" (Rev. Dr. G. U. Pope's translation of the Tamil saying "Thoonga Thamizh…" ).

Title: Ever to Excel / Ethiraj College Anthem Lyrics: In the realms of sacred knowledge, Where the lamp of truth is lit, Stands our noble Alma Mater, Ethiraj, our benefit. Chorus: Ever to Excel, Striving for the best, Seeking greater heights of knowledge, Putting every power to test. Here we learn to love our country, Here we learn to serve mankind, Here our hearts are filled with courage, Leaving narrow thoughts behind. (Chorus) Like the fragrance from the flower, Like the honey from the bee, May our lives spread joy and sweetness, From the bondage, set us free. (Chorus) When we leave these sacred portals, To the world's great battle fair, May the motto, "Ever to Excel", Guide us everywhere. (Chorus)

Note: Some versions include a stanza in Tamil before or after the English verses. The most common Tamil line recited is: "Thoonga Thamizh… Thoonga Thamizh…" (referring to the undying nature of Tamil and knowledge), but the primary official anthem is the English version above. If you need the exact sheet music or confirmation of slight variations (some alumnae sing "Ethiraj, our only benefit"), this is the widely accepted standard version used in college events and assemblies.

The Echo of Tradition: A Deep Dive into the Ethiraj College Song Lyrics For over seven decades, Ethiraj College for Women in Chennai has stood as a beacon of empowerment, discipline, and academic excellence. While the institution is renowned for its sprawling campus on Egmore’s Executive Officer’s Road and its illustrious alumnae, there is a softer, more resonant heartbeat that binds its students together across generations: the Ethiraj College song . Searching for the "Ethiraj College song lyrics" is often a pilgrimage of nostalgia for former students or a quest for freshmen eager to learn the anthem by heart. Unlike a typical pop song, the college song (often referred to as the "College Anthem" or "Prayer Song") carries the weight of history, values, and the collective spirit of "Ethirajians." In this article, we will explore not just the lyrics themselves, but the meaning behind them, the context of their origin, and why they remain a crucial part of every college assembly, cultural event, and farewell. ethiraj college song lyrics

Part 1: The Historical Context – Why a College Song? Before diving into the specific stanzas of the Ethiraj College song, it is essential to understand the era in which it was born. Ethiraj College for Women was founded in 1948 by the visionary philanthropist and lawyer, Sir V. L. Ethiraj. At a time when women's higher education was still fighting for mainstream acceptance, Sir Ethiraj donated his entire property to start this institution. The college song was conceived not merely as a ritual but as a unifying call. In the late 1940s and 50s, college anthems were designed to instill a sense of purpose. The Ethiraj College song lyrics reflect a blend of Tamil cultural pride and Universal human values .

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): The Invocation (Starting with a prayer to the Divine)

"Jaya Jaya Ethiraj, Kalaivani Kottam, Arivu Oli Malar Padhai, Penmaiyin Sangamam..." Here are the lyrics to the official college

(Translation & Meaning):

"Jaya Jaya Ethiraj" – Victory, Victory to Ethiraj. "Kalaivani Kottam" – This refers to the abode (Kottam) of Kalaivani (the Goddess of Arts and Learning, Saraswati). It establishes the college as a temple of knowledge. "Arivu Oli Malar Padhai" – The path (Padhai) where the light (Oli) of knowledge (Arivu) blossoms (Malar). "Penmaiyin Sangamam" – The confluence (Sangamam) of womanhood (Penmai).

The Core Verse (Emphasizing Discipline)

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

(Meaning):