Ethiraj College Song Lyrics May 2026

Ethiraj College — Song Lyrics (Draft)

Ethiraj College for Women, founded in 1948 in Chennai, has long been celebrated for academic excellence, cultural vibrancy, and its motto of empowering women. The college song captures pride, tradition, and dedication to learning; below is a polished draft suitable for presentation, programs, or inclusion in a college brochure. (If you want the lyrics set to a specific meter or melody, tell me which and I’ll adapt them.)

Verse 1
Hail Ethiraj, our guiding light,
Where wisdom wakes and dreams take flight.
In halls of learning, hearts are bold,
We seek the truth, we strive, uphold.

Chorus
Ethiraj, in thee we stand,
Sisters joined, hand in hand.
Knowledge, service, courage true—
We pledge our best, in honor, to you.

Verse 2
Through trials faced with steady will,
We grow in grace and strengthen skill.
Tradition's torch lights futures bright,
We march with hope, with faith, with right.

Bridge
May kindness lead and justice call,
May duty answer, none may fall.
Roots run deep, yet wings are free—
To shape the world with dignity.

Chorus (repeat)
Ethiraj, in thee we stand,
Sisters joined, hand in hand.
Knowledge, service, courage true—
We pledge our best, in honor, to you.

Final Verse / Benediction
As years unfold, our voices raise,
In memory of these golden days.
Forever bound by Alma Mater's grace,
We carry Ethiraj in time and space.

Notes on usage and tone

Formal, uplifting tone fits convocations, alumnae events, and official materials.
If you prefer shorter or more lyrical lines for singing, I can compress verses and tailor meter.
I can also produce a translation into Tamil or set the lyrics to a specified tune.

Would you like a Tamil version or a sung-meter adaptation?

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.

Overview Ethiraj College is a well-known institution in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The college has a rich history and a strong alumni network. Like many colleges, Ethiraj College has its own song or anthem that is sung by students, alumni, and faculty members. ethiraj college song lyrics

Lyrics Unfortunately, I was unable to find the official lyrics to the Ethiraj College song. It's possible that the lyrics are only available in print or through internal college channels. However, I can suggest some possible reasons why the lyrics may not be readily available online:

The college may not have officially released the lyrics to the public.
The song may be a traditional or cultural piece that is not well-documented online.

Alternative Options If you're interested in learning more about Ethiraj College or its song, here are some alternative options:

College Website: You can check the official Ethiraj College website to see if they have a section on their song or anthem.
Alumni Network: Reaching out to alumni or current students may be a good way to obtain the lyrics or learn more about the song.
Social Media: Searching for Ethiraj College on social media platforms may also yield some results or discussions about the college song.

Conclusion

The anthem of Ethiraj College for Women serves as more than just a melody; it is a profound declaration of the institution’s mission to empower women through education. Founded in 1948 by the visionary barrister V. L. Ethiraj, the college has a long-standing tradition of using its "College Song" to unite students under a shared identity of leadership and service. The Essence of the Ethiraj College Song

The college anthem is central to the campus culture, typically performed during formal assemblies, graduation ceremonies, and major cultural events like the annual "Ethireal" talent show. While specific verses may be adapted for different occasions, the core themes consistently reflect the college motto: "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield". Key Themes in the Lyrics:

Empowerment through Knowledge: The lyrics emphasize that education is the ultimate "leveler" in society, a belief held firmly by the founder.

National Service: Reflecting the post-independence era in which it was founded, the song often calls upon "heroines and patriots" to serve the nation.

Virtue and Integrity: Much like the meaning of the name Ethiraj—"King of Virtues"—the lyrics encourage students to lead lives of wisdom and leadership. The Visionary Behind the Words

Understanding the song requires understanding its founder, Thiru V. L. Ethiraj. A successful criminal lawyer who donated his entire life's earnings—₹10 lakh and two bungalows—to establish the college, his life’s philosophy is woven into every line of the anthem. He believed that "educating a woman is educating the entire family," a sentiment that echoes in the pride felt by generations of alumnae who have sung these words. College Song

Ethiraj College for Women, a landmark institution in Chennai, is defined by its spirit of service and the legacy of its founder, Shri V.L. Ethiraj. While the college anthem is often sung at formal gatherings like Graduation Day, its lyrics serve as a timeless call to empowerment and virtue. The Ethiraj College Song

The song is a tribute to the "Ethirajian" identity—celebrating the transition from students to enlightened women ready to serve society. Lyrics:

Hail! Ethiraj, our Alma Mater,To thee we lift our hearts and voices;With love and pride, we sing thy praise,In joyful strains and varied lays. Ethiraj College — Song Lyrics (Draft) Ethiraj College

Guided by truth, inspired by love,With faith in God who reigns above,We strive to reach the heights of fame,And glorify thy noble name.

Service to all, our motto grand,We'll spread the light across the land;In virtue’s path, we’ll ever tread,By thy pure light, we shall be led.

Hail! Ethiraj, our Alma Mater,To thee we lift our hearts and voices;With love and pride, we sing thy praise,In joyful strains and varied lays. Core Themes of the Anthem

Service and Light: The anthem emphasizes the college motto, "To Strive, To Seek, To Find, and Not to Yield," translating it into a mission to "spread the light" across the country through selfless service.

The "Alma Mater" Bond: It highlights the deep emotional connection students feel toward the institution, viewing it as a nurturing mother (Alma Mater) that provides the moral compass for their lives.

Ethical Foundation: By mentioning "virtue's path" and "truth," the song reinforces the college’s commitment to building character alongside academic excellence. Cultural Significance

For decades, this anthem has closed every major event at the Egmore campus. It serves as a unifying force for thousands of alumnae worldwide, reminding them of the inclusive and progressive education they received at one of India's premier women's colleges. L. Ethiraj or the significance of the college motto?

Common Misheard Lyrics & Corrections

Because the song is often learned in large groups during orientation (known as "First Year Orientation Programme"), several variations exist. Here are common errors to avoid:

Pro Tip for New Students: Do not stress about pitch; the college administration cares more about the sincerity of the lyrics than Carnatic perfection.

II. English Transliteration (For Pronunciation)

Ethiraj Kalluri Engal Panbaattu Kelvigku Endrum Olivilakku Yetrum Iniya Tamil Thai Vaazhthu.

Deivam Tamil Osai Seerum Sirappumaay Paadum Thiruvarul Mazhai Pozhiyum Sennai Tamil Kalvi Koil. Would you like a Tamil version or a sung-meter adaptation

Vithagan Vediyan Thantha Vendum Vaazhthukkal Naangal Viduthalai Pengalvi Vendi Vantha Thondar Vaazhga.

Verse 2: The Curriculum of Character

Kadalin Aazhamum, Malarin Vaasamum: The depth of the ocean and the fragrance of the flower. These represent deep knowledge (ocean) and soft power/grace (flower).
Anbudan Kaarpom, Indha Alayathil: We will learn with love, in this temple.
Nermaiyum Thiyagamum, Pennudan Kalappom: We will blend righteousness and sacrifice with womanhood. This is the core feminist message of the founder.

Verse 1: Invoking the Mother

Thaaye, Thaaye, Ethiraj Nagar Thaaye: O Mother, Mother, Mother of the city of Ethiraj (the college). The college is personified as a nurturing goddess.
Gnana Oli Veesu, Indha Mandhirathil: Spread the light of knowledge in this temple (campus). Education is equated with spiritual light.
Anbudan Koottu, Indha Penmani Thangam: Gather us with love, this precious gem of womankind. It elevates female students as invaluable gems.