Providence

springfield - coonoor - nilgiris - Tamil Nadu

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THE ORIGIN OF PROVIDENCE COLLEGE COMMUNITY

Community Sisters - 2025

The establishment of a College in Springfield was a long-cherished dream of the local inhabitants and the Sisters of Coonoor. After several attempts to find a suitable site, the Sisters chanced upon Springfield — the summerhouse of the Maharaja of Cochin, Kerala. The site spanned 21 acres: 8 acres of residential land, about 2 acres of eucalyptus groves, and 11 acres of tea estates. Springfield takes its name from the many lovely springs flowing down the hill. It offers a pleasant drive, with beautiful trees, flowers, and valleys, filling one with the warmth and healing effect of nature. As one enters, vibrant flowers in full bloom and a panoramic view of the estate greet the eyes.

Among the birds and flowers of Providence, a community found its home. Situated 6 km away from Coonoor, on the Coonoor-Kotagiri Road in the taluk of Coonoor, the Providence College Community was established on 1st June 1966. Sisters Emilia D’Mello, Monica Varghese, and Valerie Dias were the pioneers, nurtured by the generosity of the members of St. Joseph’s Convent, Coonoor. The community belongs to the parish of St. Joseph Church, Alwarpet, in the Diocese of Ooty.

Providence College Community has been known for its simplicity and hospitality over the years. The Sisters living there today aspire to uphold these traditions, individually and as a community.

The Sisters actively participate in pastoral and parish activities. The Community Chapel serves the people from Adar Estate, Bandishola, and Bellatimattam for Mass. They visit homes in Bandishola on Thursdays, Adar Estate on Saturdays, and other substations on feast days. Catechism classes are taught every Sunday, and Sisters are deeply involved in all parish activities. Once a month, they visit various parishes to promote vocations.

Lay Associates collaborate with the Sisters in all ministries. They teach catechism in the College and their parishes, gather weekly for prayer, visit the home for the aged monthly, and attend an annual retreat. They also accompany Sisters for vocation recruitment. The Foundation Day, Christmas, and St. Joseph’s Feast are celebrated along with the Lay Associates. During Advent and Lent, a day of recollection is organized.

PROVIDENCE COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, COONOOR

Providence College for Women is a brainchild of Mother Marie Therese. It is a grant-in-aid and self-financing institute affiliated with Bharathiar University, Coimbatore. Established and founded by the socially conscious Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes, it is a Catholic minority institution registered under the Nilgiris St. Joseph’s Sisters Society. The College aims to provide higher education to women in Nilgiris, primarily first-generation learners, many of whom could not travel outside the district.

The College at Springfield was inaugurated on 1st June 1966 and rightly called ‘Providence College’ — a gift from Providence and a child of St. Joseph’s Convent, Coonoor. Its green, serene, and eco-friendly campus fosters a peaceful teaching-learning atmosphere.

Since its inception, Providence College, recognized under Section 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act 1956, has been dedicated to providing quality education, especially to students from rural and tribal backgrounds.

Ms. Padmini Adiseshiah was the first Principal. Since there were no Sisters available to lead initially, Sr. Fabiana, a Holy Cross Sister, succeeded her after three years. In 1973, Sr. Margaret Mary Pereira became the first SJT Sister Principal, giving the College its strong SJT orientation.

The motto of the Institution, “Faith is the Sun of Life,” reflects the belief that faith in God can make the impossible possible. The emblem — a lily lamp, a treble clef musical note, and hidden initials “PC” — symbolize light, beauty, inspiration, and the heartbeat of Providence College.

The College celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1991 and its Golden Jubilee in 2016. The spirit of simplicity and a warm welcome continues to characterize the campus life.

VISION AND MISSION

Vision, Mission & Objectives - SISTERS OF ST JOSEPH OF TARBES

Providence College is committed to serving the immediate neighborhood, ensuring all children have access to quality education. It is the first Institution in the Nilgiris District to be conferred Autonomous Status for 10 years, from the academic year 2021 to 2031.

The College has successfully undergone four NAAC accreditation cycles, securing an ‘A’ grade (score 3.15) in the latest cycle.

It currently offers:

  • 8 Undergraduate
  • 7 Postgraduate
  • 7 M.Phil
  • 6 Ph.D.
  • 5 Certificate programs

The Institution follows the Choice Based Credit System and Outcome-Based Education frameworks, promoting experiential learning through projects, industrial visits, field trips, and practical classes. The well-stocked library supports holistic academic growth.

Moral guidance classes are a unique feature, helping students develop strong values and confidence to meet global challenges. Co-curricular activities such as NSS, NCC, Peace Club, and Youth Red Cross nurture social consciousness and leadership among students.

PROVIDENCE COLLEGE HOSTEL

The Hostel was started in 1967 to meet the needs of students from various regions — Tellicherry, Trivandrum, Kottayam, Kannur, Ernakulam, Sulthan Bathery, Trichy, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Erode, and interior Nilgiris villages.

Students from countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Thailand have also proudly called this Hill Station their second home.

The Hostel fosters the ideals of the College, creating “A Home away from Home,” helping students grow into mature, responsible individuals with a deep appreciation for human values.

Mission:

To form mature, responsible, and courageous young women who will transform society.

Objectives:

  • Seek divine assistance always.
  • Live simple, joyful values.
  • Develop holistic life skills.
  • Awaken enthusiasm, hope, and determination.
  • Strengthen interpersonal relationships.
  • Build self-confidence to achieve goals.
  • Foster eco-friendly living.

Activities:

  • Election of leaders
  • Fresher’s Day and Farewell
  • Festival Celebrations (Deepavali, Pongal, Christmas)
  • Competitions
  • Visits to homes for the aged
  • Coaching classes for neighboring students (Maths and English)
  • Prayer services for Christian students (Wednesdays and Sundays)
  • Special guest sessions on personality development and stress management