Stella Maris College

A new nation was born. A new college opened its doors. It’s no coincidence that Stella Maris College began its journey on the very day India declared its independence, August 15, 1947. Stella Maris College, a beacon of women’s education, welcomed its first 20 students. They came to study music, history, logic, and language. But more importantly, they came to find empowerment. Stella Maris College wasn’t always located at its current impressive 20-acre campus on Cathedral Road. Its humble beginnings were in Mylapore, nestled within the compound of four Eurasian schools. The college moved to its current location in 1960. The land, a gift from Portuguese businessman John De Monte, once held his villa built in 1850 for his wife and niece. Today, that very villa serves as a classroom at Stella Maris College. The original Burmese teak staircase, the Portuguese floor tiles, and the elegant French windows remain. These are whispers of the building’s rich past. The building, affectionately known as “The Cloisters,” even lends its name to the college’s address. Imagine the sisters of the mission, once 45 strong, residing within these walls. Picture the early students navigating a shallow stream to reach their classes. In a time when educating women was not widely embraced, nuns went door to door, assuring families of their daughters’ safety at Stella Maris College. Through their dedication, they enrolled those first 20 students. Today, Stella Maris College thrives with over 4,000 students pursuing more than 20 courses. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of freedom and empowerment. Stella Maris College and India, intertwined from the start, continue their journey together, shaping a brighter future for generations of women to come.