Education key to women empowerment : Lord Paul

KOLKATA: NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul today said education plays a key role for the empowerment of women, who are facing increasing incidences of violence.

"Whatever has happened in the country during the last six months has made us hang our heads in shame. We need education to empower women," Lord Paul said while laying the foundation stone of an extension of the building of a prominent girl's college in the city.

Education, however, should not be made a business to earn money, he said.

Lord Paul along with his wife Lady Aruna Paul laid the foundation stone of the fourth floor of 101-year-old Loreto College.

"Tears came to my eyes after seeing their (school authorities) commitment for developing the girls college. I told them to start the work (for the building extension) and I will find the money," he said.

The funds have been given from Ambika Paul Foundation, built in the memory of his daughter and the extension would be known as Mary Ward.

Recalling his long association with Kolkata, Lord Paul said the city was is home as his family lived here and he married here.

Christine Coutinho, Principal of Loreto College thanked Lord Paul and said the aim was to have a green campus with a PG department.