Six Young peasant girls in the little village of Tarbes in France were divinely inspired way back in 1843, to a life of contemplation and prayer, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes was thus born.

From contemplation to community, a process of sensitization to the needs of suffering humanity and as an answer to the call to care for the sick and the abandoned … the Sisters responded to the challenge with generosity and commitment. Education soon became another field in which they were called to serve … schools and later colleges grew out of their timeless efforts. Jyoti Nivas Degree College, established in 1966, is just one of the many renowned educational institutions that their labour of love has brought to birth growing through the years on the faith, courage and optimism of its founders.

Today the college ranks among the premier women’s institutions in the State and in the country. Affiliated to Bangalore University, it was conferred with a five-star status by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council in 1998. In 2004 it was grantedautonomous status and recognized as a College with Potential for Excellence by the University Grants Commission.

From those humble beginnings in the fields of Tarbes in France to the pinnacle of distinction in Bangalore, India, it has truly been a journey to the stars.