Kottayam: In a momentous occasion at Mahatma Gandhi (MG) University, actor Mammootty, nadaswaram maestro Thiruvizha Jayashankar, and vascular surgeon Dr N Radhakrishnan were conferred honorary doctorates during the institution's ninth special convocation ceremony held on Monday.
Honorary Degrees Conferred
Governor Rajendra Arlekar, who serves as the university chancellor, presented the Doctor of Letters (D Litt) to Mammootty and Jayashankar, while Dr Radhakrishnan was awarded the Doctor of Science (D Sc). The ceremony celebrated the exceptional contributions of these distinguished individuals in their respective fields.
Governor's Remarks
Addressing the gathering, Governor Arlekar emphasized that the three recipients do not view their achievements as solely their own, but also as belonging to the community around them. He stated that the strongest message of the ceremony is their awareness that they reached these milestones with society's support. The chancellor expressed his indebtedness to the trio and noted that it is a proud moment for the university.
Minister's Perspective
Higher education minister Roji M John, who is the university pro chancellor, remarked that these distinguished individuals remind us that true excellence emerges through relentless pursuit of knowledge and through social service. He lauded their dedication and impact on society.
Mammootty's Acceptance Speech
In his acceptance speech, Mammootty shared that although he fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming an actor 45 years ago, he is still striving to improve himself. He said that cinema gave him culture, compassion, and courage. Reflecting on his father's wish for him to become a doctor, he noted that while that could not happen during his father's lifetime, he is now receiving his third doctorate. Though it cannot be used to treat patients, he mentioned that for the past 45 years, he has been 'treating' everyone by providing entertainment, and he will continue to do so until his last breath.
Jayashankar's Dedication
Thiruvizha Jayashankar expressed that this is the first time in Kerala that a nadaswaram artist has received a D Litt. He dedicated the honor to his father, who was also his guru. He added that although he has received many awards, this one matters the most to him.
Dr Radhakrishnan's Reflection
In his reply speech, Dr Radhakrishnan said that his five decades in medicine taught him that science becomes meaningful only when it touches human lives with compassion. He added that degrees and awards may acknowledge our achievements, but the real value of knowledge lies in easing suffering, restoring dignity, and giving humanity hope.
