The third anniversary celebrations of the Mahatma Gandhi University’s ‘University of the Third Age’ (MGU3A) programme will be held on May 16 at the Assembly Hall on the university campus under the title “Trithiya Vasantham.”
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. C.T. Aravindkumar will inaugurate the event. The function will be presided over by MGU3A Director Dr. Tony K. Thomas.
Prof. Dr. P.T. Baburaj, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Syndicate members Adv. Reji Zachariah and Prof. Dr. Robinet Jacob, Registrar Prof. Dr. Bismi Gopalakrishnan, MGU3A mentor Dr. C. Thomas Abraham, and Kottayam district coordinator Prof. Dr. Gracemma Jacob will address the gathering. Adv. V.R.B. Nair will deliver the welcome speech and P. Prakashan will deliver the vote of thanks.
Pulpatta Grama Panchayat in Malappuram, the first complete U3A Panchayat with a U3A Social Laboratory, will be honoured during the function. Three books authored by U3A members will also be released. More than 300 representatives from different districts are expected to participate. Cultural programmes by participants from various districts will follow the formal session.
About the University of the Third Age
The University of the Third Age is an extension programme for senior citizens launched by Mahatma Gandhi University in 2021. Operating in 95 countries worldwide, the U3A movement originated at the University of Toulouse in France. Mahatma Gandhi University is the only university in India implementing the programme.
The initiative aims at the holistic development of older adults by encouraging knowledge-sharing, social interaction, self-discovery, and meaningful community engagement. “Ageing with prosperity, living meaningfully” is its motto.
The programme is based on Theme-Centered Interaction (TCI), a developmental psychology approach adopted by Mahatma Gandhi University. The initiative received special recognition at the AIUTA Asia International Conference 2025 in Hong Kong. The Butterfly Foundation for Theme-Centered Interaction is a partner organisation of MGU3A.
Vice-chancellor Prof. Dr. C.T. Aravindkumar, Dr. Tony K. Thomas, Dr. C. Thomas Abraham, Adv. V.R.B. Nair, P. Prakashan, and D. Vishwambharan Nair attended the press conference held in connection with the event.
