Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala honored legendary actor Shri. Mammootty, Nagaswaram maestro Shri. Thiruvizha Jayashankar, and eminent vascular surgeon Dr. N. Radhakrishnan with honorary doctorate at its 9th Special Convocation on May 25, 2026. Shri. Mammootty and Shri. Jayashankar received Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degrees, while Dr. Radhakrishnan was awarded a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree.
The degrees were presented by honourable Chancellor Shri. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. Speaking at the event, he noted that the three recipients viewed their achievements not as personal triumphs, but as victories shared with society. He added that he was grateful to the recipients that they accepted the offer.
Honorable Pro-chancellor Shri. Roji M. John mentioned that these distinguished personalities remind us that true excellence emerges from a continuous pursuit of knowledge and social service. The special convocation marked his first official public event after taking charge as the Minister for Higher Education.
Reflecting on his career, Shri. Mammootty mentioned that although his childhood dream of becoming an actor was fulfilled 45 years ago, his pursuit of self-improvement never stops. “My father’s wish was to make me a doctor. But I could not satisfy him when he was alive. But this is the third time I am getting a doctorate. I am not supposed to treat people. But I have been treating you for the past 45 years,” he added.
Shri. Thiruvizha Jayashankar noted in his acceptance speech that this event marks the first time in Kerala’s history that a Nagaswaram exponent has been honored with a D.Litt. He dedicated the prestigious honor to his late father, who was also his first guru. Dr. Radhakrishnan stated that science becomes truly meaningful only when it touches human lives with compassion.
The grand ceremony was led by Vice-chancellor Prof. Dr. C. T. Aravindakumar and Registrar Prof. Dr. Bismi Gopalakrishnan. The event was attended by various prominent dignitaries, including Shri. Francis George (Kottayam MP), Shri. Nattakam Suresh (Ettumanoor MLA), Shri. Chetan Kumar Meena IAS (Kottayam District Collector), Shri. O. A. Saji (Athirampuzha Grama Panchayat President),
Shri. Jim Alex (District Panchayat Member), Dr. Rosamma Soni (Block Panchayat Member), Smt. Mariamma Mathew (Athirampuzha Grama Panchayat Member). Members of the University Syndicate, Senate and academic council, faculty members, administrative staff, students, and invited guests were also present at the convocation.
