MG University special convocation: Mammootty among three awarded honorary doctorates

Kottayam: Actor Mammootty, nadaswaram maestro Thiruvizha Jayashankar and vascular surgeon Dr N Radhakrishnan on Monday received their honorary doctorates during the ninth special convocation ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi (MG) University held its ninth special convocation ceremony.Governor Rajendra Arlekar, who is also the university chancellor awarded Mammootty and Jayashankar with the Doctor of Letters (D Litt), while Dr Radhakrishnan received the Doctor of Science (D Sc).Arlekar said the three recipients are people who do not view their achievements as theirs alone, but also as belonging to those around them. He added that the ceremony’s strongest message is their awareness that they reached these milestones with society’s support. Arlekar noted that he feels indebted to the trio and that it is a proud moment for the university.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.Mammootty said that although he fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming an actor 45 years ago, he is still striving to improve himself. He said cinema gave him culture, compassion and courage. He added that his father wanted him to become a doctor, but it could not happen while his father was alive. Today he is receiving his third doctorate. Though it cannot be used to treat patients, he said 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 said this is the first time in Kerala that a nadaswaram artist has received a D Litt. He dedicated the honour to his father, who was also his guru. He added that although he has received many awards, this one matters the most.In his reply speech, Dr Radhakrishnan said 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.