Kerala University awards honorary doctorates to K. Radhakrishnan, Sreekumaran Thampi, Madhu and PR Sreejesh
Kerala Governor Om Prakash Mathur confers honorary D. Litt. (Doctor of Letters) from the University of Kerala was conferred on poet and screenwriter Sreekumaran Thampi by the Kerala University Senate on Monday. Higher Education Minister Roji M. John and Vice-Chancellor-in-Charge Mohanan Kunnummal were also seen. | Photo credit: Jayamohan A.
Kerala University conferred honorary doctorates on former Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) chairman K. Radhakrishnan, veteran actor Madhu, acclaimed poet, lyricist and filmmaker Sreekumaran Thampi and Olympic medalist and former Indian hockey team captain PR Sreejesh at the 32nd convocation held on Monday (October 26).
Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) Honoris Causa was awarded to Mr. Thampi and Mr. Sreejesh at the ceremony. The Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) Honoris Causa was awarded in the absence of Dr. Radhakrishnan. The title will be formally conferred on the eminent space scientist by the Chancellor at the Keralam Lok Bhavan in a few days. Mr. Madhu, who was also unable to attend the function, was awarded the D.Litt. at his residence in the state capital later in the day.
Kerala Governor and University Chancellor Om Prakash Mathur, who presided over the convocation ceremony, said that the university was not just a place where degrees were awarded but an institution where knowledge was created, ideas were discussed, values were cultivated and the future of society was shaped.
He also urged universities to promote multidisciplinary research, innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthen ties with industry and society, and prepare students to become responsible citizens and sensitive human beings.
Contribution to progress
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Higher Education and University Pro-Chancellor Roji M. John said that the conferment of honorary doctorates recognized the outstanding achievements of the awardees while inspiring young students to dream big, strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to society. He also expressed pride that all the recipients were alumni of the institution, making the occasion also a celebration of the enduring legacy of the university and its contribution to the progress of Kerala.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Thampi spoke of his early ambition to pursue higher studies in Malayalam and become a college teacher and how circumstances led him to mathematics and civil engineering before devoting his life to literature and film. After completing 75 years as a poet and 60 years as a film lyricist, he said he wished to remain a curious student throughout his life.
Kerala Governor Om Prakash Mathur confers honorary D. Litt. (Doctor of Letters) degree from Kerala University upon Olympic medalist and former Indian hockey team captain PR Sreejesh at the Kerala University Senate on Monday. Higher Education Minister Roji M. John and Vice-Chancellor-in-Charge Mohanan Kunnummal are also seen. | Photo credit: Jayamohan A.
Reflecting on his 25-year hockey journey, Mr. Sreejesh said his greatest achievement was not just winning medals or awards, but never giving up despite setbacks, disappointments and tough times.
Dr. Radhakrishnan, whose message was read out at the event, recalled that his education in the state laid the foundation for his joining ISRO in 1971. Referring to the successful Mars Orbiter mission, he described it as an example of national vision, institutional heritage, teamwork and resilience. “The sky is no longer the limit, it is only our launch pad,” he said.
Mr. Madhu contrasted the honor with the effort involved in earning academic degrees during years of study and exams. “Perhaps even if all my other titles were weighed together, this title would carry the same weight,” he said.
Vice Chancellor-in-Charge Mohanan Kunnummal, Syndicate and Senate members and other officials were also present on the occasion.
Published – 26 Oct 2026 18:39 IST