Mahatma Gandhi University confers honorary doctorate on Mammootty

Actor Mammootty, Nadaswaram maestro Thiruvizha Jayashankar and vascular surgeon Dr. N. Radhakrishnan were conferred honorary doctorates by Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, on Monday.

While Mr. Mammootty and Mr. Jayashankar were awarded the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt), Dr. Radhakrishnan received the Doctor of Science (D.Sc) degree. Presenting the honours, Kerala Governor and University Chancellor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said the three recipients were individuals who do not confine their achievements to themselves but view them as contributions shared with society.

University Pro-Chancellor Roji M. John attended the ceremony in his first official engagement after assuming charge as Higher Education Minister.

In his address, Mr. Mammootty said that although his childhood dream of becoming an actor was fulfilled 45 years ago, he continues to strive for self-improvement. “Today I am receiving my third doctorate. While I may not be able to treat people medically, I have been entertaining and ‘healing’ you all for the past 45 years. I will continue to do so until my last breath,” he said.

Mr. Jayashankar noted that this is the first time in Kerala that a Nadaswaram maestro has been awarded a D.Litt, and dedicated the honour to his father, who was also his guru. Receiving the award, Dr. Radhakrishnan said science becomes meaningful only when it touches human lives with compassion.

MGU Vice-Chancellor C.T. Aravindakumar and Registrar Bismi Gopalakrishnan led the ceremony.