Governor P. Sathasivam has said that every university has to strive towards achieving excellence in everything it undertakes, including teaching, research and other innovative initiatives.
Presenting the Prathibha Awards instituted by the Kannur University to five people from different fields of society on the university campus here on Saturday, Mr. Sathasivam said the universities moulded thousands of youths into graduates and professionals. Universities should transcend classrooms and honour people outside academics. The bestowal of Prathibha Awards is a message that the Kannur University is prepared to do that, he said.
The awards were presented to author and orator Vanidas Elayavur, musician and lyricist Kaithapram Damodaran Namboodiri, social activist Fr. David Chiramel, novelist K.R. Meera and film actor Manju Warrier. Ms. Warrier’s parents received the award in her absence.
The Governor said that every university, with its academic, social and political activities, represented small sections of a pluralistic society. The university’s concept of excellence, however, is guided only by the yardstick of academic expertise. So, the university may fail to see the achievements of those outside the academic framework, he said, adding that such an approach could alienate many universities from the people. When a university recognises talented people outside the academic arena it means that it understands the pulse of society, he said.
University Vice Chancellor M.K. Abdul Khader presided over the award presenting ceremony. Pro Vice Chancellor T. Asokan and Registrar Balachandran Keezhoth were present.
