Mahatma Gandhi University honours T Padmanabhan, MA Yusuff Ali

Kottayam: Governor P. Sathasivam awarded honorary D.Litt to writer T. Padmanabhan and NRI entrepreneur M.A. Yusuff Ali at a special convocation ceremony organised by the Mahatma Gandhi University here on Thursday.

The governor lauded the university for recognising the achievements  and contributions of the award recipients.

"The two extraordinary men being honoured today have risen from humble beginnings and employed their talents to build empires--one in literature and the other in entrepreneurship. One, with letters that immortalised the mystery and beauty of human emotions, and the other, with creative ideas that build the future of people and nations,'  Mr. Sathasivam said in his address.

Higher Education Minister K.T. Jaleel described how Mr Padmanabhan touched the lives of Keralites and paved a new path in  Malayalam literature. Mr Yusuff Ali taught Keralites how hard work and dedication were the key to success, he said. 

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Padmanabhan said he considered the degree bestowed by a university named after Mahatma Gandhi as a major honour. " All my life, I have stayed true to myself and never allowed my works to become a merchandise for sale," he said. 

Mr. Yusuff Ali said the award would be an inspiration to him. He congratulated the students of the university for the rescue and relief works carried out during the recent floods.

Vice-Chancellor  Dr Sabu Thomas presented the citations to the recipients.