Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is handing over a degree in the convocation held at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: A. SHAIKMOHIDEEN
Students should treat today’s highly uncertain job market as an unprecedented opportunity by acquiring knowledge in emerging technologies through an interdisciplinary approach, B. Madhusoodhana Kurup, Founding Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, said at the 33rd convocation of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University on Tuesday.Delivering theconvocation address, Mr. Madhusoodhana Kurup said emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, rapid technological shifts, global interconnectedness and profound environmental challenges had made future unpredictable. While the jobs of yesterday were disappearing, jobs of tomorrow had not yet been invented.Traditional boundaries of knowledge were dissolving rapidly, and new frontiers were emerging at a fast pace, he said. Universities should therefore evolve from repositories of information into dynamic ecosystems of discovery, innovation and societal transformation.The student community should deem it an opportunity by acquiring and creating knowledge through an interdisciplinary approach. They should question, innovate and shape ideas, while ensuring that innovations transform the lives of people in remote villages, he noted.Mr. Madhusoodhana Kurup appealed to students to remain lifelong learners, solve real-world problems, align success with the greater good, and protect and preserve what sustains society. He also called upon them to harness ocean energy without harming marine ecosystems, develop climate-resilient mariculture and fisheries, use marine biotechnology for food security and new medicines, and strengthen the coastal economy without compromising ecological stability.Mr. Madhusoodhana Kurup observed that every official function in Tamil Nadu would begin with ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ song. “Standing in the university named after the creator of this song, P. Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai, is a humbling experience,” he noted.However, ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ was pushed to the third spot in the convocation.Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar urged students not to wait for the government to create opportunities but to decide how their knowledge and skills could contribute to building a developed India by 2047. He said students should shape their own future and expressed a desire to return to the university to interact with them and understand their aspirations.Praising the medallists and Ph.D. scholars, the Governor said their achievements stood in contrast to recent incidents at Jantar Mantar, without elaborating further.Vice-Chancellor N. Chandrasekar, Registrar (in-charge) Annadurai and Controller of Examinations Balasubramanian were present.Minister for Higher Education and Pro-Chancellor P. Viswanathan did not attend the function. A senior Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam office-bearer said the Minister stayed away as the university had decided to follow the Governor’s Office protocol of playing ‘Vande Mataram’ and the National Anthem ahead of ‘Thamizh Thaai Vaazhthu’ at the convocation.Though TVK has three MLAs from Tirunelveli district, none of them attended the convocation. Published - July 28, 2026 07:46 pm IST
