The use of artificial intelligence should not destroy creativity. It is the creativity within us that transforms us into doing great things. Overreliance on AI will destroy creativity,” cautioned Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, while addressing the 8th Convocation Ceremony of the Central University of Kerala (CUK). The event, held in a grand manner at a specially prepared venue on the Periya campus, celebrated the academic achievements of 851 students who completed their studies in 2024.
Dr. Nair, the chief guest of the ceremony, emphasized the role of education as a path to enlightenment, urging graduates to apply their knowledge to address societal challenges effectively along with attaining financial independence and empowering themselves with knowledge. Highlighting India’s demographic strength, he noted that the youth are pivotal in realising the dream of a developed nation. Marking the occasion of International Women’s Day, Dr. Nair wished the gathering and quoted Swami Vivekananda: “No nation can prosper if it does not respect women.” He called for collective efforts to promote equality and dismantle patriarchal attitudes.
The convocation presided over by Vice Chancellor (i/c) Prof. Vincent Mathew, saw the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Registrar Dr. M. Muralidharan Nambiar, Controller of Examinations Dr. R. Jayaprakash, members of the University’s Court, Executive Council, Academic Council, and Finance Committee, as well as deans, heads of departments, faculty, students, staff, and parents. Over 1,500 people attended the event, with 664 students participating in person. The ceremony was marked by a vibrant display of traditional attire, with participants donning white garments and colourful shawls, adding a festive charm to the proceedings.
In his presidential address, Prof. Vincent Mathew shared that CUK has conferred degrees to 6,162 individuals since its inception. He highlighted the university’s progress in academics and infrastructure development. Prof. Mathew expressed optimism about the new generation’s potential to lead the country forward.
Of the 851 students honoured, the university awarded 41 bachelor’s degrees, 727 master’s degrees, 58 PhD degrees, and 25 postgraduate diplomas. Gold medals were presented to top performers across various departments, with Elfa Nasheeda (Linguistics), Aswathi A.P. (Mathematics), Anjana P.S. (Management Studies), Anila V. (Commerce and International Business), and Sagi Anugna Rao (Public Administration and Policy Studies) receiving the prestigious awards.