Reported on:
2026-07-20
Farook College (Autonomous) celebrated its Convocation Ceremony 2026 on Monday at the College Convention Centre, conferring degrees, postgraduate qualifications and doctoral honours on its graduating students in a solemn and inspiring function attended by members of the college management, faculty, parents and distinguished guests.
The ceremony began with a prayer and the college song, followed by the formal proclamation of the convocation by Dr. K.A. Aysha Swapna, Principal, Farook College (Autonomous). Welcoming the gathering, she congratulated the graduates and described the convocation as a moment of celebration as well as a significant milestone marking their transition into a new phase of life. She reminded the graduates that earning a degree is not the culmination of their journey but the beginning of new opportunities in higher education, research and professional life. Urging them to uphold the values and spirit of Farook College throughout their lives, she assured them of the institution's continued prayers and support in all their future endeavours. Dr. Ali Faizal, Secretary, Farook College Managing Committee, presided over the function.
The highlight of the programme was the Convocation Address by Col. Professor (Dr.) P. Nagabhushan, who delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking speech centred on "Gandhiji's Tenets on Education." Addressing the graduates, he said that the most important quality a degree holder should possess is the ability to express oneself clearly and fearlessly. He observed that unless individuals learn to communicate their thoughts, opinions and convictions effectively, meaningful changes in society cannot occur.
Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, the Chief Guest stressed that fearless expression should never be mistaken for disrespect or insensitivity towards others. Courage, he explained, lies in expressing one's convictions with dignity, while respecting the feelings and opinions of others. Quoting Gandhi, he reminded the graduates, "A 'No' uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a 'Yes' merely uttered to please others or to avoid trouble." He urged the young graduates not to become people who agree with everything simply to satisfy those in authority, but instead to cultivate the courage to stand by truth and principles. According to him, fearlessness is the first indispensable quality required to achieve anything meaningful and lasting in life.
Speaking on the true meaning of education, Col. Nagabhushan observed that education cannot be reduced to merely passing examinations or collecting degrees. He expressed concern over the increasing examination-oriented approach adopted by many educational systems, where students focus more on memorising answers than on understanding concepts, analysing problems and developing solutions. He pointed out that teachers often become occupied with completing syllabi and institutions with producing high examination results, while genuine learning sometimes receives less attention.
Referring once again to Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, he recalled Gandhi's criticism of an education system that merely stuffs students with disconnected information. True education, he said, must bring out the best qualities hidden within every learner instead of turning them into mechanical followers of information. He expressed confidence that Farook College, with its distinguished academic legacy and NAAC A++ accreditation as well as its recognition as an Institution with Potential for Excellence, has nurtured students to think independently, understand deeply and learn meaningfully rather than rely solely on rote memorisation. He said that if the institution has been recognised for excellence, its graduates too should become "graduates with the potential for excellence."
Towards the conclusion of his address, the Chief Guest invited every graduate to take a lifelong pledge based on the word "SIMPLE," presenting it as a philosophy for life:
- S – Simplicity
- I – Intellectual Integrity
- M – Methodical Approach
- P – People-Centred Living
- L – Logical, Lawful and Lifelong Learning
- E – Empathy, Elegance and Egolessness
He urged the graduates to practice these values throughout their lives and careers, reminding them that simplicity is not weakness but the foundation of wisdom, leadership and meaningful success. Congratulating the graduates, he wished them a future filled with excellence, integrity and service to humanity.
Following the convocation address, the Chief Guest was honoured with a memento and traditional ponnada by Janab P. K. Ahamed, President, Farook College Managing Committee and Janab K. Kunhalavi, Vice President, Farook College Managing Committee. The graduates then took the Convocation Oath administered by the Principal before receiving their certificates and medals from the dignitaries on the dais.
Among those present on the dais were Janab K.V. Haseeb Ahamed (Joint Secretary), Janab N.K. Mohammed Ali (Treasurer), Adv. M. Mohamad (Manager), Janab C.P. Kunhimohammed (Member), Jb. C.A. Ummer Koya (Member), Prof. A. Kuttialikutty (RUA Secretary), Prof. Ummer C. (Dean, Self-Finance Division), Dr. A.T. Abdul Jabbar (Syndicate Member), Dr. Abdul Gafoor (PTA Secretary), and Deputy Controllers of Examinations Mr. Mohammed Ziyad P.A. and Mr. Bassam S.A.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. V. Kabeer, Controller of Examinations, followed by the formal dissolution of the convocation and the National Anthem.
