Mangalore University to confer honorary doctorates on Harekal Hajabba, Surikumeru Govinda Bhat, Ravish Padumale at 44th Convocation

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 27, 2026: Mangalore University has decided to confer honorary doctorates at its 44th annual convocation on Akshara Santa and Padma Shri awardee Harekal Hajabba, noted Yakshagana artist Surikumeru Govinda Bhat—an eminent Dashavatari performer of the Thenkuthittu tradition who recently passed away—and Daiva Nartaka Ravish Padumale, Vice-Chancellor Prof. P.L. Dharma announced at a press conference.

The convocation will be held on March 28 at 11 am at the Mangala Auditorium on the university campus, he said.

Karnataka Governor and Chancellor of the university Thawar Chand Gehlot will preside over the convocation and confer degrees on graduating students. Higher Education Minister and Pro-Chancellor Dr. M.C. Sudhakar will be present. MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta will deliver the convocation address, he added.

A total of 162 research scholars from Mangalore University—40 from the Faculty of Arts, 92 from Science and Technology, 25 from Commerce, and 5 from Education—will be awarded PhD degrees. Among them are 74 women (45.67%) and 88 men (54.32%), including 11 international students (10 men and 1 woman).

There are 56 gold medals and 57 cash prizes. Rank certificates will be awarded to 69 students (50 postgraduate and 19 undergraduate) who secured first rank among a total of 147 ranks across various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

These include 17 students from the Faculty of Arts, 40 from Science and Technology, 8 from Commerce, and 4 from Education, Prof. Dharma said.

Registrar Prof. Devendrappa, Controller of Examinations (in-charge) Ganesh Sanjeeva, and Finance Officer Panchalingaswamy were also present at the press conference.