Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has said that it is important for everyone to take a clear position against social evils, including dowry and drug abuse.
He was speaking at the 11th convocation ceremony of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) at Panangad here on Thursday (February 19, 2026). He praised the varsity’s decision that graduates must submit anti-dowry and anti-drug affidavits during the convocation event, said a release issued here.
The Governor noted that nearly 70% of the graduating students were women, which makes the university’s anti-dowry initiative particularly significant. He was quoted as reminding the students that education in fisheries and marine studies should not be limited to earning a degree, but should ultimately serve society and contribute meaningfully to community development, it said.
Nutrition researcher Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted was the chief guest. State Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian, Vice-Chancellor A. Biju Kumar, and Registrar K. Dinesh attended.
Published – February 19, 2026 08:14 pm IST
