Indian celebs Sanju Samson, Jagadish and Mithun Ramesh honoured as Kerala college marks 75 years in Dubai

Dubai: Three generations of alumni members, including celebs, recently came together in Dubai to mark the 75th anniversary of a college in the south Indian state of Kerala.

The Platinum Jubilee celebration by the UAE-based alumni of Mar Ivanios College in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram honoured the rich legacy of their alma mater and its outstanding achievers.

The event, titled ‘ONE@75’, was organised by the UAE chapter of the Alumni Association AMICOS, drawing together former students who studied at the college over the past few decades.

Renowned names such as Indian cricketer Sanju Samson, veteran Malayalam actor Jagadish, and Dubai-based RJ and actor Mithun Ramesh were among those honoured for their achievements in their respective fields.

Sanju, who was busy scoring the highest runs for Rajasthan Royals and defeating MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) last week, could not attend the event. However, he conveyed his special thanks to the organising team via a video message that was played at the event.

The college has been integral to both his educational and personal journey, fostering his growth as a cricketer and as an individual. Sanju recalled that both he and his wife Charulatha, who was his college mate, have several sweet memories about the college and thanked everyone for their support.

Rich contributions

PV Jagadish Kumar, popularly known as Jagadish, was honoured for enriching the Malayalam cinema and television industries for five decades.

Noted poet, author and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, who retired as Kerala’s Chief Secretary, K. Jayakumar was honoured in the category of civil service and literature, while veteran novelist, short story writer, and educator Dr. George Onakkoor was honoured in the category of education and literature. Both of them have won several awards in literature, including India’s Sahitya Akademi Award.

A familiar and charismatic figure at high-profile entertainment events and community gatherings of Malayalis, particularly among Keralite expatriates, Mithun was honoured with the AMICOS Platinum Icon Award, celebrating his close bond with the community and the strong connection he has built over the years through his lively shows and warm presence.

Another winner of the Outstanding Alumni Award from the UAE was Lalu Samuel, Chairman of Industry Business Group at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Founding Committee of the Indian Business and Professional Council in Sharjah, who has called the UAE home for four decades.

The award winners recalled how the institution, known for its academic excellence and values-based education, continues to shape future leaders, true to the vision of its founder, Venerable Archbishop Mar Ivanios.

The Consul General of India in Dubai, Satish Kumar Sivan, inaugurated the celebrations and presented the awards.

Tributes to alma mater

Another highlight of the event was the release of the commemorative souvenir ‘Platinum Chronicles’, presented by Jagadish to K. Jayakumar.
Dubai-based Digital Content Producer Juidin Bernarrd, who was the editor of the souvenir, also presented a video album dedicated to his alma mater.

“It is an anthem featuring prominent students who have studied in Mar Ivanios College ever since its inception,” said Juidin, who stayed in Kerala for almost a month to produce the special video tribute.

The event also featured a musical and cultural extravaganza. The AMICOS UAE Choir, led by George Mathew Cheriyathh, performed a special tribute titled Hridhayapoorvam, blending classical Carnatic compositions with traditional dance forms.

Another prominent alumnus and playback singer Sooraj Santhosh led a memorable musical night, which was followed by a comedy show. Dozens of expat members presented other cultural performances for which they had practised over the past few weekends.

From 1974 to 2023

With around 1,000 Mar Ivanios alumni currently based in the UAE, the event was a nostalgic celebration of memories, friendships, and a shared legacy that continues to inspire generations, according to the organisers including AMICOS UAE President Adarsh Rio George, General Secretary Appu Raj, One @75  Convenor Vilphie George and Treasurer Thomas Thomas Koshy.

From a student who joined the college in 1974 to another who finished his undergraduate studies in 2023, the event saw the reunion of three generations of alumni members.

Abraham Mathew, Senior Vice Principal at The Emirates National School, Sharjah, did BSc Botany from 1974 to 1977. The senior-most alumni member of AMICOS UAE took a trip down five decades as he recollected his college days.

“I was awarded first place in a teaching competition held at the college. It was a turning point in my career prospects,” he said. “This recognition not only boosted my confidence but also inspired me to pursue teaching as a profession. Since then, I have been passionate about educating and guiding students in different countries for the last 42 years,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ron Sam Reji, an accountant who did BCom from 2020 to 2023, recalled being a member of the pandemic batch. “Since I was part of the COVID-19 batch, I could only spend approximately two years on the college campus. Still, it has been the most memorable period in my life.”

He recalled playing cricket with a coconut sheath as a bat for fun. “I am proud to say that some of the newbies who played with me and my friends developed their game and are now playing for some cricket teams. I can never forget the countless fun and the roller coaster of memories made with my hostel boys,” he reminisced.