The Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research conducted its 16th Annual Convocation on the 23rd of December 2022, at the magnificent auditorium of the Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Enathur, Kanchipuram. The Convocation Proceedings commenced after observing a minute’s silence in homage to the Founder-Chancellor of MAHER, Thiru A.N. Radhakrishnan, who had passed away recently. Thirumathi. Gomathi Radhakrishnan, the Honorable Interim Chancellor of MAHER, presided over the 16th Convocation, declared the ceremony open, and awarded the degrees to enthusiastic graduates. 

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest Prof. Dr. D. Shantharam M.D., D.Diab., Former Vice-Chancellor of The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University. The Pro-Chancellor of MAHER, Mrs. Jayanthi Radhakrishnan warmly welcomed the gathering to the 16th Convocation and recalled that MAHER was founded in 2004, with the vision of providing affordable, relevant, contemporary and lofty education to the children and youth of this great nation and stated that MAHER has realized that dream now. 

The Annual Report of MAHER was presented by Prof Dr. R.S. Neelakandan, Vice-Chancellor. He stated that a total of 1058 candidates including undergraduates, postgraduates, and 25 Ph.D. candidates were receiving their degrees during the 16th Convocation. Elaborating on the facilities available at MAHER, the Vice Chancellor said that infrastructural facilities and laboratory equipment have been upgraded to the tune of several crores, this year. 

Introducing the Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. C. Krithika, Registrar, MAHER, hailed the immense contributions of Prof. Dr. D. Shantharam M.D., D. Diab., in the academic and research domains. In his convocation address, Prof. Dr. D. Shantharam M.D., D. Diab., commended the excellent track record of the constituent colleges of MAHER, appreciating the various awards and accreditations. He congratulated the new graduates wishing them all a service-oriented and fulfilling professional career. 

Following the presentation of the candidates of various faculties for the award of degrees, 75 meritorious candidates were awarded medals and certificates in recognition of their stupendous academic achievements. Nine of the well-renowned Alumni of MAHER were honored with Distinguished Alumni awards, in the name of Mrs. Gomathi Radhakrishnan. 

During the convocation, Dr. Bashi. V. Velayudhan was awarded the highest academic degree of MAHER, DSc Honoris Causa for his outstanding contribution to the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery field for more than 40 years. An award for Exemplary Humanitarian Service instituted in the name of Mrs. Jayanthi Radhakrishnan, Pro-Chancellor was conferred on social activist Mr. Paalam Kalyanasundharam for his selfless service to the downtrodden. 

At the conclusion of the proceedings, the Interim Chancellor declared the convocation dissolved and the ceremony ended with the National Anthem.