In connection with the Platinum Jubilee of the University of Kerala, Venu Nair has made a 30-minute documentary titled ‘The Mother University’. The documentary vividly portrays the beginnings of the University of Travancore, the pioneering contributions of Travancore kings like Swathi Thirunnal and Chithira Thirunnal. It also describes in detail the various departments of the university and their activities. It will be formally released and screened at the University Senate Hall in the first week of January 2013.
Publications Division, Manuscript Library, Department of Physical Education and Travancore University Labour Corps (the forerunner of the present NCC) were established under the university before any other university in India. The Documentary provides details on such novel ventures by the university.
The Documentary also mentions the list of celebrities honoured by the university with doctorate degrees, and also describes bodies such as the Syndicate, Academic Council and Senate.
“Compressing the glorious history of the University and its activities into a 30-minute slot was indeed a big challenge for me. I had, therefore, to select only some of the most significant aspects of the University. Yet, it is my fervent hope that a viewer will be able to get a comprehensive picture of the University of Kerala. This Documentary was made by a crew of 12 within six months. I consider it my good fortune to have got the opportunity to create,” says Venu Nair, the director.
After the formal release, the documentary will be available on the university web site.