The National-level AJK Excellent Educator Awards 2026, hosted by the AJK Group of Institutions in memory of renowned scientist Dr. R.S. Lal Mohan, were presented at a grand event held at the AJKCAS campus on Saturday. Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, Space Commission, Secretary, Department of Space, and Chairman, ISRO, New Delhi, was the Chief Guest on the occasion, while Dr. Joe K. Kizhakudan, Principal Scientist and Head, CMFRI, Visakhapatnam Regional Centre, was the Guest of Honour.
Prof. Dr. Ajeet Kumar Lal Mohan, Chairman and Secretary, AJK Group of Institutions, Mrs. Bindu Ajeet, Director, AJK Group of Institutions, Dr. V. Brinda, Principal, AJK College of Nursing, and Prof. S. Raju, Principal, AJK College of Arts and Science (AJKCAS), were among those present. Dr. Narayanan in his address said he felt deeply honoured to participate in the function, which was organized in memory of Dr. R.S. Lal Mohan, a renowned nature conservationist and a passionate advocate for environmental protection. He noted with pride that he hailed from the same district of Kanyakumari as Dr. Lal Mohan and described the late conservationist as an inspiring example of how passion and commitment could make a meaningful contribution to society, irrespective of one’s chosen field. He urged students to draw inspiration from Dr. Lal Mohan’s life, work hard, and pursue their studies with dedication, emphasizing that anyone could play a significant role in nation-building if driven by genuine passion.
Appreciating the growth of the AJK Group of Institutions, Dr. Narayanan congratulated the management and faculty for the institution’s remarkable journey since its inception in 2007. He noted that achieving NAAC A+ accreditation over a span of 18 years was no small feat and reflected the collective efforts of the entire team.
Reflecting on India’s progress since Independence, Dr. Narayanan highlighted the country’s transformation from a period when nearly 97 per cent of the population lived below the poverty line to its current position as the world’s fourth-largest economy. He pointed out that India, once facing acute food shortages, had now achieved surplus food grain production and emerged as a significant exporter.
He also spoke about the remarkable improvement in literacy levels, which had risen from around 12 per cent at the time of Independence to nearly 80 per cent today, supported by the expansion of educational infrastructure across the country. The average life expectancy of Indians, he noted, had increased from 32 years to 72 years. He added that the growth of the education sector had been the result of contributions from institutions across the country, including AJK, however small each contribution might be. Explaining what drew him to the function, Dr. Narayanan said that student success depended on several factors, including the blessings of the Almighty, wholehearted support from parents, and guidance from elders and peers.
He observed with appreciation the emotional reference made by Dr. Ajeet Kumar to his parents during his address, describing it as a reflection of strong parental support behind personal and institutional growth.
Stressing the importance of discipline, Dr. Narayanan said that success in life required a combination of hard work, smart work, patience, sacrifice, consistency, self-confidence, and a positive attitude. He encouraged students to strive for excellence in their chosen fields and emphasized the need for continuous learning.
Drawing from his 42 years of experience in space research, Dr. Srinivasan spoke about the phenomenal growth of India’s space programme. Recalling key milestones, he said the Indian space programme had progressed from using bicycle-mounted rocket parts to now standing at the forefront of satellite development and space applications, serving not only national needs but also launching satellites for other countries.
In his address, Dr. Joe Kizhukudan recalled his personal association with Dr. R.S. Lal Mohan, noting that his father had been a scientist with the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), another ICAR institute, and had worked closely with Dr. Lal Mohan. He said the two scientists had sailed together on ocean research cruises, and he had heard many stories about Dr. Lal Mohan during his childhood.
Dr. Joe described Dr. Lal Mohan as a passionate conservationist and an inspiring peer leader who often stood alone in the face of challenges. He said Dr. Lal Mohan had been a protector, leader, and guide for several scientists and would continue to inspire generations to come through his work and values.
Dr. Joe said the untiring work of Dr. Lal Mohan should serve as an inspiration for everyone present to work towards noble causes that would help make the world a better place. He emphasized that this spirit of service should be nurtured from a young age.
In his presidential address, Dr. Ajeet Kumar extended a warm welcome to the gathering and said it was a privilege to host the award function in memory of his father. Dr. Ajeet Kumar acknowledged with gratitude the enduring influence of Dr. R.S. Lal Mohan and Mrs. Grace Lal Mohan, stating that their values, guidance, and encouragement had shaped his life and inspired his commitment to science, service, and education. He noted that their unwavering support formed the foundation behind many of the achievements being celebrated at the event.
He highlighted Dr. Lal Mohan’s monumental work, Diplography of the Indian Ocean, which documents over 21,000 scientific publications and continues to serve as a valuable resource for scholars across the world.
He referred to Dr. Lal Mohan as a trailblazer in marine research whose pioneering efforts earned national recognition, including the issuance of a special postage stamp in 1991.
Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. S. Raju, Principal, said the gathering had been organised in remembrance of Dr. R.S. Lal Mohan and his noble values, selfless service, and invaluable contributions to humanity. He noted that the occasion was both harmonious and meaningful, as it brought together educators and stakeholders to honour the legacy of a life dedicated to service. He said the AJK Excellent Educator Awards 2026 celebrated excellence, dedication, and the transformative power of education, while recognising the vital role played by educators in shaping society.
Another key highlight of the occasion was the release of the book titled Oceans of Knowledge – The Life and Legacy of Dr. R.S. Lal Mohan.
More than 200 awardees, including teachers, schools, and principals from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Pondicherry, received the AJK Excellent Educator Awards from Dr. V. Narayanan on the occasion.
Dr. Brinda proposed the vote of thanks.
