Summit of the Future 2025 by Jain University draws to close with historic achievement

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The Summit of Future 2025, organised by Jain Deemed-to-Be University, has secured a place in both the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records for hosting the largest congregation of experts addressing the United Nations' sustainability goals.
R Harish, jury member of the Asia Book of Records, presented the official certificate acknowledging the record to the university. Accepting the award, Tom Joseph, Director of New Initiatives at Jain University, said that these records stand as a testament to the institution’s commitment to fostering knowledge, innovation, and sustainability.
The seven-days-long knowledge festival brought together 314 experts from diverse fields, including technology, environment, human rights, literature, politics, diplomacy, education, and sustainable development. Distinguished speakers at the summit included Dr Richard Stallman, founder of the Free Software Movement; Murali Thummarukudy, Director of the UN Coordination Office for Combating Desertification; Dr Homiyar Mobedji, Programme Director of Benetech Asia and Africa; 13-year-old environmental activist Licypriya Kangujam; Dr Pradyumna Vyas, President-designate of the World Design Organisation; International human rights advocate Apoorva Bose; Francesc Miralles, author of Ikigai; Writer and historian Manu S Pillai; Shashi Tharoor, MP and former diplomat; former diplomat Venu Rajamony; educationist and former diplomat T P Sreenivasan etc.
The summit, held at Jain University's Kochi campus in Infopark and the KINFRA International Convention Centre, featured expert-led sessions, masterclasses, and workshops. Additionally, an expo showcasing cutting-edge advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and green technology garnered widespread attention. Revolutionary innovations in these fields were also displayed, offering insights into the future of sustainable technology.
The sessions on the final day of the Summit of Future 2025 revolved around key themes of Drafting policies for a green future, Gandhian wisdom in the post-truth era, Knowledge formation from Kerala to the global stage, Understanding culture and diversity, Breaking the stereotypes in Malayalam cinema, Cultural turning point – the conflicts and confluence of tradition and modernity and people who introduced Kerala’s culinary heritage to the world etc.
Policy draft for a green future
Addressing the session, Dr D Dhanuraj, founder of the Centre for Public Research in Kochi, questioned the argument that the Kochi Metro project could be considered part of sustainable development. He raised concerns about the vast amounts of stone quarried and the lakhs of tonnes of other natural resources extracted from the Western Ghats for the metro rail project’s construction. According to him, reducing carbon emissions through electric buses would be a more effective solution.
"If electric vehicles were prioritised for public transport, we could even offer free travel. Right now, subsidies for electric cars benefit the wealthy rather than addressing broader sustainability concerns. Despite previous announcements about introducing hydrogen buses in Kerala, this promise remains unfulfilled. Globally, hydrogen-powered buses have not yet been proven sustainable," he pointed out.
Adding to the discussion, Sumitra Mahajan, Head of the Commerce and Management Department at Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth in Faridabad, emphasised the need for action over policy announcements. "There’s no point in introducing policies every year if they aren’t implemented. Companies must decide whether to use plastic or not. The real focus should be on reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of electric vehicles," she stated.

Thomas Verghese, CEO of 4Seer Technologies, highlighted India's lag in AI development compared to China. "China has been able to develop advanced AI models like DeepSeek because of its massive investment in the sector. India needs to step up its efforts in this area," he noted.
The session was moderated by Dr P Sarin, CPM leader and former Indian Audit and Accounts Officer.
Post-Truth and Gandhian Philosophy
Speaking at the session, writer and filmmaker Vinod Krishna questioned why there is hesitation in acknowledging that Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Hindutva activists.
“We openly state that Rajiv Gandhi was killed by Tamil terrorists (LTTE) and Indira Gandhi by Sikh terrorists. But why do we hesitate to say who killed Mahatma Gandhi? The gun used in his assassination has now been removed from the museum in Delhi and this is perhaps the first step in rewriting history to suggest he wasn’t shot at all. Today, history is being curated to serve narratives. For students, political awareness is crucial. You must ask yourself: Who are you living for? Society? Your family? Or just yourself? There must be clarity in that conviction,” he said.
He further noted that while Gandhi was a voracious reader, his assassin, Nathuram Godse, was also deeply immersed in books but primarily crime fiction. “What we read shapes us. Godse’s reading influenced his criminal tendencies. The values that define human goodness come from history, and it is from history that social memory is formed,” he added.

Knowledge formation: From Kerala to the global stage
A panel discussion featuring vice-chancellors from various universities on the final day of the event garnered significant attention. Participants included Prof Dr J Latha, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Kochi Jain University; Dr S Bijoy Nandan, former Vice-Chancellor of Kannur University; Dr K K Saju, Vice-Chancellor of Kannur University; and Dr K Sivaprasad, Vice-Chancellor of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University.
Speaking at the session, Dr S Bijoy Nandan emphasised the need for Kerala’s universities to introduce more value-added courses. “Universities in Kerala must continuously evolve, especially given the limited infrastructure and shortage of quality teachers in the state,” he noted.
Dr K K Saju expressed concern over the ongoing brain drain, stating that the exodus of skilled professionals is detrimental to the country's future. “What matters is whether our students are truly prepared to face life,” he pointed out.
Prof Dr J Latha highlighted Jain University’s role as a pioneer of change. “Bringing reform in government institutions and public universities is a challenge. But at Jain University, everything is different as the management embraces an open approach. This summit has unlocked immense opportunities for the future,” she said.

Dr K Sivaprasad stressed the importance of making skill development an integral part of education. “Equipping students with practical skills can transform their lives. Everyone should be mindful of the fact that If rules don’t change, they will change you,’” he remarked.
Moderating the discussion, Dr Tom Joseph, Director of New Initiatives at Kochi Jain University, underscored the urgency of revising university curricula to align with modern demands. “If we fail to implement progressive changes, our society will struggle to contribute new talent to the global stage,” he warned.
Breaking stereotypes in Malayalam cinema
Actor Pooja Mohanraj highlighted a significant shift in the Malayalam film industry with the practice of relegating married female actors to motherly roles is fading away. "Today, women are making strong comebacks after marriage and motherhood, taking on powerful characters," she said, citing Jyothirmayi’s return to cinema as a prime example.
“I was born and raised at a time when the personal lives of actors were scrutinised intensely. Marriage often marked the end of a female actor’s career, and if they did return, they were mostly cast as mothers. That paradigm has changed. Now, actresses are re-entering the industry after marriage and parenting with roles that carry depth and significance,” Pooja remarked.
Meanwhile, filmmaker and actor Sudip Joshy Mathew noted that while breaking stereotypes is important, certain established paradigms serve a purpose. “Just like body shaming, even ridiculing someone under the guise of positivity can be problematic. Take the term musclealiyan (muscleman), for instance. It implies that a person has only physical strength but lacks intelligence or skill. This, too, is a form of belittling through language and perception,” he pointed out.
Director and lyricist Amal Noushad observed that the Malayalam film industry actively challenges conventions. "Actors who play lead roles here also take on anti-hero characters. Mammootty’s portrayal of a dark role in Bramayugam is something no leading Tamil star would likely attempt," he said.
Actor Jojo Jose expressed optimism about Malayalam cinema’s trajectory, predicting that it is on a growth path poised to reach global standards by 2050. Adding to the discussion, acclaimed cinematographer Vinod Illampally praised Kunchacko Boban as the actor who has shattered stereotypes in the industry. "From his early days as a ‘chocolate hero’ to his transformation in Enna Thaan Case Kodu, Kunchacko has redefined his career," he remarked.
Cultural turning point: The conflict and confluence of tradition and modernity
Writer Annie Vallikappen reflected on how writing became a journey of self-discovery for her, describing it as the best medicine for mental well-being. The author of Kavalkkari and Neerdinte Pusthakangal, she credited her initiation into the world of literature to her role as the keeper of her grandfather’s library.
Annie's move to Melbourne for higher studies also played a pivotal role in shaping her as a writer. "When asked what I wanted to be, I wanted to break free from clichéd answers and stated, for the first time, that I wanted to be a writer," she recalled. She also shared a poignant memory of writing her first book by candlelight.
Born in Palakkad, writer Anju Sajith has had a deep connection with Tamil culture since childhood. She shared that Tamil Nadu has significantly influenced her life and that the rich experiences she gained from its culture were further enriched through extensive travels. This, she explained, is why Tamil cultural elements are more prominently reflected in her writings. Anju was responding to a question about the influence of Tamil culture on her literary works.
Tulu Rose Tony shared that she turned to writing as a way to stay silent during the petty arguments she had with her husband. Initially keeping her thoughts confined to personal diary entries, she soon found a growing readership drawn to her humorous style. Realising that people preferred light-hearted, witty narratives over conventional storytelling, she began sharing her writings on social media. At the heart of Tulu’s work are childhood experiences, narrated with a distinct touch of humour.
Mary Sara, author of Gypsy’s Run on Wednesday and Vodka Sambar, reflected on how every person encountered during travel becomes an experience in itself. She emphasised that each writer has their own unique voice, and that individuality is their true freedom.
Experts who elevated Kerala’s culinary traditions globally
Speaking at the session, culinary expert Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri reflected on how chefs in Kerala were once a sidelined community, only gaining recognition in recent decades. "Until the 1990s, chefs were often kept at a distance by society. Many wore soiled attire and frequently consumed paan," he noted. "But today, you won’t see a chef without a pristine white uniform." He also emphasised that food should be served with the same purity and care as medicine, nourishing both body and soul.
Culinary expert Abida Rasheeda shared that her passion for cooking began in childhood, though few at the time considered it a professional path. "While others pursued careers as doctors, engineers, and teachers, I found myself drawn to cooking," she said. Entering the profession with no prior connection to the digital world, she relied on the unique culinary traditions of her Tharavad (ancestral home). "The combinations of flavours in my family’s kitchen were always distinct. When it comes to cooking, ingredients are everything. Even a slight variation can completely change the final dish. It's not just about innate talent or 'kaipunyam'; keen observation is just as crucial."

On the final day of the Summit of the Future 2025, four bands took the stage to deliver an electrifying musical night in Kochi. The evening kicked off with a performance by DJ James Band, followed by dynamic sets from DJ Arez, DJ Zephyrtone, and Tong Wang, setting the perfect finale to the week-long event.
The summit, which set a record for hosting the highest number of experts under one roof, also stood out for its massive public participation. Over one lakh people attended the seven-days long event, making it a landmark gathering in both scale and impact.