September 25, 2003 will go into the history of the University of Calicut as the most remarkable day due to the presence of many personalities on the Campus. It was on this day that the special convocation to confer the honorary degree on Justice V.R Krishna Iyer, the noted Jurist and Social Activist, Mr. M.F. Husain well known artist and Prof. Arun Nigavekar, Chairman, UGC, and a reputed scientist, was held. His Excellency, the President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the chief guest of the function. His Excellency, the Governor of Kerala and Chancellor of the University, Mr. Sikandar Bakth and Minister for Education and Pro-Chancellor, Mr. Nalakath Soopy were also present. 42 doctoral candidates were awarded Ph.D. degree at the same function.

It was the first time that a convocation was held in the University of Calicut with the participation of the student community as a whole.