Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Nagapattinam, celebrated the 77 th Republic Day with the unfurling of our National flag by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Dr. N. Felix. The tricolor was unfurled at TNJFU Administrative building, Vettar River View Campus, Nagapattinam with ceremonial events on 26 th January 2026. The students of the College of Fisheries Engineering performed the cultural events like Classical dance, mimes, speech and group dance and this enhanced the patriotisms among the participants. The
best performance of the staff was recognized and the award certificates were distributed for different categories. The Best Researcher Award (1) – Best Extension Worker Award (1), Best Faculty Award -Research Projects (1), Best Faculty Award -Research Publication (2), Best Faculty Award-Technologies (1), Best Faculty Award- Patents (2), Best Faculty Award – University Services (4),
Best Faculty Award – Research Supervisor (2), Best Research Student Award (3), Best Student Award – Outstanding Performance in All India Level Entrance Exam (1) and Best Workers Award (5).
The Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor delivered the Republic Day Address.
Republic Day Address by Dr.N.Felix, Vice-Chancellor, TNJFU
Good morning to one and all.
I wish you all a very happy 77 th Republic Day. As we celebrate the Republic of India, let us reiterate our commitment to the principles of the Constitution and salute Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of our Constitution, for giving us a strong and visionary constitutional framework. Our students beautifully expressed their patriotism through stage performances such as speeches, dances, and dramas. I congratulate all the students who showcased their love for the nation through these inspiring performances.
My hearty congratulations and compliments to all the faculty members and non- teaching staff who won awards today. Your dedication and hard work bring pride to our institution.
It is a moment of great pride that former Vice-Chancellor of TNAU, Dr.K.Ramasamy, and former Professor of TANUVAS, Dr.N.Punniamoorthy, have been conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award. We congratulate them on this remarkable national recognition.
This year, we also celebrate 150 years of “Vande Mataram.” Today is a day to remember Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, who wrote this patriotic national song in 1875 to inspire the freedom struggle against British rule.
Out of 195 countries in the world, India is now the fourth-largest economy and is expected to become the third-largest economy by 2027.
Economic data clearly shows that India is progressing steadily, with rapid developments in science and technology.
India has emerged as a startup nation, with more than 100 unicorns, and the widespread use of UPI reflects the digital empowerment of the common man.
In global research, we are competing with China. Recently, China has surpassed the USA to become a global research leader.
Eight Chinese institutions are now in the global top ten, whereas in the early 2000s, only one Chinese institution featured even in the top 25.
This progress is driven by higher international publications and citations.
To strengthen our research ecosystem, we have instituted more awards, particularly for research excellence, with the goal of placing our university among the top ten. Faculty members are encouraged to invest more time in innovative and impactful research.
For example, boneless fish, developed in China, is a revolutionary innovation.
Many people avoid consuming freshwater fish due to tiny bones, and such innovations directly address real-world problems. I would like to share two important messages for students, which are equally applicable to all of us.
First, technology and knowledge are changing faster than ever. This is an era of rapid transformation. Students must develop the ability to adapt, unlearn, and relearn continuously.
Second, students should avoid excessive screen time. Excessive screen usage reduces attention span, concentration, and physical activity. Frequent screen use trains the brain to constantly shift attention, making it difficult to read even a single page without checking the phone. It leads to superficial thinking, overloads working memory, and reduces deep and
analytical thinking. It also increases impatience.
Screens provide repeated dopamine hits. Dopamine is a “feel-good” hormone released when we engage in pleasurable activities, making us seek more of the same stimulation—similar to an addiction. That is why countries like Denmark are reintroducing books and limiting classroom screen use to rebuild attention span and promote deep learning.
Let us take a pledge today to bring our university to top rankings, promote innovative research, strengthen our ability to adapt to change, and consciously reduce excessive screen time.
Dr. P. Chidambaram, Registrar, TNJFU, welcomed the gathering and Dr. N. Manimehalai, Dean i/c, College of Fisheries Engineering, Nagapattinam proposed a vote of thanks. All University Officers, Teaching faculty, non-teaching staff, contractual staff and students attended the programme.
