The Calicut University Syndicate has decided to posthumously award a PhD to a research student who died during childbirth. Ann Riya, daughter of the late Priya Rajan and a UKG student, will attend the university and receive her mother's PhD degree. Higher Education Minister R Bindu informed this through Facebook. The minister also noted how emotional the moment her daughter receives her graduation will be.

Priya Rajan was a research student in the Department of Zoology at Iringalakuda Christ College. Dr. Priya's research was from August 22, 2011 to August 21, 2017 under Balu T. Kuzhiveli. Her thesis was submitted to the University on 28 April 2018. The Syndicate which met on July 21 of the same year approved the thesis. Before receiving her doctorate, Priya died during a cesarean in August.

Even in the absence of the researcher, the Syndicate accepted the application made by Dr. Balu T. Kuzhiveli to grant doctorate for the thesis. The decision was taken by the Syndicate on the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor on the application to override the written and oral examination. Priya was the daughter of AT Rajan and Mercy of Alakappally in Chembookavu in Thrissur. She is the wife of Pius Paul.

The minister's note also says that the fact that her daughter Ann Riya is going to receive the long-time dream of a researcher mother will surely be a cherished memory for each of us forever. "Let's salute Priya for her efforts and brilliant achievement in her absence. The Calicut University Syndicate should be congratulated for taking the appropriate decision", Bindu wrote on Facebook.