Harvard University’s commencement ceremony on Thursday became a powerful assertion of the institution’s commitment to academic freedom and global inclusiveness, as it grapples with intensifying pressure from the Trump administration.

Indian-American physician and author Dr Abraham Verghese, whose ancestral roots trace back to Kerala, delivered a stirring keynote address, describing himself as “a medieval messenger slipping into a besieged community.”

His remarks came as the Ivy League university navigates a series of punitive measures by the Trump administration, including the cancellation of over $2.6 billion in research funding, suspension of visa interviews for international students, and threats to its tax-exempt status. On Wednesday, President Trump demanded that Harvard cut its international student intake from 25% to 15% and directed federal agencies to scrap an additional $100 million in contracts with the university.

Despite these challenges, Harvard, armed with a $53 billion endowment, is fighting back. The university has filed a lawsuit against the funding freeze and, even as the graduation ceremony took place, appeared before a federal court in Boston seeking approval to maintain international enrolments.

‘Perhaps it’s fitting you hear from an immigrant like me’

Dr Verghese, a professor of medicine at Stanford University specialising in infectious diseases, reflected on his journey as the child of Indian immigrants and drew attention to the enduring values of resilience, diversity, and truth.

“No recent events can diminish what each of you have accomplished here,” he told graduates. While he initially questioned whether he was the right choice to deliver the commencement speech, the recent developments, particularly affecting international students, altered his view. “Perhaps it’s fitting that you hear from an immigrant like me,” he said.

Born in Ethiopia during imperial rule, Dr Verghese shared personal experiences of surviving a military regime and the trauma of seeing a classmate abducted and tortured. These episodes, he noted, shaped his belief in democracy and human dignity.

He added, “The greatness of America, the greatness of Harvard is reflected in the fact that someone like me could be invited to speak to you.”

Praise for Harvard’s principled stance

Dr Verghese lauded Harvard for remaining steadfast during politically turbulent times. “More people than you realise are grateful to Harvard. For the example it has set by your willingness to look inward to make painful and necessary changes. But then ultimately, by your clarity in affirming and courageously defending the essential values of this university and indeed of this nation,” he said.

He further remarked, “Harvard has been visible in taking decisions that are worthy of your university’s heritage and ones that will shape the institution’s character.”

In his closing, Dr Verghese urged the graduating class to uphold their principles when tested: “Graduates, the decisions you make in the future when under pressure will say something about your character. While they will also shape and transform you in unexpected ways, make your decisions worthy of those who supported, nurtured and sacrificed for you.”

Kerala roots and literary connection

Dr Verghese’s heritage is deeply rooted in Kerala. His grandfather served as a deacon at Parumala Church in Pathanamthitta and was on the path to priesthood before becoming a schoolteacher. His father and uncles once served as altar boys at the same church, revered for its connection to the first saint of their denomination.

Verghese maintains this spiritual connection through regular visits to the church, sometimes fulfilling personal vows. His 2023 novel, The Covenant of Water, traces the saga of a Malayali family across three generations, capturing their bond with the land and water of Kerala — a tribute to his lineage and cultural identity.