Introduction
In the fast-changing world of Indian education, where rankings, research, and employability are often the buzzwords, the role of honorary degrees might seem like a gentle whisper from the past. Yet, this quiet tradition continues to thrive—and with good reason. Honorary doctorates remain one of the few ways Indian universities formally recognise excellence that goes beyond the academic syllabus.
From Nobel Laureates to social workers, from business tycoons to folk artists, these degrees tell a larger story about what our education system chooses to celebrate. But where do honorary degrees really fit in today’s competitive, reform-driven academic landscape? Are they still relevant, or are they mere ceremonial acts?
Let’s explore the place of honorary degrees in modern Indian education and how they shape academic, social, and cultural narratives.
A Tradition Rooted in Respect
Honorary degrees are not a modern invention. They have existed for centuries in India and abroad as a way to honour individuals who have contributed significantly to human development. Unlike earned degrees, which require study, research, and examination, honorary degrees are symbolic—they represent a university’s respect and admiration.
In India, this tradition has been embraced by both central and state universities, especially during convocations or major institutional milestones. Even as academic models change, the sentiment behind honorary recognition remains timeless—celebrating individuals whose life work reflects the values of education, service, and excellence.
Why They Still Matter Today
In today’s results-driven education environment, one might question the relevance of such symbolic honours. But honorary doctorates continue to hold value because they serve a purpose that regular academic degrees cannot.
Here’s how:
- Recognising Non-Traditional Learning
Many changemakers in India—environmental activists, self-taught inventors, rural health workers—do not hold formal degrees. An honorary doctorate acknowledges their deep learning and contribution to society without forcing them into academic moulds.
- Bridging Academia and Society
Education doesn’t happen only in classrooms. By honouring people from diverse walks of life, universities expand their boundaries and reaffirm their connection with the wider world.
- Inspiring Students and Faculty
When students see someone like a village innovator or a national athlete being honoured, it sends a powerful message: learning has many forms, and achievement isn’t limited to exams.
- Institutional Prestige
When a reputed personality accepts an honorary degree, the university too benefits. It gains visibility, credibility, and sometimes, even long-term association through joint initiatives or mentorships.
Challenges in Modern Context
That said, honorary doctorates are not without controversy in modern times. Misuse and lack of transparency in some institutions have raised important questions:
- Are the awards always based on merit, or do they sometimes serve political or marketing purposes?
- Are the recipients carefully vetted for values and integrity?
- Do universities follow UGC guidelines or operate independently without oversight?
These questions reflect the tension between tradition and accountability. In modern education, symbolic gestures must come with ethical clarity and procedural fairness. Otherwise, they risk becoming hollow or questioned by the academic community.
Evolving Criteria for Selection
As Indian education becomes more global, inclusive, and interdisciplinary, the profiles of honorary degree recipients have also evolved. In recent years, universities have moved beyond conventional lists of politicians and celebrities. Today’s honourees often include:
- Climate change campaigners
- Women leaders in rural entrepreneurship
- Inclusive education champions
- Young inventors and tech reformers
- Mental health advocates
- Frontline healthcare workers during national crises
This shift is not accidental—it mirrors India’s evolving definition of what counts as “contribution.” It also shows that honorary degrees, while rooted in tradition, are flexible enough to adapt to contemporary values.
Honorary Degrees in Policy and Reform Space
Education reforms in India today focus on quality, employability, research output, and global partnerships. Within this framework, honorary doctorates serve a soft yet important role.
- Policy Symbolism: Honouring someone in the field of policy reform or constitutional law, for instance, sends a message about the university’s stance on social justice and governance.
- Cultural Continuity: Recognising traditional knowledge practitioners, such as folk healers or tribal historians, helps preserve India’s intangible heritage.
- Research Alignment: Honouring a scientist whose work aligns with the university’s research goals can foster academic collaboration or mentorship opportunities.
Thus, while honorary degrees may not directly affect course structure or rankings, they play a role in shaping academic culture and institutional values.
How Students Perceive Honorary Degrees
One of the most overlooked aspects of honorary doctorates is their impact on student imagination. For a young graduate, seeing someone with no formal PhD being honoured by the same university they studied at can break barriers.
It conveys:
- Success is not a single route
- Learning is a lifelong journey
- Universities recognise lived experience as well as academic merit
This blend of aspiration and reality makes honorary doctorates a tool not just of recognition, but of education itself.
The Road Ahead
As India’s educational institutions continue to modernise and align with international benchmarks, honorary degrees will have to maintain both their dignity and relevance. This means:
- Strict adherence to transparent nomination and approval processes
- Focus on unsung heroes and grassroots workers, not just celebrities
- Avoiding overuse, which dilutes the honour’s meaning
- Clear public communication about the honorary nature of the award
If these principles are followed, honorary degrees will not only remain relevant—they will become more impactful.
Conclusion
In the landscape of modern Indian education, honorary degrees continue to hold quiet power. They represent the human side of academia—the side that values compassion, perseverance, innovation, and moral courage.
As long as Indian universities remain committed to integrity and vision, these honours will keep reminding us that true education goes beyond classrooms—and that the best lessons often come from life itself.