Introduction
India is a country of diversity—not only in language and culture, but also in the way education and academic honours are perceived across different states. When it comes to honorary doctorates, this diversity becomes evident in how various Indian states engage with, award, and publicise these prestigious recognitions. While the degree itself carries national and international value, the criteria, frequency, and cultural importance of honorary titles often vary from state to state. In this blog, we explore how different Indian states approach honorary doctorates, and what this reveals about their academic and cultural priorities.
The Role of State Universities
Each Indian state has its own ecosystem of universities, most of which are governed by the respective State Higher Education Departments. While the University Grants Commission (UGC) sets broad standards, the decision to award an honorary doctorate is usually taken at the university level—based on approval by the Academic Council, Syndicate, or Senate.
As a result, practices differ widely:
- Some states have universities that confer honorary degrees regularly as part of their convocation ceremony.
- Others are more conservative, awarding them only for landmark achievements or in rare instances.
- In some regions, the state government or Governor (as Chancellor) plays a strong role in approving or even recommending names.
This administrative and cultural variation results in different patterns of recognition across the country.
States with Frequent Honorary Recognitions
Certain Indian states are known for their consistent approach to recognising contributions through honorary doctorates:
Tamil Nadu: With a strong tradition in arts, cinema, and education, Tamil Nadu universities often honour filmmakers, classical musicians, scholars, and social reformers. The recognition carries high public respect, particularly when conferred by institutions like Madras University or Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University.
Maharashtra: State universities regularly confer honorary degrees during convocation, and recipients range from scientists and political leaders to grassroots activists. Institutions like Savitribai Phule Pune University and Mumbai University have awarded many such honours over the years.
West Bengal: Known for its cultural and intellectual depth, Bengal universities like Jadavpur University and Rabindra Bharati University often honour literary figures, artists, and academic thinkers with D.Litt. or D.Sc. degrees.
These states treat honorary doctorates as extensions of their intellectual and cultural life, and award them with ceremony and academic rigor.
States with a Selective or Conservative Approach
Some states are more cautious and infrequent in awarding honorary doctorates, often due to:
- Political sensitivity or scrutiny
- Emphasis on academic conservatism
- Lack of publicity or documentation
Uttar Pradesh: While universities like BHU and Allahabad University are prestigious, they have historically been selective in offering honorary degrees. When awarded, they are usually to national figures rather than local achievers.
Punjab: Some public universities avoid conferring honorary titles regularly, possibly due to administrative caution or changing educational priorities.
Odisha and Bihar: Honorary degrees are awarded, but the process is less visible and tends to focus more on academic or institutional leaders than social or cultural contributors.
In such states, the honour still exists but is conferred quietly, without much media attention or annual regularity.
Influence of State Governments and Chancellors
In many Indian states, the Governor functions as the Chancellor of state universities. This means:
- Recommendations often go through the Raj Bhavan or are influenced by state educational policies.
- Some governors take active interest in approving deserving candidates from arts, education, or public service.
- In others, honorary degrees may be delayed or paused due to administrative transitions or political caution.
In states like Kerala or Karnataka, the Governor’s role as Chancellor includes final signature authority for conferring honorary doctorates. This can both elevate the dignity of the process and occasionally slow it down due to procedural rigor.
Cultural and Regional Priorities
Different states tend to honour individuals based on what the state culturally values:
- Karnataka often honours classical musicians, linguists, and theater artists, reflecting its rich Kannada heritage.
- Rajasthan universities may favour social workers and historians who’ve worked in arid and tribal regions.
- Assam and North-Eastern states tend to recognise those promoting indigenous culture, folklore, and regional identity.
- Delhi-based universities, like Jamia Millia Islamia and JNU, tend to award individuals with national or global impact rather than regional focus.
This shows how academic honour is not just a title—it is a reflection of a state’s intellectual self-image and regional pride.
Implications for Aspirants and Institutions
Understanding these state-level differences helps in several ways:
- Individuals looking to nominate someone for an honorary doctorate can focus on universities aligned with their area of work and regional relevance.
- NGOs or organisations can work with local universities to recommend long-serving contributors in rural development or traditional arts.
- Universities themselves can study how peer institutions in other states structure their nomination and selection process.
Recognising diversity in recognition also allows for richer dialogue across academia and civil society.
Conclusion
India’s federal structure creates not only political but also academic pluralism. Honorary doctorates, while centrally understood, are locally conferred. Each Indian state brings its own flavour, frequency, and philosophy to this academic tradition.
Some celebrate public intellectuals with great regularity. Others quietly honour local heroes. Still others maintain a strict filter, awarding few but meaningful recognitions. This diversity is not a weakness—it is a reflection of India’s cultural landscape and the evolving meaning of honour.
As honorary titles continue to evolve in Indian academia, understanding state-level patterns helps us appreciate the many ways universities say “thank you” to those who serve, create, and uplift.