Introduction
When an Indian figure receives an honorary doctorate from a prestigious international university, it often makes headlines. Whether it’s a social reformer, a Bollywood legend, or a scientist of global repute, such recognitions are celebrated with national pride. But behind these ceremonies lies a structured process that most people know little about.
What prompts a university in the UK, USA, or Australia to honour an Indian citizen? Is it purely popularity, or are there defined criteria? This blog unpacks how international universities select Indian honorary recipients and what these selections reflect about India’s global contribution to society, science, and culture.
The Global Purpose of Honorary Degrees
International universities award honorary degrees to recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to humanity in various fields—arts, science, social justice, business, environment, or education. For these institutions, the honorary doctorate is more than a ritual; it is a way of:
- Strengthening their global engagement
- Honouring excellence that aligns with their values
- Encouraging international cooperation
- Celebrating role models who inspire future generations
When the recipient is from India, the award also represents a bridge between cultures—a recognition of India’s role in the global landscape.
Criteria Considered by International Institutions
Most reputable global universities follow a thorough and thoughtful process when considering honorary candidates. While the nomination pathways may vary, the typical criteria include:
- Distinguished Achievement
The nominee should have achieved excellence in their field—be it science, literature, business, activism, or the arts. International impact is often a key factor.
- Societal Contribution
The individual must have contributed positively to society, often beyond their professional obligations. This includes service to underprivileged groups, community development, or environmental efforts.
- Alignment with University Values
The candidate’s work should reflect values that the university upholds—integrity, innovation, inclusivity, or global justice.
- Inspirational Profile
The person should serve as a role model for students and staff, embodying resilience, leadership, or transformative thinking.
- International Relevance
Some institutions prefer honourees whose work has global significance, making them more than just national figures.
The Nomination Process
International universities generally invite nominations from their own community—faculty members, alumni, advisory boards, and in some cases, public submissions. The process typically includes:
- Submission of Dossier: A detailed profile of the nominee, highlighting their achievements, impact, and public contributions.
- Review by Honorary Degrees Committee: This body verifies facts, assesses alignment with institutional values, and debates the merit of the nomination.
- Approval by Governing Body: The university’s senate or board of trustees usually gives the final approval.
- Consent and Ceremony: The honouree is invited, and the degree is conferred during a formal convocation, often with a citation and public speech.
This process can take months and sometimes even longer, especially when multiple international figures are being considered in the same cycle.
Examples of Indian Honourees Recognised Internationally
Several Indians have received honorary doctorates from top international universities over the years. Some notable examples include:
- Amartya Sen: The Nobel Prize-winning economist has been honoured by Harvard, Oxford, and multiple other universities for his work on welfare economics and social justice.
- Lata Mangeshkar: The iconic playback singer received an honorary doctorate from York University in Canada for her contribution to world music and cultural diplomacy.
- Dr. Verghese Kurien: The father of India’s White Revolution was honoured by Michigan State University for his pioneering role in cooperative dairy development.
- Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: A prominent biotech entrepreneur, honoured by University of Glasgow for her contributions to science and industry.
These recognitions not only reflect the individual’s excellence but also project India’s capabilities on the global stage.
Key Factors That Help Indians Get Noticed
Many Indians working in India or abroad are recognised by global institutions due to certain enabling factors:
- Global Media and Research Coverage
If the person’s work has been published in international journals, or reported in respected media, they gain global visibility.
- Collaborations with Foreign Universities
Individuals who work with international research institutions, NGOs, or think tanks become familiar names in those networks.
- Support from Diaspora
The Indian diaspora, particularly in the UK, USA, and Canada, often plays a role in nominating individuals who are making waves in India.
- Public Speaking and Global Platforms
When Indian professionals speak at TEDx events, World Economic Forums, or UN platforms, they draw international academic attention.
Limitations and Challenges
Despite the growing visibility of Indian achievers globally, there are still challenges in the international honorary degree space:
- Language and Regional Barriers: Many grassroots workers and rural innovators may not get noticed due to limited English exposure or global documentation.
- Preference for Celebrity Figures: At times, international institutions lean towards well-known names to gain media traction, which may sideline equally deserving but lesser-known changemakers.
- Diplomatic Sensitivities: In some cases, potential honourees are not considered if their views or work are politically sensitive or controversial in their home country.
Despite these hurdles, the overall picture is one of growing inclusion and acknowledgement.
What the Recognition Really Means
For the individual, receiving an honorary doctorate from a foreign university can:
- Boost credibility on international platforms
- Create new collaborations and speaking opportunities
- Strengthen their public image and global identity
- Deepen their connection to the academic and policy world
For India as a whole, every such recognition becomes a symbol of soft power—signalling that Indian minds and hearts are contributing to a better world.
Conclusion
International universities choose Indian honorary doctorate recipients not just for fame, but for meaning. Behind every award is a story of purpose, perseverance, and partnership. These recognitions may come without exams or classrooms, but they are earned through years of impact and inspiration.
As India’s global presence continues to rise, so will the number of Indians recognised by world universities—not just for what they know, but for how they’ve helped others grow.