Introduction
In India’s vast and diverse social landscape, many transformative individuals work quietly outside the limelight—uplifting marginalised communities, improving healthcare access, preserving indigenous cultures, or fighting for education rights. Often, these changemakers operate through NGOs, grassroots collectives, or civil society platforms. But how do such efforts find their way into the formal recognition circles of universities? Can NGOs or civil society groups influence honorary doctorate nominations?
This blog explores how non-governmental organisations and civil society actors contribute to the nomination and selection process for honorary degrees in India, and how their voices are shaping more inclusive and socially grounded academic recognition.
Understanding the Influence of Civil Society
Honorary doctorates, while awarded by universities, reflect society’s broader values. Civil society—including NGOs, community-based organisations, cooperatives, and advocacy groups—often works closely with individuals who have made an impact at the grassroots level. These organisations:
- Identify local heroes whose work may not be widely known
- Provide credible documentation of a nominee’s contributions
- Mobilise public or institutional support for recognition
- Suggest nominations through alumni or university-affiliated members
Their involvement ensures that the process does not remain limited to high-profile public figures but also includes lesser-known individuals with real, lasting impact.
How the Nomination Process Opens Up
Most Indian universities have formal mechanisms to accept recommendations for honorary degrees. These usually include nominations from:
- Internal faculty or academic council members
- Prominent alumni
- Government officials
- Social sector partners or associated organisations
NGOs and civil societies often work through these channels—either by collaborating with an alumnus, approaching a department head, or submitting a formal nomination supported by documentation and testimonials.
In many cases, recommendations from civil society groups help universities discover impactful individuals who might not otherwise be on their radar.
What Makes NGO-Backed Nominations Strong
Nominations coming from NGOs or civil society networks are often strengthened by:
- Ground-Level Evidence: They provide on-the-ground stories, data, photos, reports, and testimonials about the nominee’s work, making the case more authentic.
- Public Endorsement: When a nominee is supported by a collective of organisations or communities, it demonstrates wide respect and trust.
- Non-political Merit: Many universities value nominations that are rooted in service and social change, without political motivation. Civil society nominations often fit this frame.
- Consistency of Work: NGOs often follow the nominee’s work over years, ensuring the person being proposed has long-term commitment rather than one-time fame.
Real-Life Examples from Indian Context
Here are some illustrative cases where NGOs and civil societies played a role in recognition:
- A tribal rights activist from Odisha was nominated for an honorary doctorate after years of working with forest dwellers. The NGO she co-founded prepared her nomination and supported it with village-level testimonies and policy impacts.
- A rural doctor in Maharashtra, who ran a mobile clinic for decades, was proposed by a health-based civil society group that had been documenting his work. The university agreed to honour him during their medical convocation.
- A women’s collective from Rajasthan, running legal awareness camps and micro-loan support, nominated their 70-year-old founder for a degree. The group’s partnership with a local university helped make it happen.
These stories show how civil society can play a pivotal role—not through lobbying, but through careful documentation and sincere advocacy.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
While NGO involvement is often positive, it is important to maintain transparency and ethics in the process. Some challenges include:
- Conflict of Interest: If the NGO is linked to political groups or has internal disputes, the nomination may be viewed with caution.
- Verification: Universities must independently verify the nominee’s claims, even if they are well-supported by NGO documentation.
- Avoiding Campaigning: While support is welcome, aggressive campaigning or media pressure to push a nomination may harm the spirit of the honour.
Thus, ethical nomination practices must be balanced with sincere storytelling and transparent intent.
University Perspective on Civil Society Input
From the university’s point of view, engaging with civil society enhances their social credibility. Many institutions, especially those focused on social science, education, or public health, actively welcome such inputs. Some even create partnerships with NGOs for research, field projects, or student internships.
For these institutions, recognising a grassroots changemaker through an honorary doctorate is not just a gesture—it is a reflection of their academic mission to build a more just and inclusive society.
Steps for NGOs to Nominate a Candidate
If a civil society organisation wishes to nominate someone for an honorary degree, here’s a general approach:
- Identify the Right University
Choose a university whose focus aligns with the nominee’s work (e.g., social work, health sciences, environmental studies).
- Prepare a Dossier
Include a biography, detailed list of contributions, evidence of impact, photos, media coverage, and community endorsements.
- Find an Academic or Alumni Anchor
Try to connect with a professor, department head, or alumnus who can formally forward the nomination internally.
- Avoid Self-Nomination
The nominee should not be involved in the process or seek recognition themselves. Let others advocate on their behalf.
- Respect the Process
Understand that universities may take time, ask for verification, or choose not to proceed. Stay respectful of their decisions.
Conclusion
The growing participation of NGOs and civil societies in honorary doctorate nominations reflects a healthier, more democratic academic culture. It gives voice to unsung heroes—those who may never publish a paper or win a national award, but whose work speaks volumes in the real world.
By connecting the grassroots to the university stage, civil society helps redefine who is worthy of academic honour. In doing so, they remind us that learning doesn’t always wear a uniform—and recognition, when rooted in truth, can travel from village fields to convocation halls with dignity.