Introduction
In a country like India, where titles and recognitions still carry immense cultural weight, an honorary doctorate is more than just a ceremonial gesture — it is a public acknowledgment of contribution, legacy, and achievement.
With the growing influence of digital universities, these honors are now being conferred not only through grand physical convocations but also via online ceremonies, reaching audiences across states and even countries.
But do these virtual events receive the same visibility? Is media coverage common for digital honorary convocations? The answer is: Yes — increasingly so. In fact, media interest in these events is growing, especially when the recipients are noteworthy individuals or represent inspiring grassroots stories.
Let’s explore how and why media platforms are engaging with digital convocations, and how this visibility benefits both recipients and institutions.
Changing Nature of Academic Ceremonies
Traditionally, convocation ceremonies were held in large auditoriums, attended by chancellors, professors, and students. But the digital shift has introduced a new kind of convocation:
- Hosted via Zoom, YouTube Live, or custom event platforms
- Often conducted in hybrid mode — with dignitaries joining from multiple locations
- Shared instantly on social media and digital news outlets
- Attended by global participants, including Indian diaspora and institutional partners
This online format opens the door to broader and more flexible media coverage.
Who Covers These Digital Events?
Several types of media outlets cover digital honorary convocations:
- Regional and local news portals – Particularly when the recipient belongs to a district or small town
- Digital education media – Portals focused on higher education, alternative learning, or e-universities
- Language-based media – Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi outlets covering events in their zones
- Professional community platforms – Business, NGO, health, or literary portals that feature notable members
- Mainstream media – Especially when public figures, actors, or social leaders are honoured
- YouTube and Facebook – With the university itself broadcasting the event and tagging media partners
The coverage may appear as event announcements, press releases, interviews, or photo stories.
Why Media Finds These Events Interesting
- Inspirational Narratives – A farmer honoured for organic farming, a teacher who built a school in a village — such stories connect with the common reader.
- Diversity of Honourees – From celebrities to spiritual leaders, educators to entrepreneurs — media gets a variety of profiles to feature.
- Global-Local Link – An online university based abroad conferring awards in India adds an international flavour.
- Timely Events – Many convocations are held on Independence Day, Republic Day, or Teachers’ Day — making them newsworthy.
- Emotional Value – The degree often reflects decades of struggle, service, or innovation — stories that human readers relate to.
Such qualities naturally attract journalists looking for people-driven, positive content.
Coverage Formats Commonly Seen
When digital honorary convocations are covered, they may appear in several forms:
- Pre-event announcements with names of honourees and chief guests
- Post-event write-ups with pictures, quotes, and highlights
- Exclusive interviews with recipients — often arranged by the university PR team
- Recognition listings in digital education bulletins or newsletters
- Live coverage via reels, short videos, and live streams shared with news pages
- Photo features showing recipients holding degrees at home or at symbolic locations
- Follow-up stories about the work of the recipient post-convocation
Even community WhatsApp groups, local digital magazines, and alumni networks share such achievements widely.
Benefits of Media Coverage
For the recipient, coverage provides:
- Public validation of their journey
- Credibility in their community or profession
- Motivation to continue their work with more support
- Opportunities to speak at events, forums, or panels
- A sense of fulfilment for their family and well-wishers
For the digital university, it offers:
- Brand visibility and trust
- Showcases the inclusive and socially relevant nature of their recognition model
- Helps attract new nominations and applications
- Establishes thought leadership in the academic world
- Builds long-term partnerships with regional and national media outlets
Do All Events Get Covered?
Not all convocations receive the same level of media attention. Factors that influence coverage include:
- Profile of the recipient – Public figures naturally draw more attention
- Relevance of the award date – Events around national holidays get a boost
- Quality of the media team – If the university has a proper press and communications plan
- Local outreach – Coverage is more likely if regional news reporters are informed in advance
- Use of digital platforms – A well-organised live stream or attractive social media promotion increases visibility
Even without traditional media, digital-first coverage — reels, short videos, blog features — plays a key role in amplification today.
How to Ensure Coverage as a Recipient
If you’re being awarded a digital honorary doctorate and wish to have media coverage:
- Inform your local news outlet or journalist contacts in advance
- Share a press note or invitation card with them
- Post about the event on your social media handles
- Encourage your organisation, NGO, or business to share your achievement
- Ask the university if they’ll release an official press release or event video
- Reach out to regional language platforms — they are often more responsive and community-driven
Remember: genuine stories get shared — especially when told with simplicity and pride.
Conclusion
Yes, media coverage is increasingly common for digital honorary convocations. As digital universities continue to honour individuals from every corner of India, the media — especially online platforms — are taking note.
These events combine real impact, inspiring stories, and modern formats. They bridge tradition and technology, creating recognition that is both respectful and widely visible.
Whether it’s a former teacher from Jharkhand, a spiritual leader from Kerala, or a grassroots entrepreneur from Gujarat, digital convocations ensure that their stories don’t remain in silence.
Because in today’s India, honour doesn’t need a stage — it needs a story worth telling. And the media is more than ready to tell it.