Introduction
Honorary doctorates are often conferred upon individuals whose contributions to society, knowledge, or service are deeply impactful. But what happens when such a person passes away before they can be recognised? Can a university still honour their memory? The answer lies in the concept of a posthumous honorary doctorate.
Across India and the world, universities occasionally choose to confer honorary degrees to individuals after their death. These are not simply ceremonial gestures—they are powerful symbols of respect, remembrance, and national gratitude. But who gets them? And how are these decisions made?
This blog explores what a posthumous honorary doctorate is, why it’s given, how the process works in Indian academia, and why such recognitions hold deep emotional and societal value.
What Does “Posthumous” Mean in This Context?
The term “posthumous” refers to anything that happens or is awarded after a person’s death. In the case of honorary doctorates, a posthumous award is granted when the individual is no longer alive to receive the recognition in person.
This is different from a delayed academic certificate or a missed convocation. A posthumous honorary degree is given because the person’s legacy continues to influence society, and the university wishes to acknowledge their contribution even if they are no longer with us.
Why Are Posthumous Honorary Degrees Given?
There are several reasons why a university might choose to confer a posthumous honorary doctorate:
- To Honour a Life’s Work
Some individuals spend their lives in service, activism, research, or creativity, without seeking fame. After their passing, institutions may feel the need to formally recognise their legacy.
- To Correct a Historical Oversight
Sometimes, a deserving person might not have received recognition during their lifetime due to political, social, or institutional limitations. A posthumous honour serves to correct that omission.
- To Offer National or Cultural Tribute
In cases where the individual had a profound impact on national consciousness—such as freedom fighters, poets, or reformers—universities may honour them posthumously as part of a broader tribute.
- As a Mark of Solidarity During Tragedy
In situations where someone dies while serving a larger cause—such as doctors during a pandemic, journalists in conflict zones, or activists under threat—academic institutions sometimes confer posthumous degrees as a gesture of collective mourning and pride.
How Does the Process Work?
In most Indian universities, awarding a posthumous honorary doctorate follows a similar structure to a regular honorary recognition, with a few key differences.
- Nomination
A nomination is put forward by faculty, university authorities, alumni, or external organisations. In some cases, the public or government may request consideration.
2. Committed Review
The honorary degree committee evaluates the contribution, its societal relevance, and the symbolic importance of a posthumous award. Sensitivity, timing, and context are also assessed.
- Senate or Governing Body Approval
As with all honorary recognitions, the university senate or academic council must approve the nomination. In posthumous cases, extra care is taken to ensure dignity and appropriateness.
- Communication with Family or Legacy Organisation
Once approved, the university usually contacts the deceased person’s family, foundation, or community to inform them and invite them to accept the award on their behalf.
- Formal Conferment Ceremony
The honorary degree is conferred during a convocation or special event. A family member or official representative receives the citation and certificate. Speeches and tributes are often part of the occasion.
Notable Indian Examples
Over the years, many Indian universities have conferred posthumous honorary doctorates to individuals who had a significant impact on society. A few examples include:
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was honoured posthumously by several institutions even though he already held multiple doctorates during his lifetime. These posthumous recognitions were meant to preserve his legacy in youth development and education.
- Savitribai Phule, a pioneer of women’s education in India, was posthumously honoured by universities that recognised her contributions long after her passing.
- Journalists or doctors who died during crises, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, were honoured by medical or journalism schools in tribute to their bravery and public service.
These recognitions serve not only to honour individuals but also to inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps.
Ethical and Emotional Considerations
Awarding a degree posthumously is not just an administrative act. It carries emotional and ethical significance, and universities must approach it with sensitivity. Some key aspects include:
- Consent of Family: While not always mandatory, it is respectful to involve the family in the process. Surprises or announcements without prior discussion can lead to discomfort.
- Avoiding Political Agendas: Institutions must ensure that such awards are not used for publicity or political alignment. The recognition should focus on the person’s life and work, not external motives.
- Clarity in Citation: The citation should clearly mention that the degree is honorary and posthumous. It should focus on contribution, not martyrdom or tragedy alone.
- Ceremonial Care: The event must reflect dignity, solemnity, and gratitude—rather than spectacle. Cultural or religious sensitivities should also be kept in mind.
Can Anyone Be Awarded Posthumously?
While theoretically anyone can be considered, universities generally apply the same standards to posthumous awards as they do to living recipients—if not stricter. The nominee’s impact must be substantial, documented, and enduring.
Sometimes, universities may wait a respectful period after death to initiate the process. In other cases, such as unexpected loss during public service, the decision is taken swiftly as part of collective tribute.
However, institutions rarely consider posthumous nominations based solely on emotional appeal. Tangible achievements, historical relevance, or clear public value are essential.
Conclusion
A posthumous honorary doctorate is not just a degree—it’s a final salute. It says: “Your work did not go unnoticed. Your absence will not erase your legacy.” When awarded with sincerity, such recognitions become part of academic history and national memory.
Universities, by honouring the departed, remind society that service, wisdom, and contribution never truly end. They live on through inspiration—and through moments like this, when education bows in respect to a life well lived.