Maharashtra's second State Cluster University, HSNC University, Mumbai, conferred Honorary D.Litt. to Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata at a Special Convocation ceremony held at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan on Saturday, June 11, 2022. The Governor of Maharashtra State and the Chancellor of the University Bhagat Singh Koshyari awarded the degree to Ratan Tata.
Vikas Chandra Rastogi, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Higher & Technical Education was present as the Guest of Honour at the ceremony. Provost of HSNC University, Mumbai Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, President of Hyderabad (Sind) National Collegiate Board Anil Harish and Vice-Chancellor, HSNC University, Mumbai Dr. Hemlata Bagla were also present on the stage.
HSNC University Mumbai believes in the holistic development of the students by sensitizing them toward society. The University envisions innovative, responsible and mindful students who shall evolve to be global citizens with a vision for change. The University wants its students to imbibe the ethos of education that is focused on social change. This Convocation ceremony was a stepping stone towards that.
The University believes that Ratan Tata reflects the philosophy of development, education and upliftment of all, which also resonates with the vision of HSNC University, Mumbai. Thus as a mark of appreciation for his unparalleled contribution to society, the University conferred him with its first-ever Honorary degree.
In his acceptance speech, Ratan Tata said, "I am humbled to receive such an honour. This University has been constituted with a view of creating young people with the capability to lead our country in the coming future, with honesty, purpose, responsibility. I am grateful to receive the honorary degree from the University it means so much to me”.
The Governor of Maharashtra and Chancellor of HSNC University Mumbai, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, in his Convocation Address, said, “Revered Ratan Tata is not just an industrialist or a corporate icon, he is a great human being who nurtures values of politeness, humanity and ethics. By accepting the Honorary Doctorate from HSNC University, Ratan Tata has honoured each one of us.”
Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost, HSNC University speaking highly on this remarkable occasion, cited that, “Reckoned as distinguished philanthropist’ Ratan Tata is highly revered as the real ‘Gem of India’. The doyen of Indian Inc. has played an instrumental role in nation-building and global arena”.
“A Padma Vibhushan awardee is far-famed for his affinity towards social welfare in the field of education, medicine, and rural development, drawing major share from his investment trust. His fundamental values like ethics, transparency, excellence, pioneering, and unity make him an exemplary recipient to be conferred with the ‘Honorary Doctor of Literature Award. Newly formed HSNC University, Mumbai is jubilant to do the honours in its maiden convocation 2022,” he concluded.
Vice-Chancellor, HSNC University, Mumbai Dr. Hemlata Bagla explained the idea behind this Special Convocation ceremony. In her welcome address, she said, "It is pure unalloyed bliss for me to be a participant and a witness to this rarest of the rare academic history. It is an honour for the HSNC University, Mumbai to confer Honorary D.Litt. to an illustrious personality like Ratan Tata. This ceremony also marks the Third Foundation Day of our University. In these two years, we have started five new schools and have introduced several new programmes. Today marks a very important milestone in our journey."
Among the dignitaries present at the event were the trustees of the HSNC Board, members of the Board of Governance, General Council, Academic Council and the officers of the University. Several eminent academicians, scientists and other luminaries from various fields also graced the occasion.
The ceremony concluded with the national anthem.
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