Jadavpur University (JU) has proposed to confer the Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) on Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team who led India to its first-ever Women’s World Cup triumph last Sunday.
The recommendation was made during a meeting of JU’s four-dean committee on Thursday, held to discuss preparations for the upcoming annual convocation, traditionally conducted on December 24. The meeting was attended by the vice-chancellor, acting registrar, and other senior university officials.
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“Harmanpreet Kaur’s name has been proposed for the DLitt honour by Jadavpur University, recognising her leadership in guiding India to its first ICC Women’s World Cup win,” a JU official said.
The proposal will now be sent to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, the ex officio chancellor of all state-aided universities in West Bengal, for his consent. Following his approval, it will be placed before the university’s executive council for formal ratification.
Who are the possible chief guests ?
The same meeting also suggested the names of Nobel laureate Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee, DRDO chairman Samir V. Kamat, and Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) CEO Shivkumar Kalyanaraman as potential chief guests for this year’s convocation. These names will likewise be sent to the chancellor for his approval.
This year’s event will be particularly significant, as Jadavpur University now has a full-term vice-chancellor, Chiranjib Bhattacharjee, who is expected to personally seek an appointment with the Governor to finalise the proposals.
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Last year’s convocation had been marred by controversy after the Governor objected to procedural lapses, including lack of prior approval for the convocation date. He had skipped the ceremony as a mark of protest.
With the new leadership and this landmark proposal, JU aims to restore the dignity of its convocation ceremony, one that could soon honour the woman who redefined Indian cricket history.
