PM Narendra Modi says no to BHU doctorate

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The University, in a high level meeting on February 11, had decided to confer Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) on Modi during the convocation in recognition of his “yeoman services as an innovator, reformer and an outstanding leader in public service and governance”. The University had sent a request to the PM for his consent, but he refused to accept it, BHU spokesperson Rajesh Singh said.

While the V-C told reporters that he believes that PM is not accepting the honorary degree because he has not studied the course concerned, sources said this is not the first time that Modi has declined such a doctorate.

Ahead of a US visit in 2014, a university in Louisiana had proposed to confer an honorary doctorate on Modi in “recognition of his contribution towards social transformation, especially for empowering women and minorities in Gujarat”. However, the PM had refused to accept it. Even as chief minister of Gujarat, he had declined several honorary doctorates from various universities.

Meanwhile, Tripathi said the convocation will be conducted at the Amphitheatre Ground, where 34 students will be awarded the BHU Medal.

Apart from that, a total of 406 students will be awarded different medals and prizes for securing highest marks in 2015 examinations, while 11,620 students will be awarded degrees.

Before attending the convocation, Modi will offer prayers to Saint Ravidas at a temple in Seer Gowardhanpur. He will also address a congregation of Ravidasiyas near the temple.

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla is reaching Varanasi on Sunday to take stock of preparations for PM’s visit to the temple and BHU.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will also visit the Ravidas temple the same day, which is also Guru Ravidas Jayanti. Kejriwal will reach Varanasi at 12:10 pm from Delhi and will head to the Ravidas temple, where he will stay till 2:45 pm before returning to the capital.

It would be the first visit by Kejriwal since he lost the Lok Sabha elections to Modi from Varanasi constituency in 2014.