In a momentous ceremony on Monday, prominent figures from various fields including music, film, and sports were awarded honorary doctorates by Techno India University (TIU), a prestigious institution based in Kolkata. Among the distinguished individuals honored were celebrated musician Shankar Mahadevan, renowned actress Shabana Azmi, and former Indian tennis player Leander Paes.
Expressing his deep gratitude upon receiving the honorary doctorate, Shankar Mahadevan shared his elation with ANI. “This is a very special day for me. I am completely grateful and honored to receive this Doctorate from Techno India, a very prestigious organization,” Mahadevan stated. He also emphasized the added significance of sharing this honor with other eminent personalities. “I feel even more blessed because of the people along with whom I received it. I thank them for giving me this honor. It is also a responsibility to work harder in the field of music, not just for entertainment but to use music as a tool for the betterment of humanity and address various causes that are associated with human beings,” he added.
Mahadevan didn’t just stop at expressing his gratitude; he also gave an enthralling performance for the students, singing one of his iconic songs from the film “Lakshya.” The audience was left mesmerized by his soulful rendition, which added a melodic touch to the ceremonial proceedings.
On the other hand, Shabana Azmi, a veteran in the Indian film industry, took to social media to express her overwhelming happiness on receiving the honorary doctorate. Earlier in the day, Azmi shared an Instagram post filled with gratitude and joy, mentioning the presence of the Former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, at the event. Her post quickly gathered numerous congratulatory comments from fans and well-wishers.
Addressing the gathering, Azmi spoke eloquently about the significance of the honor bestowed upon her. She reflected on her illustrious career in Indian cinema and the impact of her work, not only as an actress but also as a social activist. “Receiving this degree today is not just a personal honor; it’s a recognition of the work I’ve done in the film industry and beyond.
. It’s a reminder of the power of art and cinema to drive societal change,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, Leander Paes, a name synonymous with Indian tennis, was also honored with an honorary doctorate for his contributions to sports. Paes, who has inspired many with his remarkable achievements in tennis, expressed his gratitude to Techno India University. “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by such a reputed institution. My journey in sports has been filled with its own set of challenges and triumphs, and receiving this doctorate is a testament to the hard work and passion I have always poured into my game,” Paes stated.
The ceremony was a grand event, held at Techno India University’s sprawling campus. It brought together students, faculty, and special guests, creating an atmosphere of celebration and inspiration. The presence of Ram Nath Kovind as the chief guest added a significant weight to the occasion, highlighting the university’s stature and its dedication to honoring excellence across various domains. Kovind, addressing the attendees, applauded the achievements of the awardees and urged students to draw inspiration from their exemplary careers.
To encapsulate the essence of the event, let’s not forget that Shankar Mahadevan, Shabana Azmi, and Leander Paes are more than just towering figures in their respective fields. Their receipt of honorary doctorates is a recognition of their broader contributions to society. Mahadevan’s intentions to leverage music for social good, Azmi’s amalgamation of cinema and activism, and Paes’s persistent dedication to sportsmanship, all signify a commitment to using their platforms for the greater good.
The ceremony at Techno India University not only marked a milestone for the award recipients but also instilled a sense of inspiration and aspiration in the minds of the young students present. It served as a reminder of the impact that dedication, hard work, and a commitment to societal betterment can have, irrespective of the field one is in. The honorary doctorates were not just accolades but symbols of the enduring legacy these individuals continue to build.
As these luminaries accepted their honors, their words and actions reverberated through the halls of Techno India University, leaving an indelible mark on all who witnessed the event. The conferment of these doctorates was not merely ceremonial but a celebration of excellence, societal contribution, and the relentless pursuit of making the world a better place through their respective crafts.
