Naveen refuses varsity’s honorary degree

BHUBANESWAR: Utkal University’s plan of offering honorary degrees to chief minister Naveen Patnaik and former chief minister Giridhar Gamang during its convocation on April 25 did not sail through, varsity sources said.
Sources said while Naveen said “no” to the varsity’s offer, the university did not make any overture to Gamang. Naveen is scheduled to attend the convocation as a guest of honour.It would be his first participation in an official event of the university.
The Syndicate had authorized vice-chancellor P K Sahoo to finalize four names for the honorary degrees and get those approved from the chancellor and governor S C Jamir.
Utkal is yet to announce the list of its awardees but Sri Sri University, in an email communiqué, said Utkal has decided to confer honoris causa to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Utkal sources said names of Justice R K Patra, former chairperson of State Human Rights Commission, and Dr Sanatan Rath, neurologist, have also been cleared for the honour. Another name may be added in the list, sources said.
“The VC was authorized by the Syndicate to contact four persons who have made significant contribution in their field and get their names approved by the governor. The names have not yet been announced officially,” said Utkal PG Council chairman P K Mishra.
Preparations are in full swing for the convocation to be addressed by President Pranab Mukherjee. While the roads on the campus are being refurbished, walls and pavements are being given fresh coats of paint.
For the first time, Utkal has hired an event management company to prepare the convocation venue. The varsity has allocated Rs 54.48 lakh for the event, of which the company alone will charge Rs 35 lakh to create an air-conditioned venue at the open air convocation ground. “It is only the second time that an Indian President will visit the current campus of the varsity after 50 years. It is a matter of pride and we are trying to put our best foot forward,” the PG council chairman said.
The Syndicate authorized VC P K Sahoo to finalize four names for the honorary degrees and get those approved from the chancellor S C Jamir.