After missing out finalising names for the honorary doctorate last year, the University of Mysore on Friday announced that honorary doctorates will be conferred on Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, president, Mata Amritanandamayi Mutt, and Chancellor, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam, Kerala; and Karivrashabha Deshikendra Shivayogishwara Swami of Somanakatte Sri Kadasiddeshwara Mutt, Nonavinakere, Tiptur.
The doctorates will be conferred on them at the 99th annual convocation of the university on Sunday.
At a press conference here, Vice-Chancellor G. Hemantha Kumar said that among the 14 shortlisted names for the Honoris Causa Degree, the Governor’s office okayed only two names.
The varsity said it had no role in the selection since the names had been finalised by a three-member Selection Committee, which had members appointed by the Governor’s office. “Among the 14, some names had been recommended by the university’s Syndicate,” the V-C said.
Perhaps, it was the first time in recent years that two religious personalities were being conferred honorary doctorates in a single year by the university. It had conferred such degrees on other religious heads in the past convocations.
Prof. Kumar said the 14 names, which included scientists, cricketers, literary personalities and others, had been sent in a sealed envelop to the Governor’s office. The selection committee was headed by a former V-C. The selection was at the sole discretion of the Chancellor.
He added that Mata Amritanandamayi is unlikely to be present to receive the degree.
