Prez refuses to accept hony doctorate from Solan varsity

President Ram Nath Kovind refused to accept an honorary doctorate conferred on him by Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Solan.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday refused to accept an honorary doctorate that was to be conferred on him by the horticulture and forestry university at its annual convocation in Nauni in Solan district.

President Ram Nath Kovind presents medal to a student at the 9th convocation of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry in Solan, Himachal Pradesh on Monday. (PTI Photo)

The Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry planned to confer a Doctorate of Science (DSc) degree on Kovind, who gave away degrees and gold medals to meritorious students at the ninth convocation of the varsity. “I would like to congratulate all the students who have been conferred the degree. I was happy when I was offered an honorary degree from the university. I refused to receive this degree as I don’t deserve it. I appreciate the respect and honour the university has shown me,” he said.

Kovind had conveyed in advance that he would not accept the honorary degree, varsity’s PRO Suchet Attri said. On the occasion, the President underlined the significance of the horticulture university. “It gives me immense pleasure to be here at the convocation, as I am fondly remembering my days as student,” he said. He also stressed on branding horticulture and agriculture goods, especially as Himachal was known worldwide for its apples, mushroom cultivation and Kangra tea.

“Usually I am reluctant to visit state universities, but Nauni university has its own importance as it was one of its kind in the continent,” he said.