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RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to get honorary doctorate in veterinary sciences
The state-run Animal and Fishery Sciences University will award Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat with an honorary doctor of science degree during its convocation ceremony in Nagpur on April 10.
The state-run Animal and Fishery Sciences University will award Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat with an honorary doctor of science (DSc) degree during its convocation ceremony in Nagpur on April 10.
According to university vice-chancellor Aditya Kumar Mishra, the honorary degree would be given to the RSS chief – a qualified veterinarian – by chancellor C Vidyasagar Rao. This is the first honorary degree to be bestowed upon any individual by the university since its inception.
Mishra said Bhagwat’s name was recommended by several academicians, including those from the Nagpur Veterinary College alumni association and related associations. A couple of weeks ago, the university’s academic council unanimously adopted a resolution to honour him, he added.
Bhagwat graduated in veterinary sciences and animal husbandry from a government-run college in Nagpur. Though he pursued a post-graduate course at an institution in Akola, he dropped out during the Emergency in 1975 to become a full-time RSS pracharak.
Mishra said university authorities believe the RSS chief has contributed immensely to the field of veterinary sciences through social projects and programmes promoting cow-protection and conservation. “Bhagwat has agreed to accept the degree,” he added.
The DSc degree will be given to the RSS chief in the presence of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari and state minister for dairy development and fisheries Mahadeorao Jankar.
However, awarding the doctorate to Bhagwat is a controversial decision, considering that he does not hold a master’s degree on the subject. There are also a few who believe there are many other people more deserving of the honorary degree. They believe this move amounts to a blatant attempt to “saffronise” academic institutions.
Earlier, the Narendra Modi government was criticised when Bhagwat’s Vijayadashami speech was telecast on the state-run Doordarshan channel.