In a move that will further enhance the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the international community, the Southern University System of Louisiana in United States has decided to confer an honorary doctorate degree for his work in the field of inclusive growth.
The announcement could add a new dimension to the India-US relationship especially in the context of Modi’s imminent visit to the Washington and other US cities.
Today morning, the University board met at 4.00 am (Indian time) at the Baton Rouge campus and finally approved the conferment.
Baton Rogue is the capital of Louisiana State and about 150 km from New Orleans. Governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal, who has Indian roots, was born in Baton Rogue.
Professor of Computer Science at the University, Sudhir K Trivedi, who has been spearheading the move for conferring the honorary degree, told Business Line over phone from Baton Rogue that the degree is in recognition of Modi’s contribution towards social transformation, especially for empowering women and minorities in Gujarat,
The efforts were on for the last one year to confirm the degree on Modi and they were fast-tracked once he became the Prime Minister “It is only fitting that the degree is given to leader of the largest democracy in the world,” he said.
Polarising effect
On the polarising effect of Modi, Trivedi said that all statesman and politicians bring people together but also carrying some baggage with them. In spite of extreme views of people on Modi’s, the academic council of the University unanimously agreed to confirm the degree.
In 2002, South African freedom icon, Nelson Mandela was also conferred with the same degree. A public policy school at the University is also named after him.
Inclusive growth
A statement issued by the University said that it was impressed by Modi’s agenda of inclusive growth in Gujarat. It also considered the work done by Modi is the first 100 days as Prime Minister. Modi’s declaration of a ten-year moratorium on caste and communal violence in the country and $20-billion commitment towards ‘Digital India’ initiative were also lauded by the university.
If Modi accepts the invitation of the University, then the honorary doctorate would be awarded on December 11, 2015 by the Dr Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy of the university. He would also be the Commencement Speaker for Fall 2015 session of the university.
He will also be requested to inaugurate the global headquarters of the Centre for ICT Enabled Social Transformation.
On ground, the Southern University System actually consists of two universities and a community college. It also has an agriculture research and extension centre.
The campus is spread over 884 acres in Louisiana. It focuses on working for underserved sections of the society using modern technology and processes. The flagship institution, Southern University and Agriculture & Mechanical College, was set up in 1880 for providing educational opportunities to the people of African descent.
Modi's achievements
Mumbai-based promoter of Abhinav Knowledge Services, Pankaj Phadnis, who is also a Post-doctoral Fellow at the University, has been the pivotal figure in getting the University understand the work of Modi. In August 2013, Phadnis updated the University officials about Modi’s achievements in Gujarat.
Phadnis told Business Line that Trivedi took the initiative of setting up the Centre for ICT Enabled Social Transformation, after attending his presentation at the colloquium on the role of information and communication technology in developing peaceful relations between India and Pakistan.
He added that the Centre for ICT Enabled Social Transformation will start working on October 2, which is the birth anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi. If the Indian Government provides further support and funds then the Centre could be named after Pandit Deedayal Upadhyaya, one of the political guru’s of Modi.