Bommai Refuses Honorary Doctorate, Says Public Trust Is Highest Honour

The university had announced honorary doctorates for three, including Bommai.
In a statement on Sunday, Bommai expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and Syndicate members of the university for selecting him for the honour. However, he said he had already conveyed his decision to the Vice-Chancellor that he would not be accepting the doctorate.

“As I am engaged in public service, I do not seek any awards for it. I believe that the love and trust of the people are the greatest honours for public service. Therefore, I humbly reiterate that I will not accept the honorary doctorate,” Bommai stated in a message on social media.

Bommai further said that honorary doctorates should be reserved for individuals who have rendered distinguished and long-standing service in a particular field. “It is my personal view that it is not appropriate to award honorary doctorates to politicians or those engaged in social service out of self-motivation. I request that this matter be reconsidered,” he added.