President of India Granted Honorary Doctorate by Nitra University

Bratislava/Nitra, April 10 (TASR) - President of India Droupadi Murmu was awarded an honorary doctorate (doctor honoris causa) by Constantine the Philosopher University (UKF) in Nitra on Thursday in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the development of inclusive education as a tool for social emancipation and democratic values. Murmu was also recognised for her support for marginalised and disadvantaged communities, particularly for empowering women within these communities. UKF also acknowledged her efforts to protect cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as her consistent advocacy for human rights in the international context. The ceremonial event took place in the presence of Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, representatives of the diplomatic corps, science and culture, leaders of academia and other official guests from Slovakia and abroad. "It is a great honour for our university to award an honorary doctorate to President Droupadi Murmu. She comes from a relatively poor background and, through her work, has managed to rise to the highest executive office in the country and become president. Of course, she never forgot where she came from and has dedicated her life to social justice in her country, women's rights and linguistic diversity," said UKF Rector Libor Vozar. Vozar added that the Indian president comes from a country in which Christianity has deep roots. "She knows our history, she knows the history of Cyril and Methodius, and the idea of awarding the honorary doctorate at UKF represents, in a way, a connection between Christianity and the Cyril-Methodian mission. The awarding of the honorary title to the Indian president is also related to the fact that our university has had long-standing cooperation with three Indian universities. Thanks to various bilateral exchange programmes, Indian students come to UKF, and likewise, our staff and students have had the opportunity to travel to India," noted Vozar. The president of India’s itinerary in Nitra also included a visit to the Jaguar Land Rover car plant and a tree-planting ceremony attended by President Pellegrini. mf/df