Search
+
    The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

    Don’t get bowled over by doctored degrees

    Synopsis

    Hopefully, henceforth, others with similar successful careers who may be in line for such benevolence from universities will also take a cue from Dravid’s plucky stance.

    ET Bureau
    Rahul Dravid must be commended for gracefully turning down the offer of an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University, reportedly with the comment that he would try to earn a doctoral degree in sports. Given his legendary methodical mind, no one will doubt that he can get a real doctorate if he decides to go for it.

    But too many others in all sorts of professions — from politicians to industrialists — succumb to the lure of the edifying prefix of ‘Dr’ that such ‘honoris causa’ gongs confer — much to the chagrin of some in those very professions who have actually earned their Dr titles in the time-honoured way, via a medical or higher academic degree.

    Worse still, these honorary doctors are often even more particular about being addressed as such by their peers than many who have actually put in years to earn that same title. At a time when university degrees — and their authenticity — have become a ticklish subject, it is perspicacious of Dravid not to adorn himself with anything he feels he has not earned.

    Though the university has quickly clarified that his long career as a top-class cricketer qualifies him for the honour, he has evidently signalled he respectfully does not agree. Hopefully, henceforth, others with similar successful careers who may be in line for such benevolence from universities will also take a cue from Dravid’s plucky stance.

    (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2024 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)

    Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.

    ...more

    (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2024 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)

    Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.

    ...more
    The Economic Times

    Stories you might be interested in