Kolkata, India – – St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) to Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, during its seventh convocation ceremony held at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in New Town. The recognition, Mr. Tharoor stated, marks his first honorary doctorate from an Indian institution, holding particular significance as it comes from his alma mater.
The convocation also saw the graduation of of 1,052 postgraduate and undergraduate students, alongside 25 Ph.D. Scholars. The university simultaneously announced the introduction of a new B.Tech degree course, slated to begin in .
Accepting the honor, Mr. Tharoor expressed “profound gratitude and abiding humility,” characterizing the D.Litt as “a gesture of generosity” from the university. He reflected on the enduring influence of the Jesuit priests and St. Xavier’s College, Calcutta, in shaping his intellectual rigor, ethical clarity, and sense of social responsibility. He specifically noted the institution’s emphasis on debate, public speaking, and social action as formative influences on his parliamentary career.
The ceremony was also addressed by Father Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, who underscored the global commitment of the Jesuits to Xaverian education. Father Sosa emphasized that a “true and complete education” extends beyond the classroom, encompassing personal relationships, failures, and self-reflection. He urged graduates to become “men and women for and with others,” advocating for solidarity with the marginalized and the pursuit of justice in a divided world. His remarks highlighted the Ignatian vision of education as holistic personal formation geared towards transformative service.
Mr. Tharoor, in his address, encouraged the graduating class to leverage their Xaverian education not for personal gain, but to bridge economic, cultural, and political divides within India. He urged them to “use their education…to build bridges between the divisions” that characterize Indian society. He further encouraged the graduates to “speak truth to power with eloquence and compassion,” drawing a direct line between the values instilled in him at St. Xavier’s and his career in public service.
The conferral of the D.Litt to Mr. Tharoor recognizes his contributions to literature, public service, and global diplomacy. A prolific author and a four-term Member of Parliament representing Thiruvananthapuram, Mr. Tharoor has consistently engaged in public discourse on a wide range of issues, often leveraging his literary background to provide nuanced perspectives. His career has spanned diplomatic postings, international organizations, and a prominent role in Indian politics.
The seventh convocation of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, represents a significant milestone for the institution, marking both its commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to fostering socially responsible leaders. The introduction of the B.Tech program signals an expansion of the university’s academic offerings, responding to evolving demands in the technology sector. The university’s founding principles, rooted in Jesuit tradition, continue to emphasize ethical judgment and social awareness as central tenets of its educational mission.
The event underscores the continuing importance of institutions like St. Xavier’s in shaping India’s intellectual and political landscape. By recognizing individuals like Mr. Tharoor who have demonstrated a commitment to public service and intellectual inquiry, the university reinforces its role as a catalyst for positive change.
