VIT Chancellor conferred with honorary doctorate at St. Xavier’s University

In a momentous occasion at the 6th Convocation Ceremony of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, Dr. G Viswanathan, Founder and Chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), was conferred with the prestigious Doctor of Literature (D.Litt., Honoris Causa). The honour was awarded in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, leadership, public service, and humanitarian efforts.
The convocation ceremony, held at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, New Town, was presided over by Chancellor Rev. Dr. James Arjen Tete, SJ and Vice-Chancellor Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj. 
The event witnessed the presence of distinguished academicians, dignitaries, students, and esteemed guests. The Convocation Address was delivered by Justice IP Mukherji, Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya.
Dr. Viswanathan, an eminent educationist and visionary leader, has played a pivotal role in transforming higher education in India. 

This recognition marks the first time an Indian university has conferred an honorary doctorate upon him. Previously, he was honoured with an honorary doctorate by West Virginia University, USA, in 2009, and more recently by the State University of New York, Binghamton University, USA, in 2024.

Expressing his gratitude for the honour, Dr. Viswanathan thanked St. Xavier’s University and reminisced about his long association with Bengal. He emphasised the importance of quality education and research in shaping the nation's future and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering academic excellence and societal development. Additionally, he highlighted the significance of increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) as a key factor in economic growth and development.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries from VIT, including Vice-Presidents Sankar Viswanathan and Dr. Sekar Viswanathan, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kanchana Bhaaskaran, Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Partha Sharathi Mallick, and Director of Alumni Affairs Dr. Elizabeth Rufus. Also present were Fr. Dominic Gomes, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Calcutta, Fr. Malay Dcosta, Financial Administrator of the Archdiocese of Calcutta, and Fr. Jayraj Veluswamy, SJ, Rector of St. Xavier’s College, Calcutta.
A special announcement was made by the Chancellor, stating that from next year, VIT will institute a gold medal for the best outgoing student in UG and PG programmes.