Pandit Ravi Shankar awarded honorary doctorate

World renowned sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar was honoured by the University of Melbourne recently at a prestigious function. The 89-year-old sitar player was awarded a honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), for his “outstanding commitment to music and humanity”. The Honourable Alex Chernov, Chancellor and Chairman of the Australia India Institute presented Pandit Shankar with the award, the highest honour awarded by the university. The musician has now joined an elite league of previous recipients including Burmese democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi; former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson; art critic and author Robert Hughes; indigenous rights activist Lowitja O’Donoghue; the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people the Dalai Lama; academic and commentator on public issues Germaine Geer, and distinguished Australian scientist Professor Sir Gustav Nossal.

The honorary degree of Doctor of Laws is awarded by the University of Melbourne in recognition of people who have distinguished themselves through eminent public service or outstanding cultural achievement. A proposal for awarding the degree must be supported by a member majority of the University’s Academic Board.

The award was presented at a special conferring ceremony, and invitees included members of Pandit Shankar’s family and troupe, senior academics and students of the University. Anoushka Shankar accompanied her father to the ceremony, which was organised by the Australia India Institute of University of Melbourne.

Alex Chernov said that Ravi Shankar is regarded as a “singular phenomenon in the classical music world of both, East and West.” He further added that the sitarist is the only one who brings them both together through his music.