Will the Architect of India’s First Supercomputer and Other Luminaries Receive Honoris Causa Degrees on December 13?
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Synopsis
On December 13, Panjab University will honor remarkable figures like supercomputing pioneer Dr. Vijay P Bhatkar and acclaimed novelist Dr. Amitav Ghosh with Honoris Causa Degrees at its 73rd Convocation. The event will also feature several prestigious awards recognizing excellence in various fields.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Vijay P Bhatkar recognized for supercomputing innovations.
- Prof. K N Pathak acknowledged for his contributions to physics.
- Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel awarded for his work in constitutional justice.
- Dr. Amitav Ghosh honored for his literary contributions.
- Various awards recognizing excellence across fields will be presented.
Chandigarh, Dec 10 (NationPress) The Vice President of India and Chancellor of Panjab University (PU), C. P. Radhakrishnan, has officially announced the recipients of the Honoris Causa Degrees and PU Ratna Awards, set to be presented during the university's 73rd Convocation on December 13.
The preparations for this significant event were reviewed by Panjab University (PU) Vice Chancellor Renu Vig in a meeting with senior university officials and committee chairpersons.
The convocation will be presided over by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, who will also deliver the keynote address.
Recognized for their exceptional contributions, Dr. Vijay P Bhatkar, the pioneer behind India's first supercomputer, PARAM, will be honored alongside Prof. K N Pathak, a distinguished physicist, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, a former Supreme Court judge, and acclaimed author Dr. Amitav Ghosh, all of whom will receive honorary degrees.
Other honorees include Dr. Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho Corporation and Padma Shri awardee, Prof. Pradeep Thalappil, an esteemed chemist, Sarabjot Singh, an Olympic medallist and PU alumnus, and Amarjit Grewal, a celebrated poet and playwright, who will receive various awards such as the Udyog Ratna, Vigyan Ratna, Khel Ratna, and Sahitya Ratna respectively.
Dr. Vijay P Bhatkar will be awarded a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for his groundbreaking work in supercomputing, multilingual computing, and digital literacy. He is recognized as one of India's top computer scientists and institution builders, having laid the foundations of C DAC and significantly advancing digital inclusion.
Prof. K N Pathak, the former Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, will also receive the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for his significant contributions to condensed matter physics and for establishing key research centers at the university.
Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel will be honored with the Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) for his extensive contributions to constitutional justice and environmental law, having served in the judiciary for over twenty years.
Renowned novelist Dr. Amitav Ghosh will receive the Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) for his impactful works addressing identity, migration, history, and climate change, earning him international acclaim and a Padma Shri.
Dr. Sridhar Vembu, recognized for his leadership in the technology sector through Zoho Corporation, will receive the Udyog Ratna. His work has played a pivotal role in decentralizing software development across rural India.
The Vigyan Ratna will be awarded to Prof. Pradeep Thalappil, whose groundbreaking research in nanochemistry has led to globally recognized drinking water purification technologies.
Olympic medallist Sarabjot Singh will be honored with the Khel Ratna for his achievements in shooting, including medals from the World Championships, Asian Games, and his participation in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
Amarjit Grewal, known for his bilingual literary contributions, will receive the Sahitya Ratna for his explorations of language, ethics, and civilizational thought.
Point of View
Recognizing the contributions of luminaries in various fields is crucial. The upcoming convocation at Panjab University not only acknowledges individual achievements but also inspires future generations to pursue excellence in their respective domains.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Honoris Causa Degrees?
Honoris Causa Degrees are honorary degrees awarded to individuals for their significant contributions to society or a particular field, recognizing their achievements without the usual academic requirements.
Who will preside over the convocation?
The convocation will be presided over by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria.
What awards will be presented during the convocation?
Awards such as Honoris Causa Degrees and PU Ratna Awards, including Udyog Ratna, Vigyan Ratna, Khel Ratna, and Sahitya Ratna, will be presented.
When is the convocation taking place?
The 73rd Convocation of Panjab University is scheduled for December 13.
Who are some of the notable awardees?
Notable awardees include Dr. Vijay P Bhatkar, Prof. K N Pathak, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, and Dr. Amitav Ghosh, among others.
