KSOU Faces Internal Dissent Over Honorary Doctorate Selections Ahead of 21st Convocation
In a development marked by controversy, the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) authorities in Mysuru have announced the names of eight dignitaries set to receive honorary doctorates at the institution's 21st convocation ceremony on Saturday. This announcement comes despite significant objections raised by several members of the University's Board of Management (BoM), who have formally registered their dissent and declared a boycott of the upcoming event.
Honorees and Selection Criteria
Vice-Chancellor Sharanappa V Halse, addressing reporters on Friday, revealed that the honorary doctorates pertain to the academic years of 2013-14, 2014-15, and 2023-24. The distinguished recipients include:
- S Shivakumar from Bengaluru
- Satish Kumar D Keggere from Tumakuru
- Brahma Kumari Lakshmi G from Mysuru
- KB Lingaraju from Mysuru
- Bashyam Swami from Mysuru
- Shivashankara Tokare from Bidar
- BS Nagabhushana Attri from Hassan
- C Somashekhara from Bengaluru
VC Halse emphasized that the selection was based on the individuals' notable contributions to various fields, including education, social service, and religious activities. He stated, "They are selected for the honour based on their contribution to the fields of education, social service, religions, etc."
Board of Management's Objections and Boycott
However, the selection process has not been without contention. A faction of the Board of Management members has sent a formal dissent note to the Governor's office, alleging procedural irregularities. They contend that the selections were made unilaterally and in violation of established university rules, effectively bypassing the Board's authority.
Sosale Mahesh, a BoM member, articulated the core of their grievance: "We permitted honorary doctorates only to three dignitaries. However, now eight persons are selected, citing students of 2013-14 and 2014-15, are being given degree certificates in this convocation. BoM was kept in the dark in this regard. We are boycotting the convocation." This statement underscores the board's claim of being excluded from a critical decision-making process, leading to their planned absence from the ceremony.
Scale of the 21st Convocation
Beyond the honorary awards, the convocation is set to be a significant academic event. Vice-Chancellor Halse provided detailed figures on the degrees to be conferred:
- 68 research scholars will be awarded PhDs.
- 10,623 students from the January 2021-22 to January 2023-24 academic cycle will receive various degrees.
- Additionally, 30,515 students from the 2013-14 and 2014-15 academic years will also be conferred their respective degrees.
This highlights the convocation's role in recognizing a substantial body of academic achievement across multiple years.
Dignitaries and Official Presence
The convocation will be graced by several high-profile dignitaries. Union Minister of State for Education and Development of the Northeastern Region, Sukanta Majumdar, is scheduled to deliver the convocation address. The event will also be attended by Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot and Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar, among other officials, lending it significant ceremonial weight despite the internal discord.
The situation presents a complex backdrop to the university's celebratory event, juxtaposing institutional honor with internal governance challenges.
