Okayama University Honors Mamata Banerjee with Honorary Doctorate in Kolkata

Okayama University Honors Mamata Banerjee with Honorary Doctorate

On November 12, 2025, Okayama University, a national university based in Okayama City, Japan, conferred an honorary doctorate upon Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, India. This honorary degree is a groundbreaking achievement as it is the first time that Okayama University has awarded such a distinction to a female leader from Asia. The awarding ceremony took place in Kolkata and was attended by approximately 2,000 representatives from the government, education sector, and local citizens.

During the ceremony, President Yasu Tomo Nasu of Okayama University presented the honorary doctorate certificate to Chief Minister Banerjee, emphasizing the significance of this recognition. The award was granted in acknowledgment of Banerjee's exceptional contributions to education, healthcare, and welfare, particularly for women, children, and socially disadvantaged groups. Her efforts to promote the participation of women in society, expand educational opportunities, and improve healthcare services were especially praised as vital steps toward creating a sustainable society.

In his speech, President Nasu expressed his admiration for Banerjee's vision and dedication to public welfare, recalling his experience attending the Bengal Global Business Summit held in Kolkata earlier that year. He highlighted the importance of this ceremony as a symbol of friendship and cooperation between Japan and India, as well as between Okayama University and West Bengal. He conveyed his hopes for the continued development of academic and cultural exchanges between the two regions.

In her address, Chief Minister Banerjee dedicated the honorary award to the essence of Bengal, describing it as a tribute to the 'Mother, Land, and People' (Ma, Mati, Manush). She expressed her heartfelt gratitude and humility in accepting the honor, underlining the historical and cultural connections between Bengal and Japan through figures such as Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, and Subhas Chandra Bose. She stated that education and culture transcend politics, connecting hearts and strengthening humanity. Banerjee expressed enthusiasm for further collaboration with Okayama University, emphasizing the mutual benefits that would arise from stronger ties.

The conferral of the honorary doctorate represents a significant milestone in establishing trust and enhancing the international presence of Okayama University. It marks a major step toward deepening global educational and research activities. The university plans to strategically strengthen partnerships not only with Sister Nivedita University in Kolkata, which has an existing inter-university agreement but also with other universities across West Bengal. This includes increased exchanges between students and faculty, aiming to advance educational and research development in both countries.

Overall, this event signifies a promising future for Okayama University as it continues its role as a core research university with distinctive characteristics, dedicated to fostering collaboration and co-creation in the region. The university is committed to supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has received recognition for its efforts, including a special award at the first Japan SDGs Award.

As Okayama University moves forward, the anticipation grows regarding its initiatives and contributions to global education and research, showcasing its potential as a prominent institution not only in Japan but also on the international stage.