Famous cricketer Rahul Dravid has refused to receive the honorary doctorate degree that Bangalore University had chosen to bestow on him on the occasion of its 52nd convocation ceremony on Friday.
During a press release from the university, it was revealed that the erstwhile Indian captain had extended thanks to the university for selecting him for the honor, but “in all humility declined to accept the degree.”
“He (Dravid) has conveyed that he would try to earn a doctorate degree by accomplishing some form of academic research in the field of sports rather than receiving an honorary degree,” the release declared.
“We’ve learnt that he’s reluctant to accept the award because he’d rather earn it. The honorary doctorate, however, is not gratis. It is a recognition we’re awarding him for his contribution to sports,” University vice-chancellor Thimme Gowda said. “We’ve been trying to get in touch with him, but he’s out of town currently. Once he’s back, we’ll try to convince him about it,” he added.
Dravid was unavailable for a comment. The university had proposed three names, including that of Dravid, to the governor of Karnataka Vajubhai Vala, who is also the chancellor of the university, for presenting the honorary doctorate. Vala had agreed to only Dravid’s name.
This is not the first time he has refused an honorary degree. He once refused a doctorate degree from the Gulbarga University.
Dravid took his retirement from international cricket in 2012 after playing for the Indian team for 16 years. He made his first appearance back in 1996. At the present time, he is serving as the coach of the Indian U-19 team.
The ever hard-working and selfless man again proved that taking alternative routes was just not his approach towards life. The convocation will take place at the Jnana Jyoti Auditorium.
