Doctorate for Ratan Tata

Tata group chairman Ratan Tata was conferred an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) degree at the 46th convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay at the hands of President Pratibha Patil on August 8, 2008 for his extraordinary contribution to the growth of Indian industry and for supporting the cause of science and technology.

Speaking on the occasion Patil said: Tata "represents the best traditions of Indian entrepreneurship and innovation. He is also an example of the growing strength and confidence of our business enterprises to become multinationals with a presence across the globe in this new century,” reported Mumbai Mirror (MM) on August 9, 2009. Tata received an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from IIT Kharagpur as well at its 50th annual convocation in March 2008.

Ratan Tata: give youth a chance

The Indian Express (IE) of August 9, 2008 informs that this degree was in recognition of Tata’s "outstanding contribution to the growth of Indian industry, propagation of the values of business ethics and the social responsibilities of business and overall growth of the country.” Humbly attributing his success to the cooperation and assistance of many young people Tata hoped that "the students will take the responsibility of not only improving technology, but also of the upliftment of the people around. Many of you will become leaders of India tomorrow,” as per the IE report. According to DNA of August 9, 2008, Tata said, "I’ve had the greatest satisfaction to give the youth a chance to dream and exhibit their capabilities. I hope that people here who are going out into the world today will in addition to spreading technology also improve the quality of life around them.”

At the IIT Bombay convocation 1,604 students were conferred degrees — the highest number of degrees in the history of the institute. Of these 200 were doctorates, the highest ever to be awarded from any Indian institute, according to the Hindustan Times of August 9, 2008