Doctorate for dance guru

"I am truly honored. I come from a family of educationists. My family wanted me to follow the family tradition and be an educationist too. But I was more interested in the performing arts,” said the newly minted Dr Shiamak Davar on receiving an honorary doctorate from the Middle­sex University of London for his contribution to the performing arts, entertainment and dance education in India and globally on July 23, 2011. Davar shared, "I started my journey in London and today I feel I have come full circle with this great honor. This acknowledgement reinforces my belief — Have feet. Will dance! Have spirit. Will triumph!”

Dr Shiamak Davar with honorary degree

Davar, who has been in the field for a quarter of a century, counts over 60,000 persons across the world as students in his dance academies. Michael Driscoll, vice chancellor of Middlesex University, acknowledged this with: "It’s so inspiring for our students to meet and graduate alongside Shiamak as his work has become a truly international success. His story is an example of what can be achieved with talent and determination,” as reported in Bombay Times on July 25, 2011.