New Delhi:  The Kathmandu University conferred an Honorary Doctorate on the President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee today (03 November 2016).

Speaking on the occasion, the President thanked Vice Chancellor Dr. Ram Kantha Makaju Shreshtha, Senate Members and the Faculty of the Kathmandu University for conferring upon him the Honorary Doctorate. He said he deeply valued this gesture of friendship and humbly accepts it on behalf of the people of India.

The President congratulated Kathmandu University on its Silver Jubilee and said within a short span of twenty-five years, the University has established itself as a focal point of higher learning in Nepal, offering academic courses in humanities, science, engineering, medicine, management and law. He said the University has many accomplishments and attracts talented students from Nepal and its neighbourhood. With its core objectives of imparting quality education and learning skills, it is well placed to evolve into a center of academic excellence for the entire region.

The President said there is need for concerted efforts to build world-class universities. There was a time when there existed in the region renowned seats of learning like Takshashila and Nalanda, which attracted mighty minds from across the world. Universities in the region have the best of talent in terms of students and faculty. However, they still lag behind in global rankings. This situation must be remedied with a focus on research and Innovation. The President expressed happiness that Kathmandu University is already taking necessary steps to move in this direction.