6 May : A convocation carried out in a book-lined study, the recipient of the degree a venerable gentleman known the world over for his acerbic bit and his sharp pen, the conferring University one that shared the same country of birth – Panjab University conferred its DLitt degree (honoris causa) on Khushwant Singh, renowned journalist and litterateur at a simple ceremony organized at the author’s New Delhi residence this evening.
The special convocation was declared open by the Registrar, Dr A. K. Bhandari as per protocol while the Vice Chancellor, Prof. R.C. Sobti conferred the degree and read out the citation. Mr. Singh was awarded the degree in honour of his stellar contribution as the editor of diverse publications such as Yojana, The Illustrated Weekly, National Herald and Hindustan Times. A prolific writer, Mr. Singh is best remembered for his seminal novel on Partition – Train to Pakistan. His life too is an illustration of his secular principles and a humility born out of his empathy for all humanity. The citation also put on record the University’s recognition of Khushwant Singh’s continuing participation in journalistic and literary circles through his syndicated columns and novels that he continues to write even well into his 90’s. The nation has already paid due recognition to Mr. Singh’s achievements by conferring him with the Padma Vibhushan in 2007.
Mr. Singh’s son, Rahul was present on the occasion as were members of the Senate and Syndicate of the University. Special invitees included Prof. G.K. Chadha, Vice Chancellor SAARC University, Virender Trehan, from the Foundation for Amity and National Solidarity, A. N. Bakshi, Chief Controller Accounts, Ministry of Human Resource Development, GOI.