Dibrugarh University Announces Prestigious Honorary Degrees for Medical Luminary and Literary Icon
In a significant recognition of excellence, Dibrugarh University has announced it will confer honorary degrees upon two distinguished individuals at its upcoming 24th convocation ceremony. Esteemed surgeon Dr Sarbeswar Bhuyan and acclaimed author Mamang Dai will be honored for their remarkable contributions to their respective fields during the event scheduled for March 12.
University Executive Council Approves Honors
The decision to award these prestigious honors was formally approved during the 361st meeting of the university's executive council. This announcement has been met with widespread approval and enthusiasm from the academic community, which views these recognitions as well-deserved tributes to two individuals who have made substantial impacts beyond their professional domains.
Dr Sarbeswar Bhuyan: A Medical Pioneer with a Humanitarian Heart
Dr Sarbeswar Bhuyan will receive the distinguished Doctor of Science (DSc) degree in acknowledgment of his exceptional service to surgical and medical education. A prominent figure closely associated with Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh, Dr Bhuyan commands immense respect throughout the state's medical community.
Beyond his professional achievements and surgical expertise, Dr Bhuyan is particularly celebrated for his unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes. He has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to providing medical support to economically disadvantaged patients and has maintained extensive outreach programs targeting rural and underserved communities across the region. His work exemplifies the ideal combination of medical excellence and social responsibility.
Mamang Dai: Literary Voice of Northeast India
Mamang Dai will be honored with the Doctor of Literature (D Litt) degree in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Indian English literature. A native of Arunachal Pradesh and a proud member of the Adi community, Dai has significantly enriched contemporary literary landscapes with narratives deeply rooted in the oral traditions, folklore, historical narratives, and breathtaking landscapes of Northeast India.
Her literary achievements are substantial and widely recognized. She received the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2017 for her novel The Black Hill (2014) and was honored with the Padma Shri in 2011 for her exceptional contributions to literature and education. Notably, Dai made history as the first woman from Arunachal Pradesh to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1979 before ultimately dedicating herself fully to literature and journalism.
Among her celebrated literary works are The Legends of Pensam, River Poems, and The White Shirts of Summer. She currently resides in Itanagar, continuing her literary pursuits that bridge traditional narratives with contemporary expression.
24th Convocation Details and Distinguished Attendees
The convocation ceremony promises to be a momentous occasion with several dignitaries in attendance. The event will be graced by the university's chancellor and Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, alongside Union Minister and Dibrugarh MP Sarbananda Sonowal, adding significant prestige to the proceedings.
According to Dibrugarh University Registrar Paramananda Sonowal, a total of 12,261 students will receive their degrees during this convocation. Among these, approximately 1,965 students are expected to attend in person to collect their certificates. The largest attending group comprises postgraduate students, with detailed breakdowns across various faculties:
- Postgraduate Students: 812 from arts, 159 from commerce, and 235 from science disciplines
- Autonomous College Students: 236 from arts, 10 from commerce, and 34 from science streams
Professional Degrees and Special Awards Distribution
The convocation will also witness the conferral of numerous professional degrees across diverse specializations:
- 141 MBA candidates
- 30 MCA candidates
- 22 M Ed candidates
- 25 M Pharm candidates
- 85 MSW candidates
- 21 M Tech candidates
- 9 MTTM candidates
- 19 MA in Library Science candidates
- 6 Integrated M Sc candidates
Additionally, 105 scholars will be awarded the prestigious Ph.D. degree, marking the culmination of their advanced research endeavors.
The ceremony will feature the presentation of Governor's Gold Medals to academic toppers across 41 different subjects. Special memorial awards will also be distributed, including the Dr Junali Kripi Memorial Gold Medal in Anthropology and the Dr Kamalakanta Borgohain Memorial Scholarship in education, honoring the legacies of distinguished academics.
This convocation represents not only an academic milestone for thousands of students but also a celebration of exceptional contributions to society through the honoring of Dr Sarbeswar Bhuyan and Mamang Dai, whose work continues to inspire future generations.
