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Mumbai University 'forgot' to give Sachin Tendulkar his honorary doctorate

Be it a poor student or a legend like Sachin Tendulkar, Mumbai university treats them equally.

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Are you one of the seven lakh students of Mumbai university, and are you fuming about the infestation of red tapism in the 160-year-old institution? Just relax. Accuse the institution of anything, you can't accuse it of preferential treatment. Be it a poor student or a legend like Sachin Tendulkar, Mumbai university treats them equally.

Here is the proof. Soon after the 2011 cricket world cup, the University proposed to confer an honorary Doctor of Letters (honorary DLitt) to him in recognition of his exemplary achievement in the field of sport.

The matter was discussed among the top officials and senate members in April 2011. The media, too, reported on the development. The MU's decision was welcomed by all quarters mainly because Tendulkar is a Mumbaikar.

And then, the file pertaining to Sachin's doctorate was never sent to the state's governor who is also the chancellor of all the state universities. His permission is mandatory for conferring any honorary degrees.

Interestingly, another proposal was mooted by the senate members in October 2013. The university higher-ups assured the members that a proposal would be sent to the governor for his approval soon.

No such proposal was ever sent to the governor house, dna has learnt.

MU registrar MA Khan admitted that nothing was done about conferring the DLitt upon Tendulkar. When asked why it was delayed, he claimed, "The file could not be put up for approval of the Governor. There is no particular reason. Perhaps no one pursued the matter."

When asked if Sachin's educational qualification- he has passed class 10- was the reason behind not giving him the honour, Khan said, "That is not the case. We can give an honorary doctorate even to illiterate persons."

Another official said, "Dilip Karande, who was the most active member in the senate and was instrumental in putting up the proposal twice, in 2011 and 2013, fell ill and died last year. Although the senate has members from Yuva Sena and MNVS, both affiliated to political parties which fight for Marathi pride, they didn't pursue the matter."

Tendulkar had earlier refused to accept the honorary doctorate from Mysore University and YCMOU.

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