Raj: Sainik, rebel and now a scholar?

MUMBAI: The rebel in him has emerged. Now, the ‘scholar’ in him might be recognised. If Mumbai University grants Sena MLC Pramod Navalkar’s wish, rebellious Shiv Sena leader Raj Thackeray could well become Dr Raj Thackeray.

In a letter to Vice-Chancellor Vijay Khole, Navalkar has asked the university to bestow an honorary PhD on Raj for his recent book, Bal Keshav Thackeray — A Photobiography, citing two years of research he undertook to chronicle his uncle’s life.

The 421-page book, containing 800 B&W photographs of memorable moments of Thackeray’s life, was published in May. “The effort is unique in that the book starts in the form of pictures after he (Raj) puts a full stop to his text. It is a unique experiment,” Navalkar told DNA. The book has sold 10,000 copies.

But Khole said the university has no system of awarding honorary PhDs. “The rule is that the research student has to submit his thesis and defend it from referees, who evaluate the work and decide,” he said.

But with Navalkar unwilling to take no for an answer, Khole has asked him to forward the letter to two committees — the ‘scroll of honour’ for outstanding achievers and the panel offering DLitt and DSc honours — appointed by the university for its 150-year celebrations.

“Raj Thackeray can be considered for DLitt if a letter of recommendation is made,” Khole said. “Both these committees are autonomous and the university has no role to play in their decisions.”

Navalkar is now planning to write to Sharma. “There is no politics involved,” he said. “I just want Raj’s creative work to be acknowledged.”