Awarding of Doctorate Honoris Causa and Life-time Achievement Awards in Recognition of Contributions
VSVVV offers the opportunity to receive an Honorary Doctorate, recognizing significant contributions to various fields through multiple accessible avenues, such as:
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Overview of Honoris Causa (Honorary) Degrees and Life-Time Achievement Award
At Vedic Science Virtual Vishva-Vidyapeetham (VSVV), the conferment of an honorary doctorate and life-time achievement award represents one of the highest forms of academic and cultural recognition. This honor is awarded to individuals who have made profound contributions to the advancement of knowledge—particularly within the realms of Vedic studies, Indic knowledge systems, and broader academic or societal progress. Honorees reflect the institution’s foundational values of wisdom, service, and universal upliftment, serving as luminous examples for our global learner community.
Selection Criteria for Recipients
The Honorary Degrees Committee of VSVV applies rigorous and meaningful criteria to assess nominations. Each year, the Committee seeks to identify diverse and deserving individuals from both academic disciplines and distinguished fields of cultural or public service. The selection aligns with the vision of the specific Convocation or public event in which the degree is to be awarded. Preference is generally given to nominees in the following categories:
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Outstanding Contributions to Knowledge and Practice: Especially in the areas of Indian Knowledge System such as, Veda, Vedānta, Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotiṣa, Vāstu, Sanskrit studies, and other Vedic or allied disciplines.
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Service to Global Culture and Society: Recognizing those whose life’s work has brought positive transformation to culture, education, environment, ethics, or international harmony.
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Support to VSVV or the Vedic Tradition: Individuals who have meaningfully supported the development of VSVV, its mission, or the promotion of Sanātana Dharma globally.
Nomination and Selection Procedure
Call for Nominations:
An annual invitation for nominations is issued by the VSVV using both traditional means (circulars, announcements) and digital platforms (website, email, social media), as advised by the Honorary Degrees Committee.Committee Composition:
The Honorary Degrees Committee consists of eminent scholars, institutional leaders, and cultural figures appointed by VSVV leadership. They are entrusted with a careful, inclusive review of all nominations.Recommendations to the Board of Directors:
The committee will prepare and submit a report containing its recommendations to the Board of Directors of VSVV. This report will be circulated to Board of Directors no later than two days prior to the scheduled meeting. The names of nominees will remain confidential until formal approval is given and acceptance is received from the selected candidates.Required Nomination Documents
All nominations must include the following documents for consideration:
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A detailed letter from the nominator highlighting the nominee’s achievements, significance of their work, and their alignment with the values of VSVV.
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Up to three letters of support from individuals familiar with the nominee’s contributions.
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A concise curriculum vitae, including educational background, publications, awards, and service highlights.
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A brief biography (up to 200 words), suitable for citation during the Convocation ceremony.
Incomplete nominations will be returned to the submitting party.
Conferral Ceremony and Participation
Honorary degree recipients are invited to address the Convocation gathering. However, participation in the address is optional. Honorary degrees are awarded in person and not posthumously, unless the award had been previously accepted and arrangements finalized before the honoree’s demise.
The ceremonial citation shall be limited to a maximum of three minutes. As per institutional protocols, the recipient will be formally presented for the award by the Director or a designated representative of VSVV.
Revocation of Honorary Degrees
The Board of Directors of VSVV retains the authority to rescind an honorary doctorate in cases deemed necessary. Such action requires a recommendation from the Honorary Degrees Committee followed by a formal vote of approval by the Senate.
Certificates and Award Notifications
Recipients will receive an official degree certificate, typically during the Convocation. If not, it will be sent by post afterward. In case a certificate is not received within three months, the recipient must notify the Vidyapeeth to avoid being charged for a replacement.
Requesting Replacement Certificates
If a certificate is lost, damaged, or destroyed, recipients may request a replacement for a nominal fee. Only one valid certificate will be issued at any time. Duplicate copies are not provided.
Application Process
Vedic Science Virtual Vishva-Vidyapeetham offers an accessible, fully online admission system. Applicants may download the application form from the official website, submit completed forms along with required documentation by mail or email (if permitted), and await confirmation from the Office of the Registrar. Admission updates will be sent via email where provided.
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