By Avenash Ramzan in New Delhi, India
President Irfaan Ali was on Thursday afternoon conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in India.
The Guyanese Head of State completed his Master’s Degree in Human Resource Planning Development from the National Institute of Labour Economics, which is affiliated to the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in New Delhi, in 2003.
At a Special Convocation, Dr. Ali was conferred with the doctorate by Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and Chancellor of the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.
“I’m eternally grateful to the government and people of India,” President Ali said in his acceptance speech.
The Head of State’s delivery was one that reflected serenity and magnanimity; quite the opposite to his robust approach over the last few days in successfully convincing India’s government, private sector and global business leaders to invest in Guyana.
While the title goes solely to his name, Dr. Ali was gracious in dedicating the moment to his batch mates, drawn from more than 20 countries.
“I accept this honour on behalf of all my teachers, friends and students of my batch. Today, they are all over the globe, but wherever they are we want them to know that they are part of who I am, and that they are a part of what I’ve become,” he said.
The Indian education system is not easy, President Ali confessed, noting that it is rule-based and systematic, and requires discipline and commitment.
“And in that highly disciplined environment, you taught us to be better humans,” President Ali reflected as he spoke directly to his lecturers who were present in the auditorium.
“The education we received was not only academic, it was life-changing.”
“It was preparing great minds to do great things in the humblest of ways. India has reinforced in me the true meaning of respect for elders, respect for parents and respect for the society in which you live.”
The University, Dr. Ali stressed, played a significant role in shaping him, both from a personal and professional standpoint. During his time at the University, President Ali served as head of the student arm.
“So from early I learnt some negotiation skills…and those skills are very handy today.”
Guyanese students can now be exposed to those skills as a pathway has been created for them to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Ali by pursuing higher education at the institution.
The convocation coincided with the University’s 25th anniversary.
Members of the Guyana delegation, on an official seven-day visit to India, attended the function.
