Mamata Banerjee Receives Honorary DLitt from Japanese University for Women’s Empowerment

Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was honored with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by Okayama University of Japan. This recognition celebrates her significant contributions to women's empowerment, and the ceremony took place at a government auditorium in Alipore.

During the event, Banerjee dedicated this honor to the people of Bengal, emphasizing her gratitude towards the university officials who traveled from Japan to present her with the award. "Japan is a global beacon of peace, harmony, and culture. I wish every student at Okayama University the best," she stated.

The Chief Minister highlighted the longstanding cultural and academic ties between Japan and West Bengal, noting the successful collaborations between universities from both regions. She expressed hope for continued participation from Japanese delegates in West Bengal's future business summits.

Banerjee reflected on historical connections, recalling the deep relationships that figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had with Japan. She pointed out that a unit of Okayama University is located in Tagore's Shantiniketan, reinforcing the enduring ties.

Expressing her appreciation for the visit from the Japanese delegation, she mentioned her desire to visit Japan next year, acknowledging the warmth and respect shown by the attendees. Furthermore, she discussed West Bengal's industrial growth and the increasing global engagement, with international companies showing interest in investing in the region.

Concluding her speech, Banerjee expressed her wish to maintain a humble lifestyle, stating, "I prefer to live close to my roots and not as a VIP, but as a Less Important Person (LIP)."