Dr. Baharul Islam awarded D. Litt Degree by Kumaun University
Nainital: 23 January 2024: A true symbol of lifelong learner Prof Baharul Islam of IIM Kashipur has been
awarded D.Litt. degree in English on 19th January by the Kumaun University.
His Excellency Lt. General Gurmit Singh, the Governor of Uttarakhand handed over the degree to Dr. Islam at the eighteenth convocation of the university held here at the DSB Campus. The D.Litt. degree has been conferred upon him for his research thesis on the topic – “Death of English in the Age of the Internet: Quality issues in English Language Teaching from Academia – Industry Perspective.” Academic community of Barak Valley congratulated him on this achievement which made him one of the first person in the valley from Karimganj district to have received this highest academic degree by research in the filed of English language teaching.
Prof Islam’s research was focused on the quality of English language teaching in India, its history through
the process of globalisation. He analysed the English teachers and industry representatives regarding the
question of how the quality of English language skills has deteriorated over the years in its rush to increase
the quantity of English-speaking graduates. Prof L M Joshi, head of the English Department said – “DLitt is
awarded to individuals who have made significant and original contributions to their field of study, often
through extensive research, publications, and a distinguished career. We consider it as an honour and a
recognition of a Dr. Islam’s lifetime achievements in the discipline of English teaching. I am sure his thesis will show a new approach to review the present state of English language education in India.”
Prof Anirudh Jena of IIM Kashipur expressed his happiness that his colleague at the institute has received
this academic recognition. He said – “Prof Islam’s research distinguishes him as a leading authority in his
field and recognizes his exceptional intellectual contributions. His receiving the D.Litt today underlines that
his work has significantly contributed to advancing knowledge and understanding within our field.”
Receiving the degree Prof Baharul Islam thanked his students and colleagues who have over the period of
thirty years supported him and encouraged him to teach more passionately in classroom and do action
research. He said – “I am also thankful to the Kumaun University which has provided me a platform to share his expertise, opinions, and research findings, thereby contributing to the development and growth of the English teaching discipline.”
In a congratulatory message Dhubri MP Maulana Badruddin Ajmal has expressed his happiness that a son
of the Barak Valley is the recipient of the prestigious The D.Litt degree and urged that Prof Islam should now devote his time to active social work and serve the people of the valley from the ground.
.
(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)
