Shankar Mahadevan Receives Third Honorary Doctorate: Celebrating a Monumental Year for the Renowned Musician

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/16th August 2024

Shankar Mahadevan, the acclaimed composer and singer, has recently achieved another remarkable milestone in his illustrious career by being awarded his third honorary doctorate. This prestigious accolade was presented to him by Techno India University in Kolkata, marking a significant moment in his already celebrated life. Mahadevan, who also won a Grammy Award earlier this year, continues to receive widespread recognition for his contributions to music.

The honor of receiving a third doctorate is particularly meaningful for Mahadevan, who reflects on the significance of this achievement. In an exclusive interview, he expressed his gratitude and sense of responsibility, stating, “Receiving a doctorate for my contribution as a musician is a huge honor. It also underscores the responsibility I have towards my craft. What makes this recognition even more special is sharing the stage with illustrious personalities such as Gulzar sahab, Shabana Azmi ji, and Leander Paes, who also received their honorary doctorates.”

Mahadevan’s journey to this accolade has been marked by numerous achievements. His first honorary doctorate came from Birmingham City University in the UK, followed by a second from DY Patil University in Navi Mumbai. The most recent honor from Techno India University adds to his impressive list of accolades, reflecting his enduring influence and excellence in music.

In addition to the academic recognition, Mahadevan’s professional achievements have also been celebrated this year. In February, he and his band, Shakti, won the Grammy Award for Best Global Album for their debut studio album, “This Moment.” The moment of victory at the Grammy Awards was described by Mahadevan as surreal and overwhelming, with the joy of winning being difficult to articulate. He shared, “When our name was announced, it took a moment to register. The elation was immense. It’s hard to put that feeling into words.”

Reflecting on his career, Mahadevan attributes his success to his collaborations and the opportunities he has had. “I consider myself fortunate to have worked with the right people at the right time, on the right projects,” he said. His humility and gratitude shine through as he acknowledges the role of divine providence in his journey.

The presence of former President Ram Nath Kovind at the Kolkata ceremony added to the prestige of the event, making the occasion even more memorable for Mahadevan. The musician’s reaction to being addressed as “Dr. Shankar Mahadevan” is a mix of shyness and pride. “I feel a bit shy and embarrassed because I never imagined receiving three doctorates in my lifetime,” he admitted.

As Mahadevan continues to build on his remarkable career, these honors not only celebrate his past achievements but also set a high standard for future contributions. His ongoing dedication to music and the arts serves as an inspiration, reflecting his deep commitment to his craft and his significant impact on the global music scene.