Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Mamata Banerjee Awarded Honorary DLitt by Japanese University
The leader of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, received a special honorary degree called a Doctor of Letters from a university in Japan named Okayama University.
This was the first time she received such an honor from a country outside of India.
The university president said they gave her this award because she has done a lot to help poor women and children in her state, making their lives better.
Mamata Banerjee mentioned that she really admires Japan for its discipline, focus on health, and work ethic.
She also talked about how people from Bengal, like Rabindranath Tagore, have a historical connection with Japan.
She plans to visit Japan in 2026.
During the event, they also talked about how Japan and West Bengal could work together on education, culture, and business.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee received an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from Japan's Okayama University.
The award was presented at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata by a Japanese delegation led by the university president, Nasu Yasutomo.
Okayama University cited Banerjee's humanitarian leadership and dedication to improving the social security and health of women and children in West Bengal.
This marks the first honorary DLitt conferred by Okayama University on a woman from Asia.
Banerjee announced plans to visit Japan in 2026 and discussed potential educational, cultural, and investment exchanges with the Japanese delegation.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and a delegation from Japan's Okayama University led by its president, Nasu Yasutomo.
- What
- Mamata Banerjee was conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree by Okayama University.
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium, Kolkata
- Why
- In recognition of her humanitarian leadership and contributions to the social security and health of women and children in West Bengal.
Mamata Banerjee's Perspective
Okayama University's Rationale
Significance of the Award
Mamata Banerjee's Perspective
Banerjee emphasized that accepting the honor was a courtesy and unrelated to politics. She dedicated it to the people of Bengal and expressed her desire to remain a 'less important person' despite the honor.
Okayama University's Rationale
Okayama University President Nasu Yasutomo stated that the DLitt was awarded for Banerjee's humanitarian leadership and dedication to the poor women and children of the state, improving their social security and health. He noted it was the first time the university awarded an honorary DLitt to a woman from Asia.
Relationship and Future Engagements
Mamata Banerjee's Perspective
Banerjee highlighted historical ties between Bengal and Japan, mentioning figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Subhas Chandra Bose. She announced plans to visit Japan in 2026 and invited the university to the Bengal Global Business Summit.
Okayama University's Rationale
The university delegation engaged in discussions about educational and cultural exchanges, joint research, and potential investments, indicating an interest in fostering deeper ties.
- Honor Awarded
- Honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt)
- Awarding Institution
- Okayama University of Japan
- Reason for Award
- Humanitarian leadership and dedication to improving social security and health of poor women and children in West Bengal.
- Ceremony Location
- Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium, Kolkata
- Date of Ceremony
- Wednesday
- Recipient's Previous DLitt Awards
- Calcutta University, St Xavier’s University (Kolkata), KIIT (Bhubaneswar)
- Recipient's Plans
- To visit Japan in 2026
