Allahabad Varsity cites rigorous process for delay in conferring DLitt on Gulzar

Lucknow: Amidst rumours that the Central government had not approved a request from Allahabad University to grant esteemed lyricist and composer Gulzar an honorary DLitt, University officials have now revealed that the proposal had not been axed but was still under consideration. Gulzar, who has been working for decades in the music industry, was to be awarded the honour at the convocation ceremony held at the University on Monday.

"These processes take time as they are rigorous, considering the prestige associated with an honorary DLitt. The university chose Gulzar saheb's name due to his merit and achievements as an artist. It is unfortunate that an impression is being given that the proposal has been nixed," said the university's public relations officer Jaya Kapur. Kapur added that the degree would be conferred at a separate event.

"The proposal is under consideration. Processing such proposals take time. In this case, the proposal was taken up around a month ago. There are over 40 Central universities, and similar honorary DLitt-related proposals have also come from other universities. Giving the impression that the proposal has been rejected would be incorrect. Following the ministry's approval, it will be sent to the President," an unnamed official was quoted as saying to the Indian Express.

The decision to award the famed lyricist with an honorary degree was taken by all members of the academic council and the suggestion was first made by Prashant Kumar Ghosh who heads the economics department. Proposals must be unanimously approved by the council upon which they are sent to the Ministry of Education for approval. Gulzar had already expressed his willingness to accept the degree when he was notified of the proposal.