Tag Archives: Doctorates

Unaccredited ‘Honorary Doctorates’: Seeking Prestige with Questionable Credentials…2

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Following the interest in my earlier article on this topic, I’d like to expand on it further. As previously noted, the title “Dr.” has become highly sought-after in India in recent years, especially among professionals aiming to boost their social and professional stature, particularly on social media. While globally renowned universities confer such honors on distinguished individuals for exceptional achievements, a parallel trend has emerged in India where questionable entities and unaccredited organizations provide “honorary doctorates” for a fee. These, often illegitimate titles are increasingly adopted by ordinary individuals, including those in the Indian pharmaceutical industry, to gain professional relevance and prestige. In this article, I will again explore this phenomenon, its implications, and the ethical concerns it raises.

The appeal of the ‘Dr.’ title:

In India, the title “Dr.” carries high social capital, symbolizing expertise, authority, and respect. For professionals in competitive fields like pharmaceuticals, where credibility can influence business dealings, partnerships, or public perception, an honorary doctorate can seem like a shortcut to prominence. Unlike earned doctorates, which require years of research and academic rigor, honorary doctorates from certain entities can be obtained with minimal effort – often just a payment and a cursory application process. This accessibility has made such titles particularly attractive to ordinary individuals, including small-scale entrepreneurs, mid-level professionals, and even those with modest achievements, who seek to elevate their status.

The role of deceptively named entities:

An increasing number of organizations worldwide, often registered as non-profits or councils, promote honorary doctorates with promises of prestige and career enhancement. These entities frequently adopt impressive-sounding names to seem credible. However, many lack accreditation from recognized bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) or international academic authorities. The lack of thorough evaluation processes and the transactional nature of these awards—reportedly ranging from INR 20,000 to over INR 6,50,000—cast serious doubts on their legitimacy. Some organizations further complicate matters by offering online or international honorary doctorates, claiming global recognition without verifiable academic credibility.

Exploitation even in the Indian Pharma Industry:

The Indian pharmaceutical industry, a global powerhouse worth over $50 billion, is highly competitive, with professionals striving for influence in areas such as drug production, research, marketing, and regulatory affairs. In this context, an honorary doctorate can be a way to stand out, particularly for those without advanced academic credentials, who may use the “Dr.” title to project expertise at industry events or on platforms like LinkedIn. However, the use of such titles in the pharma sector poses ethical challenges. The industry relies on trust, scientific integrity, and regulatory compliance. When individuals use dubious “honorary doctorates” to exaggerate their qualifications, they risk deceiving stakeholders about their expertise. Moreover, the growing prevalence of these titles undermines the value of genuine academic achievements, devaluing the efforts of researchers, scientists, and marketers who have earned legitimate doctorates through rigorous academic work.

These titles lack recognition from the UGC:

It’s important to highlight that these titles lack recognition from the UGC or other academic authorities in India, making them invalid for academic or professional advancement in regulated sectors. Nevertheless, the social allure of the title frequently outweighs its lack of official credibility.

Ethical and social implications:

The commodification of ‘honorary doctorates’ raises significant ethical concerns. First, it undermines the integrity of academic honors by equating purchased titles with earned degrees. This can mislead the public, particularly in fields like pharmaceuticals, where expertise is critical.Second, it perpetuates a culture of instant gratification, where individuals prioritize superficial accolades over substantive skill development. Third, it exploits aspirational professionals, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, who may see the title as a way to overcome systemic barriers to recognition.

In the pharma industry, the misuse of such titles can have broader consequences. Regulatory bodies like the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and international partners rely on accurate representations of expertise. Misleading credentials could erode trust, affect India’s reputation in global markets, and even lead to legal repercussions if used to secure contracts or approvals under false pretenses.

Regulatory gaps and the way forward:

The UGC has, reportedly, clarified that honorary PhDs are not valid academic qualifications, but enforcement is weak, and public awareness is low. This enables organizations to exploit legal loopholes, using terms like “government-approved” to mislead applicants.

To address this issue, several steps are needed:

  1. Stricter Regulation: The UGC or Ministry of Education should establish clear guidelines prohibiting unaccredited entities from awarding honorary doctorates and impose penalties for misrepresentation.
  2. Public Awareness: Campaigns to educate professionals and the public about the difference between earned and honorary doctorates can reduce the allure of purchased titles.
  3. Industry Standards: Pharma industry bodies like the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance should discourage the use of unverified titles in professional settings and promote transparency in credentials.
  4. Ethical Recognition: Universities and legitimate institutions should maintain rigorous, transparent processes for awarding honorary doctorates, ensuring they are reserved for truly exceptional contributions.

Conclusion:

The proliferation of ‘honorary doctorates’ from deceptively named and unaccredited entities in India reflects a broader societal obsession with titles and status. While these awards may offer short-term professional relevance, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals, they come at the cost of ethical integrity and long-term credibility. For India to maintain its standing as a global leader in pharmaceuticals and other fields, it must address this misuse of honorary titles through regulation, awareness, and a renewed focus on merit-based recognition. Genuine professional credibility stems from expertise and meaningful contributions, not bought titles.

By: Tapan J. Ray

Disclaimer: The views/opinions expressed in this article are entirely my own, written in my individual and personal capacity. I do not represent any other person or organization for this opinion.

Honorary Doctorates in India: Prestige, Purpose, and Perceptions

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Today I shall dwell on a very sensitive issue that is coming under many professional discussions, including drugs and pharmaceutical industry in India. This concerns the growing trend of honorary doctorates in the country, particularly those acquired for a fee, and their impact on professional credibility.

Honorary Doctorates in India: 

In India, a noticeable trend has emerged: many individuals, often with average professional track records, are receiving communications from various institutions offering honorary doctorates for a fee. Many readily embrace these offers, subsequently using these titles extensively in their communications, social media, and public messages. This phenomenon adds a complex layer to the nuanced landscape of honorary doctorates, which were traditionally symbols of profound societal contribution. These unearned academic titles, typically Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.), Doctor of Science (D.Sc.), or Doctor of Laws (LL.D.), are meant to recognize outstanding contributions to society, arts, science, literature, public service, or philanthropy. The motivations behind both their conferment and acceptance, their actual value on a CV, and the discernment between genuine recognition and mere self-promotion are critical facets of the Indian socio-academic scenario.

Why They’re Sought and Conferred:

The reasons for the proliferation of honorary doctorates are multifaceted. For recipients, especially those acquiring them through less conventional means, an honorary doctorate offers a seemingly quick pathway to enhanced public acknowledgment. In a society that reveres education and titles, appending “Dr.” before one’s name can instantly create an impression of intellectual gravitas and authority. It’s perceived as a powerful tool for elevating professional profiles, expanding networks, and boosting credibility in public discourse, even opening doors to new opportunities or aiding advocacy.

From the institutions’ perspective, particularly those offering degrees for a fee, the motivation is often financial. While legitimate universities use honorary degrees to associate with eminent personalities and enhance their reputation, some lesser-known or unaccredited entities view it as a revenue stream, gaining a superficial semblance of legitimacy by associating with individuals who then promote the institution.

Do They Add Real Value to a CV?

The “real value addition” of an honorary doctorate to a CV is nuanced, especially with the rise of fee-based awards. In a purely academic or research context, an honorary doctorate holds little direct academic weight. It doesn’t qualify an individual to teach, supervise Ph.D. students, or conduct research as a credentialed scholar; these roles require earned doctorates (Ph.D. or equivalent) demonstrating rigorous research training.

However, outside strict academic roles, an honorary doctorate can offer significant perceptual value. On a CV, it signals:

  • Distinction and Recognition: For genuine awards, it signifies high-level success and recognition by a reputable academic institution. For questionable awards, it attempts to create this perception.
  • Networking and Influence: It can open doors to high-level networking, particularly in corporate, philanthropic, or public service sectors, where the title traditionally commands respect.
  • Brand Building: For entrepreneurs, consultants, or public speakers, it enhances their personal brand, lending an air of authority.
  • Social Capital: In India, where titles confer social capital, an honorary doctorate can elevate one’s standing in various social and professional circles, regardless of how it was obtained.

Thus, while a genuine honorary degree endorses societal impact, the proliferation of easily acquired titles risks diluting this value, making it harder to discern true merit from manufactured prestige.

Distinguishing Genuine vs. “Relevance-Seeking” Doctorates:

Discerning the true intent behind an honorary doctorate requires careful consideration, as the line between legitimate recognition and a “relevance-seeking” award has blurred.

Indicators of a Genuine Honorary Doctorate:

  1. Recipient’s Established, Unique and outstanding Reputation: The individual should have a long, verifiable record of significant, impactful contributions, widely recognized and respected, warranting the honor without needing the title for validation.
  2. Credibility of the Awarding Institution: The university must be reputable, with strong academic standing and a transparent, well-documented selection process. Awards from new, lesser-known, or unaccredited institutions raise questions.
  3. Clear Justification: The institution should articulate a compelling reason, directly linking it to the recipient’s exceptional contributions aligned with the university’s values.
  4. Infrequent, Selective Conferment: Reputable institutions award these sparingly, emphasizing exclusivity. Frequent awards by a university might indicate motives beyond pure merit.
  5. Absence of Commercial Undertones: Crucially, there should be no monetary exchange or quid pro quo. Instances where degrees are seemingly “bought” severely undermine their credibility.

Indicators of a “Relevance-Seeking” or Less Credible Honorary Doctorate:

  1. Obscure or Unaccredited Institutions: Awards from institutions with questionable accreditation, lack of academic rigor, or those primarily known for offering degrees for a fee are red flags. These often operate outside mainstream academic recognition.
  2. Recipient’s Lack of Substantive Achievement: If the recipient’s public achievements are minimal, unverified, or disproportionate to the honor, it suggests the degree is for self-aggrandizement.
  3. High Frequency of Awards: Institutions frequently conferring honorary doctorates might be using them as a revenue stream or for superficial prestige.
  4.  Overemphasis and Misrepresentation: If the recipient heavily publicizes the “doctorate” in academically irrelevant contexts or implies earned credentials they don’t possess (e.g., claiming to be a “Ph.D.”), it clearly indicates a motive of seeking relevance.
  5. Controversy or Ethical Questions: Any past controversies surrounding the institution’s awarding practices or the recipient’s ethical conduct warrant scrutiny.

In India, the regulatory landscape for honorary degrees is less stringent than for earned degrees, sometimes leading to misuse. The University Grants Commission (UGC) provides guidelines, but enforcement varies, making it challenging to curb dubious awards. Public perception and media scrutiny often play a crucial role in validating or questioning their legitimacy.

Conclusion

Honorary doctorates in India, at their best, are a dignified acknowledgment of exceptional societal contributions, bridging academia and public impact. They can indeed add significant non-academic value to a CV where influence, leadership, and public recognition are paramount. However, the burgeoning trend of fee-based honorary degrees significantly challenges the integrity of this tradition. The onus is increasingly on both awarding institutions to maintain the sanctity of the honor through rigorous selection and transparency, and on the public and professional bodies to critically evaluate the context and recipient’s true merit. As India’s academic and professional spheres continue to mature, greater scrutiny, transparency, and adherence to ethical practices will be crucial in ensuring that honorary doctorates remain symbols of genuine distinction rather than mere tools for superficial relevance.

By: Tapan J. Ray

Disclaimer: The views/opinions expressed in this article are entirely my own, written in my individual and personal capacity. I do not represent any other person or organization for this opinion.