Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University (SGT University), Gurugram, on Feb 11 condcutged a Special Convocation Ceremony on its campus to honour exceptional individuals whose remarkable work and lifelong contributions have significantly shaped public life, service, and leadership.
Under this category, the university conferred Doctor of Letters (D. Litt.) Honoris Causa degree upon Ms. Aarti Singh Rao, Minister of Health, Medical Education and IWISH, and Padma Shri awardee Shri Bimal Kumar Jain, Founder General Secretary, Bharat Vikas Viklang Nyas and Dadhichi Deh Daan Samiti, Patna, Bihar.
Prof. (Dr.) Hemant Verma, Vice Chancellor, SGT University, welcomed everyone to the Special Convocation held to confer Honoris Causa degrees upon distinguished individuals whose contributions have created lasting impact on society. He stated that the occasion reflected the university’s commitment to intellectual integrity, social responsibility, and service to the greater good, while also highlighting SGT University’s growth as a centre of value-based, holistic education under the visionary leadership of Padma Bhushan Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Chancellor of the University.
Aarti Singh Rao was recognized for her inspiring journey from an international sportsperson to a public leader. With over two decades of sporting excellence, she has won a Gold Medal at the Asian Championships (2005), secured 15 national titles, and represented India at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and World Championships.
As President of the Parasports Association of Haryana, she strengthened one of India’s most successful parasports ecosystems, including establishing the country’s first dedicated Paralympic training facility in Faridabad, leading to over 635 medals won by Haryana para-athletes and eight medals at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Her contributions to social equity through Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, humanitarian work during COVID-19 via her NGO Insaaf Manch, and impactful leadership as Haryana’s Health Minister in expanding medical education and healthcare services were also acknowledged.
Bimal Kumar Jain was considered for his exceptional work in disability rehabilitation, organ donation awareness, and social reform. As Founder Trustee of Bharat Vikas Viklang Nyas, he has advanced a “Disability-Free Bihar,” providing over 36,000 artificial limbs, supporting 9,000 corrective surgeries, and integrating advanced prosthetic technology. As General Secretary of Shri Bihar Jan Samiti, he promoted organ and body donation, establishing 9 eye banks with funding of Rs 13.5 crore, while his COVID-19 relief efforts aided 755 orphaned children. His lifelong service has earned him the Padma Shri (2020) and numerous other awards.
