‘Dr. Devendra Fadnavis’: Japan’s Koyasan University confers honorary doctorate on Maharashtra Deputy CM

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis conferred with prestigious Koyasan University's first honorary doctorate in 120 years for his achievements in infrastructure, water management and social equality.

Japan’s prestigious Koyasan University on December 26 formally conferred an honorary doctorate on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the first instance in the 120 years of the university’s history.

Addressing the attendees during the conferral function at Mumbai University, in the presence of Japanese dignitaries and a number of his cabinet colleagues, Mr. Fadnavis dedicated his honorary doctorate to the people of Maharashtra, while thanking the Japanese government for “standing like a rock” behind India and its enormous contribution in Maharashtra’s infrastructure projects.

Mr. Fadnavis opened his address in Japanese by expressing his profound gratitude to Koyasan University and the people of Japan for conferring the honorary doctorate.

“This is such a prestigious university whose history goes back to 1,200 years. They have awarded it to me in recognition of the work done by my colleagues and myself in the fields of infrastructure, water management, and the industrial field. This has only been possible due to the blessings of the people of Maharashtra,” he said.

Stating that good governance was key to take any State forward, Mr. Fadnavis said that Maharashtra was always known for its good governance.

“I am happy that Maharashtra is again number one in the field of foreign direct investment. Today, it is Maharashtra, and not Bengaluru or Hyderabad, which is known as India’s start-up capital. But we want to improve more…I am looking at Maharashtra in its 75th anniversary. I am thinking about what the State can achieve by 2035 and what can we do to help achieve it. This is a State with limitless possibilities. If we can harness all our strength, no one can stop Maharashtra,” Mr. Fadnavis said, remarking that the road to PM Modi’s vision of a 5 trillion-dollar economy went through Maharashtra.

Reading the citation on Mr. Fadnavis’ doctorate, Yoshio Yamashita, Director of International Affairs, Wakayama Prefecture, said the Deputy CM was being conferred with the degree for his “exceptional achievements in infrastructure development, community-based initiatives, and dedication to promoting social equality in Maharashtra”.