Kumar Mangalam Birla among five distinguished honorands to be bestowed with an honorary degree by the University of London

Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, is among five distinguished honorands who were bestowed honorary degrees by the University of London. Birla is the recipient of an honorary doctor of science degree in Economics. The awards were presented by Anne, Princess Royal, who is the Chancellor of the University of London, during the University’s Foundation Day celebrations held at Senate House, London.

Birla was joined by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Professor of Economic History and Vice-Chancellor at the University of the West Indies - Doctor of Science (Social Sciences); Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE, an Honorary Fellow of Trinity Hall, Cambridge and the patron of many charities working for humanitarian causes – Doctor of Science (Social Sciences); Susannah Schofield MBE, who established up the John Schofield Trust in memory of her husband, a journalist killed in action in Croatia - Doctor of Literature; and The Reverend Philip Goff, expert on academic dress - Honorary Fellowship.

Birla, in a statement, remarked, “I am deeply humbled to receive this distinction from the University of London. It is a particular privilege to accept a storied honour presented by Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, The Princess Royal. As an alumnus of the London Business School, I have witnessed first-hand the university’s remarkable ability to transform ambition into achievement. My family has long believed that education is the most enduring engine of progress, capable of widening opportunity and reshaping communities. To be recognised by an institution that embodies those values and continues to equip new generations to take on an unpredictable world is both moving and motivating.”

Kavita Reddi, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the University of London, said, “We are delighted to honour Mr Birla with an Honorary Degree in recognition of his outstanding contributions to industry and philanthropy. His social initiatives have improved millions of lives, and his commitment to widening access to quality education, both in India and here in the United Kingdom, reflects the University of London’s core values—a passion for helping others, recognising the value of education and a desire to unite, rather than divide.”