Renowned Indian industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of London. Joining this esteemed list are four other distinguished personalities: Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Sir Terry Waite, Suzanna Schofield MBE, and Reverend Philip Goff.
Kumar Mangalam Birla is the Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, a century-old leading Indian multinational corporation that stands as the first Indian business house to forge international presence. Today, the group is active in 41 countries across six continents, boasting an impressive annual revenue of approximately $67 billion and a market capitalization exceeding $110 billion.
Coming from the sixth generation of the Birla family, Kumar Mangalam Birla's great-grandfather, G.D. Birla, was a close ally of Mahatma Gandhi and played a pivotal role in India's freedom movement. A champion of education, Birla serves as Chancellor of BITS Pilani and has previously led IIM Ahmedabad and IIT Delhi. He is also on the governing board of the London Business School, where he contributed a 15-million-pound scholarship, making it one of the largest in Europe.
Honorees:
Kumar Mangalam Birla received a Doctor of Science (Economics) degree. This award was presented by the University of London's Chancellor, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, on November 19 at the Senate House in London. Recipients of honorary degrees and fellowships on Foundation Day included:
Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman
, Aditya Birla Group - Doctor of Science (Economics)
Professor Sir Hilary Beckles
, Professor of Economic History and Vice-Chancellor, University of the West Indies - Doctor of Science (Social Sciences)
Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE
, Honorary Fellow of Trinity Hall Cambridge and Patron of numerous charitable organizations - Doctor of Science (Social Sciences)
Suzanna Schofield MBE
, Founder of the John Schofield Trust in memory of her husband John Schofield, who was killed while reporting in Croatia - Doctor of Literature
Reverend Philip Goff
, Academic dress expert - Honorary Fellowship
Source: aajtak
'He Has Enhanced Lives'
Kavita Reddy, Chair of the University of London's Board of Trustees, remarked, 'We are immensely pleased to award Kumar Mangalam Birla with an honorary degree for his exceptional contributions to industry and philanthropy. His social initiatives have transformed the lives of millions, aligning perfectly with the University of London's core values—passion for helping others, the significance of education, and the message of unity over division.'
She added, 'All of our distinguished honorees today have achieved remarkable accomplishments in their respective fields and embody these values. Honoring them on Foundation Day is indeed our privilege.'
'A Proud Moment for Me'
Kumar Mangalam Birla expressed, 'I feel deeply honored to receive this accolade from the University of London. It's particularly significant to me that this honor comes from Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. As an alumnus of the London Business School, I have witnessed how this institution transforms ambition into achievement. My family has always firmly believed that education is the most powerful tool for progress, capable of expanding opportunities and transforming society. To be recognized by a body that lives these values and prepares newer generations for an unpredictable world is truly inspiring.'
Foundation Day Celebration
Each year, the University of London celebrates Foundation Day, an important date in the university's calendar, recalling the first Royal Charter bestowed by King William IV on November 28, 1836. The main highlights of this event include the conferring of honorary degrees and fellowships, a tradition initiated in 1903. Among the early recipients were the Prince and Princess of Wales, who later became King George V and Queen Mary.
The Foundation Day 2025 event brought together University of London students and staff, representatives from its 17 federation member institutions, members of its international regional teaching centers, and long-associated individuals with the university.
