Pune: The call to reinstate the prestigious Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) degree at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has gained momentum, with former Senate members urging the university administration to reconsider its decision to replace it with the Jeevan Sadhana Award.
The D.Litt. degree, previously conferred upon distinguished personalities across various fields, was discontinued in 1999 under the tenure of then-Vice Chancellor Dr. Arun Nigvekar, who introduced the Jeevan Sadhana Gaurav Award as an alternative. Since then, the award has been presented annually during the university’s foundation day celebrations, recognizing exceptional contributions in various domains. This year, ten individuals received the award.
However, former Senate member Prof. Dhananjay Kulkarni has now appealed for the revival of the D.Litt. degree, arguing that it holds greater academic prestige and follows a structured selection process.
"Granting a D.Litt. degree is based on a defined academic framework, whereas the Jeevan Sadhana Award does not have a formalized selection process. There is a fundamental difference between the two, and the university should seriously reconsider reinstating the D.Litt. degree," Prof. Kulkarni stated.
Responding to the proposal, SPPU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi assured that the university would review the matter positively. He stated that before any decision is made, the administration will examine the reasons for discontinuing the degree and set clear eligibility criteria and procedures for its reintroduction.
Supporting the demand, former Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vasudev Gade added, "There are well-established national and international standards for conferring a D.Litt. degree. It is awarded to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary merit in their respective fields. Given its academic significance, SPPU should indeed consider reinstating the D.Litt. degree."
