Daijiworld Media Network – Hosadurga (MS)

Hosadurga, Sep 4: Sri Shantaveera Swamiji, seer of renowned Kunchitiga Mahasamstana has appealed to the devotees, media and public not to address him as ‘Dr’ in future.

In a press statement, he said, “The honorary doctorate has become a business these days. For the sake of money, doctorate degrees are given to powerful and affluent people in the society. It is sickening to know that rich people are buying doctorate offering money.

“Doctorate degrees are sold for Rs 10,000-Rs 20,000 like vegetable vendors selling vegetables on footpath. The rich and affluent buy these and show their ego. Even Math seers are in this business. Due to these fake degree holders, genuine and able doctorate degree holders’ respect is depleted. Hence, I have refused the doctorate degree that was given to me. I will also not accept the invitation from two more countries who have said that they wil confer doctorate degree on me,” he said.

Sri Shantaveera Swamiji was conferred with the doctorate degree in 2018 and 2019 recognizing his service to agriculture and social service. Soon, the swamiji was addressed with ‘Dr’ as prefix before his name. However, now the swamiji has asked everyone not to add Dr before his name and clarified the reason behind the decision.

Rahul Dravid, who is renowned as the ‘Wall of Indian cricket’ also refused to accept doctorate degree from a prestigious university of Karnataka. The date of convocation was also decided by the university. But Rahul gracefully rejected the offer and said that he has not done any achievement to get a doctorate degree. His decision was lauded by scores of people.