Rahul Dravid declines honorary doctorate by Bangalore University and his reply is winning hearts

Former Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid turned down a honorary doctorate from Bangalore University during the 52nd convocation ceremony.

According to a release from the university, Dravid thanked the university for choosing him for the honour but "in all humility declined to accept the degree".

"He (Dravid) has conveyed that he would try to earn a doctorate degree by accomplishing some form of academic research in the field of sports rather than receiving an honorary degree," the release stated.

Thimme Gowda, the university vice-chancellor said, "We have received information that he is reluctant to receive the award because he would rather earn it. However, the honorary doctorate is not gratis, it is a recognition. We are awarding him for his contributions to sports. We have been trying to get in touch with him, but he's is out of town. We will try to persuade him to accept it once he is back."

Three names were suggested by the university- Dravid but Governor Vajubhai Vala, who is also the chancellor of the university, only approved Dravid's name.