DIMAPUR, FEB 11 (MExN): SC Jamir, Governor of Goa was conferred the Degree of Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) by Serampore University last evening at a grand function at John Roberts Theological Seminary, Shillong.
Jamir was conferred the degree for his “service to the Church and society to the best of his capabilities and God-given gifts through his exemplary life style.” He received the Doctorate from the President of the Senate, Dr Rajaratnam, in the presence of Dr MM Jacob, Governor of Meghalaya and Rymbai, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya.
Founded in 1818 by Carey, Marshman and Ward, the Serampore College (University) was incorporated by the Royal Charter, 1827 and Bengal Act IV of 1918 as modified upto 1997 by the Government of West Bengal. The University has 50 theological colleges affiliated to it from all over the country and also from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The Rt Rev Dr Joseph Mar Irenaeus of Kerala was also conferred the Degree of Doctor of Divinity for his ser4vices to the Church and society.
Both Jamir and Ireneaus join the honoured list of renowned personalities like Mother Teresa who was conferred the Doctorate in 1991, Dr Graham G Staines (2000) posthumous, and Mrs Gladys Staines (2000).
The University has conferred such Doctorates to 103 personalities since 1929. Jamir is the third Naga to be conferred with the Degree by the University after late Dr Hokishe Sema (1988) and Dr K.I. Aier (1993).
The Serampore University Convocation 2007 also saw awarding of Degree of Doctor of Theology to 14 theologians including R. Sashikaba, L. Imsutoshi, Hukashe Zhimomi and B. Atola Longkumer. Chen Rengma received the Degree of Doctor of Ministry along with two others.
