Cricketer gentleman known is ‘The wall’ Rahul Dravid has declined an honorary doctorate conferred on him by Bengaluru University in its 52 convocation to be held in Bengaluru on Friday.
A Press release from the university said the former Indian captain had 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.
University vice-chancellor Thimme Gowda said, "We've learnt that he's reluctant to accept the award because he'd rather earn it. The honorary doctorate, however, is not gratis. It is a recognition we're awarding him for his contribution to sports."
"We've been trying to get in touch with him, but he's out of town currently. Once he's back, we'll try to convince him about it," Gowda added.
According to officials Bengaluru university had suggested three names, including that of Rahul Dravid, to governor Vajubhai Vala, who is also the chancellor of the university, for conferring the honorary doctorate. Vala had approved only Dravid's name.