Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar today praised the Calcutta University’s (CU) decision to confer D.Litt on Nobel laureate Dr Abhijit Banerjee on 28 January, saying it would be “a joyous satisfying moment for all in the state”.

“Let us all be in congratulatory and celebratory mode on the momentous occasion of honoring distinguished son of the soil Dr Abhijit Banerjee. Thinking beyond history, culture and time is the forte of Bengal’s mindscape. Bengalis time and again have led the way for countrymen. Dr Abhijit Banerjee accomplishments are the latest noteworthy in this regard,” stated a release issued by the Raj Bhavan.

“The well thought out and laudable decision of CU to award him with D.Litt is a gratifying moment for all of us in the state as also in the country. I am privileged and honoured to be associated with the decision as Chancellor of the Calcutta University”, he said.

According to Mr Dhankhar, Dr Banerjee’s notable contributions in the field of poverty alleviation through experimental approach in obtaining reliable solutions to fight poverty are the need of the hour for the well being of humanity. Their contemporaneous relevance can never be over stated, he added.

“For a diverse country like India and for a densely populated state like West Bengal, the methodology of framing manageable questions will greatly benefit educational outcomes, child health and address issues for people who are most affected.”

As the Chancellor of the leading top educational institute of the land I congratulate the legend. I am humbled by his accomplishments. His research and thoughts will inspire coming generations of the country. It is a proud moment for the countrymen that his experimental research method now dominates the developmental economics,” he said.

Mr Dhankhar added: “Like many others I am looking forward to read his The State of Economics, The State of the World, which addresses ongoing challenges to economics in theory and in practice in a time of crisis. As the Chancellor I applaud and bow to your accomplishment. Your research and thoughts will inspire the coming generations of the country.”