As of April 10, 2025, Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu, President of India, was awarded the honorary academic title Doctor Honoris Causa by Constantine the Philosopher University (UKF) in Nitra. Her Excellency, a globally recognized political leader and advocate for human rights, democracy, inclusion, social justice, women’s empowerment and linguistic diversity, was ceremonially conferred with this distinguished academic honour. The nomination for this recognition was submitted by the Faculty of Arts and subsequently approved by the University’s Scientific Council.

A Warm Welcome to Distinguished Guests
President Droupadi Murmu was ceremonially received in front of the university premises by the President of the Slovak Republic, His Excellency Mr. Peter Pellegrini, accompanied by the Rector of Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Professor Libor Vozár, CSc. The conferral ceremony was solemnly presided over by the Vice-Rector for Education, Professor Jana Duchovičová, PhD., and the Vice-Rector for International Relations, Associate Professor Martina Pavlíková, PhD., MBA.

At the commencement of the inauguration ceremony, Professor Jana Duchovičová extended a distinguished welcome to Her Excellency President Droupadi Murmu, His Excellency President Peter Pellegrini, Rector Professor Libor Vozár, and other esteemed university and faculty officials. Subsequently, Associate Professor Martina Pavlíková cordially welcomed the distinguished guests, including members of the Indian delegation, the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to India, and the Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Italy, Brazil, and India, as well as the Apostolic Nuncio to the Slovak Republic, His Excellency Monsignor Nicola Girasoli, along with diplomatic representatives from the French Republic and the People's Republic of China. She also had the honour of introducing Professor Abrahim Habibullah Khan of the University of Toronto, a distinguished laureate of the honorary doctorate previously conferred by the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra.

Subsequently, Professor Duchovičová extended her cordial greetings to representatives of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic, along with other high-ranking dignitaries and prominent figures from the political, social, ecclesiastical, scientific, and cultural spheres. Her welcome also encompassed representatives of the municipal and regional authorities, international partner institutions, as well as esteemed friends and supporters of Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra from both Slovakia and abroad.

The Inauguration Ceremony
As Professor Duchovičová highlighted, the honorary degree Doctor Honoris Causa is awarded by the university to exceptional individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of education, science, and culture, or who have helped promote the ideals of humanism, democracy, and intercultural understanding beyond the borders of Slovakia.

"The Scientific Council approved the proposal to confer the honorary title Doctor honoris causa on Mrs. Droupadi Murmu, President of India, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the development of education and democratic values, support of marginalized communities, and protection of human rights in the international context—particularly for her significant efforts in education and cultural development, public service and civic engagement, her lifelong commitment to defending human rights, empowerment of women from disadvantaged communities, and the promotion of linguistic diversity. Her work deeply aligns with the values and long-term mission of our university,” stated Professor Duchovičová.

“It is our great pleasure that Constantine the Philosopher University confers this honorary doctorate on such an important distinguished figure as Mrs. Droupadi Murmu. With sincere pleasure and satisfaction by the authority vested by my office, I grant this title,” stated Rector Professor Libor Vozár in his inaugural address.

The ceremonial Laudation was delivered by Professor Mária Hricková, who highlighted President Murmu’s life journey—from humble beginnings in the Santhal community, one of India's oldest indigenous groups, to the highest constitutional office in the country. Her story is a powerful testament to how education, determination, and strong values can overcome even the most significant challenges.

"From an early age, she showed a profound commitment to serving her community and improving the conditions of historically disadvantaged populations. Her election as President of India in 2022 was not only a political achievement but also a strong message of inclusivity and social justice. Her life philosophy is deeply rooted in traditional values while simultaneously addressing the challenges of the 21st century. She is living proof that democratic principles, social justice, and respect for diversity can lead to a better and fairer world," Professor Hricková said.

She further emphasized the long-standing friendship between India and Slovakia, particularly in the fields of diplomacy, culture, economy, and education, as evidenced by the collaboration between UKF and three major Indian universities.

Following the Laudation, the official act of inauguration took place. The Latin conferment text was read by Professor Mária Bauerová, PhD, Vice-Rector for Scientific Research. Rector Professor Libor Vozár then presented President Droupadi Murmu with the University Insignia and the Honorary Diploma.

Education as the Key to National Development
In her inaugural speech, Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu eloquently conveyed that this recognition constitutes an esteemed accolade not solely conferred upon her person, but upon the nation and civilization she represents. She emphasized that receiving this distinction from an institution bearing the name of Saint Constantine the Philosopher holds a particularly profound and personal significance for her.

Droupadi Murmu emphasized that while India embraces modernity and technological advancement, its progress remains deeply rooted in the wisdom of its ancient philosophical traditions. Drawing a parallel, she noted that just as the work of Saint Constantine the Philosopher laid the foundations for Slavic linguistic and cultural identity, Indian philosophical traditions have long shaped the intellectual and spiritual foundations of Indian society. Classical Indian philosophy offers a rich and diverse perspective on reality, emphasizing introspection and ethical conduct. It is grounded in multiple schools of thought and places great importance on self-knowledge and inner experience. The President expressed her delight that the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads—the sacred texts of ancient Indian philosophy and spiritual thought—finds resonance even in Slovakia.

Modern Statehood Grows from Historical Roots
At the ceremonial inauguration, the President of the Slovak Republic Mr. Peter Pellegrini, also addressed the audience. He expressed his gratitude for the invitation to the academic grounds of our university and conveyed his sincere pleasure that we had gathered for such a distinguished occasion—the conferral of the honorary title Doctor honoris Causa upon the President of India, Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu.

President Pellegrini considered the official visit of President Murmu to Slovakia as a momentous milestone in the promising and dynamically evolving bilateral relations between the two nations. He expressed his profound admiration for the leadership of President Droupadi Murmu, who presides over a nation that, before our very eyes, is undergoing a remarkable transformation into a global economic powerhouse. This transformation, he observed, is characterized not only by rapid economic growth but also by the country’s extraordinary capacity to adapt to the complex demands and challenges of the contemporary era.

President Peter Pellegrini noted that in 2003, the Santhali language, which is the mother tongue of President Droupadi Murmu, was officially recognized in the Constitution of India. He stated that President Murmu had reminded the audience that a tribe or a nation continues to live on only through its language, culture, and traditions. He added that Slovaks themselves had experienced and confirmed this truth throughout their own history.

He also stated that both the university and the city of Nitra were closely connected with a significant milestone in Slovak history—the period of Great Moravia and the legacy of the Thessalonian brothers, Saints Constantine and Methodius, who had come to the Slovak homeland in 863 to lay the foundations of Christian culture, as well as of the Slovak language and script. He pointed out that these were the historical roots from which the modern Slovak statehood had emerged.

In conclusion, he congratulated President Droupadi Murmu on receiving the Honorary Doctorate from Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra and wished her great success in her future endeavours.

Cooperation in the Field of Education and Science
Professor Libor Vozár, the Rector of Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, expressed that it was an exceptional honour for the university to bestow the Honorary Doctorate upon Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu, President of India, in the distinguished company of the President of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Peter Pellegrini. He emphasized that President Murmu originates from a relatively disadvantaged community and, through unwavering dedication and resilience, has risen to the highest executive office in her nation. Notwithstanding her remarkable ascent, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to her origins, dedicating her life to advancing social justice, advocating for women’s rights, and fostering linguistic diversity in India.

“President Murmu comes from a country where Christianity has deep historical roots. She is familiar with our history, including the legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius, and the idea behind conferring this honorary doctorate is, in a way, to symbolically connect their mission with the presence of Christianity in India,” stated Professor Vozár. He further noted that another reason for awarding the title lies in the growing cooperation between Constantine the Philosopher University and Indian academic institutions.

Long-Term Cooperation with Indian Universities in the Field of Education and Science
Our university has maintained long-standing cooperation with three Indian universities, primarily through academic departments. Through various bilateral exchange programs, Indian students have been welcomed to our institution, and, reciprocally, both our staff and students have had the opportunity to travel to India and gain insight into the Indian higher education system.

The Vice-Rector for International Relations, Assoc. Prof. Martina Pavlíková, PhD, MBA, further elaborated on UKF’s collaboration with India: “As part of the Erasmus+ program, our university has hosted several academic staff members from universities in India, while also sending our lecturers to partner institutions in India. Currently, we host two Indian students at UKF—one studying at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics, and the other at the Faculty of Arts.”

The ceremonial awarding of the honorary doctorate was concluded by a musical performance of Partita for Flute and Piano by Ladislav Kupkovič, presented by Marek Štrbák and Marcela Lechtová from the Department of Music at UKF.

The 19th Honorary Doctorate in the History of Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra
The honorary academic title Doctor Honoris Causa (Dr. h. c.) is conferred by Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra to exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of education, science, and culture, or have otherwise contributed to the promotion of the ideals of humanism, democracy, and mutual understanding among nations.

This most esteemed and prestigious academic title is solemnly conferred by the University Scientific Council in recognition of outstanding contributions to the advancement of knowledge, culture, and the ideals of humanity.

The Honorary Doctors of Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra:

• Ján Chryzostom Korec (1998)
• Ladislav E. Roth (1998)
• Zdeněk Mathauser (2000)
• Fernando Henrique Cardoso (2002)
• Ján Kopál, in memoriam (2002)
• Štefan Luby (2002)
• Robert J. Sternberg (2004)
• Ladislav Ťažký (2005)
• Rudolf Schuster (2006)
• Imre Békési (2006)
• Ladislav Burlas (2007)
• Ján Vilikovský (2007)
• Hans-Werner Eroms (2008)
• Katerin Katerinov (2008)
• Ian Francis Hancock (2009)
• Encho Nedyalkov Gerganov (2009)
• Zdeněk Helus, in memoriam (2017)
• Abrahim Habibulla Khan (2017)
• Droupadi Murmu (2025)

• Photogallery