Mamata receives honorary D Litt from Japan’s Okayama University
Times of India | 13 November 2025
Kolkata: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee received an honorary D Litt degree from Okayama University of Japan at a programme here on Wednesday.
Nasu Yasutomo, president of the university, praised Banerjee for her role in the development of the state in the field of health, education, and women's empowerment.
"In recognition of her extraordinary leadership skills, Okayama University is conferring this honour to a woman from Asia for the first time."
Banerjee said this would strengthen friendly ties between India and Japan. "Next year, I must visit your university to express my thanks," Banerjee said, adding, "I am delighted to receive this prestigious award, which I dedicate to Ma Mati Manush."
Banerjee said that the friendship between Bengal and Japan had deep roots.
"Japan is a beautiful country. The health of the Japanese people and the natural beauty of the country are wonderful." She also praised the way Japan had recovered from the devastation caused by the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings.
"Our children are eager to go to Japan to witness their education and culture. Even if we are from another country, our mentality is one, our heart is one, and we share many things in common," Banerjee added.
Recalling Japan's historical ties with Bengal, the CM said: "Rabindranath Tagore, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Rash Behari Bose had visited Japan. Netaji had formed the Indian National Army with the help of the Japanese people."
The CM mentioned Japan's investments in various sectors of the state, including the Silicon Valley tech hub. She also recalled how JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) helped the state in infrastructure development.
Banerjee said the university's gesture would strengthen relations not only with students and teachers but also with the Bengal govt. "For the last five years, the Japanese team has attended the BGBS meet and has also invited me to visit their country. They want to come to our state. Can I stop them?"
Okayama University, based in Tsushima-Naka, Okayama, was set up in 1870.