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UEL honours Indian trio

Friday 29 October 2010

 

Indian actress and humanitarian Preity Zinta admitted to being “incredibly humbled” by the award of an Honorary Doctorate from UEL on Friday, and pledged to use the accolade to forge a positive relationship with the university.

The screen star and social campaigner told journalists: “In my career I have always won awards for films. This is the first time I’ve received something for my cultural contribution or for my humanitarian work, so this is always going to be extremely special to me.”

Dr Zinta was mobbed by hundreds of adoring fans at the UEL’s Docklands campus, signing countless autographs and taking time out to be photographed with many crowd-members.   

She also met recent UEL graduate and pioneering fashion designer Bunmi Olaye, and added: “I believe UEL are working towards women entrepreneurship and I think that’s also fantastic.”

On her future plans with UEL Dr Zinta added: “This is the first step. I hope I can continue to be part of this university in times to come.” UEL Vice-Chancellor Patrick McGhee said: “I think Preity Zinta has earned this award, she will wear it with distinction, and it was not given lightly.”

At the same event Lord Dholakia OBE and Professor Lord Parekh were also bestowed with honorary doctorates, both in Law.

As a tireless campaigner for social and racial equality, Lord Dholakia is considered to be the most significant Indian politician working in the west.

He served as a member of the Commission for Racial Equality for 25 years and in 2005 he received the Pride of India Award in recognition for achievements in public life in the UK.

Lord Parekh is considered to be one of the great political philosophers of the twentieth century; having devoted his life to the academic study of political systems and multiculturalism in India and England.

Dr Zinta is well-known in the Indian media for openly expressing sometimes controversial opinions on a range of issues, including the role of women in Indian society.

In 2003 she was the only witness not to retract in court her earlier statements against the Indian Mafia during the Bharat Shah case, for which she was awarded the Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Award.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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