The golden thread of knowledge of India
| Dr. Ushavati Shetty - 16 Mar 2025
There is a growing trend these days – HONORARY DOCTORATES – (DR). This disturbing development threatens the integrity of academic institutions, the credibility of research, and the overall progress of a nation’s educational standards. What was once a symbol of years of dedicated research, innovation, and intellectual rigor is now becoming a mere commodity bought for a few thousand of rupees. Unfortunately, the real intent of seeking knowledge, which should be the lifeline of a developing country, is being sidelined by the charm of the prefix “Dr”, which has turned into an easily acquired title and no longer is the result of arduous effort. This disturbing development threatens the integrity of academic institutions, the credibility of research and the overall progress of the Nation’s.
Honorary Doctoral degrees once reserved for those who made substantial contribution to the society or intellectual fields are increasingly being sold to anyone willing to pay for them. These degrees are marketed as an easy way to gain academic recognition without requiring any meaningful work or contribution to the world of research. What once represented years of academic struggle, intellectual curiosity and personal dedication is now just another “title for Sale”
The idea of honouring individuals with honorary doctorates for their social contributions has some merit but over time, this practice has managed to blur lines between academic achievements and simply the purchase of a title. The doctoral degree has thus lost much of its prestige because the difference between those who have gained it through strenuous efforts and those who simply bought it cannot be easily grasped. This in turn reduces the worth of the degree and also dilutes the objective of Education.
Another complication added to this scenario is that, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is progressing at a rapid rate. While AI tools like ChatGPT have incredible potential to assist us in our daily routines and help streamline mundane tasks, they also pose a significant challenge to the future of research and innovation. When students and professionals begin relying on AI to complete tasks such as finishing projects or entering comments into the progress report, they are sacrificing critical thinking, creativity and the development of problem solving skills. The tool becomes a shortcut to simply “tick off boxes” rather than empowering individuals to explore new perspectives or approach problem from a variety of angles. AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance creativity and efficiency and not replace intellectual efforts. It can help generate ideas, present varied viewpoints or offer insights that stimulate deeper thoughts. Unfortunately too many are now using AI as a way to bypass genuine intellectual engagement. Students, researchers and professionals use Ai to quickly complete assignments or reports, reducing the need to engage deeply with their work. This lazy reliance on technology diminishes the importance of real learning, creativity, and personal growth—values that should be at the core of any doctoral journey.
When combined with the trend of buying doctorates, we find ourselves at a crossroad where intellectual achievement through academic degrees, research and innovation are becoming less about intellectual achievement and more about quick, easily attained titles. Just like PhD can be bought in a supermarket like manner, many people have taken to AI as an easy solution for their academic and professional tasks further running down the dignity of honest labouring intellectuals.
Once upon a time, holding Doctoral degree commanded respect and admiration. It was a symbol of intellectual rigor, personal perseverance and a contribution to advancing human knowledge. However in today’s world the prestige associated with doctoral degree is rapidly eroding. People who have “bought” a degree are afraid to show it off, fearing that they didn’t earn it by putting in the time and effort of proper research. Conversely, some flaunt their bought titles in an arrogant manner which only serves to dilute the value of the degree. The irony is that what once required years of dedication and hard work can now be acquired as easily as buying a product from a store. And this is not just a matter of perception—this trend is actively weakening the academic framework that has traditionally supported the development of knowledge, research, and intellectual progress.
This is where WE- EDUCATORS, have to look really long and hard at what’s going on in our schools and universities. We are allowing the growth of both- Purchased Doctoral Degrees and the Overuse of AI tools that are teaching our students that intellectual shortcuts and quick fixes are alright. What kind of message so we give future generations? What kind of values are we implanting into the minds of young scholars looking up to us as examples? We are Teachers- Custodians of knowledge, Guides for future. The examples we set DO MATTER. We are instilling the attitude that titles matter more than research, creativity and intellectual rigor.
It is time to call back Integrity into Education and Research. To earn the right to be called a “DR.” The threshold of education, research and innovation is at a critical juncture, but it is at the place that carries extreme value. The time has come for us to pause and think about the message that we are sending down to the next generation. Its about the research, the dedication, the constant quest for knowledge. The true value of a degree is in the journey rather than the title. In order to build a future where intellectual achievement makes a difference. If innovation and research matters, we need to get back to the core values of academia. We must earn our degrees through thorough research. Let us all remember, AI is there to enhance and not replace our own intellectual efforts. Let us not forget that Education is about growth and not shortcuts.
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