Dr Mattur N. Nandakumara MBE was hailed for his “distinguished career as a pioneer in the propagation of Indian dance, classical arts and music in UK and Europe” as he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of London for his contributions through the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London.
At the university’s worldwide graduate ceremony at the Barbican in London this week, Dr Nandakumara received his Honorary Doctor of Literature degree in recognition of his achievements as the Executive Director of Bhavan UK – where he has spearheaded the charity's journey to becoming the largest Indian arts organisation outside India.
Dr Nandakumara, who received the doctorate from Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Thomson, attributed the “incredible honour” to many of his inspiring academic advisers over the years and chairpersons of Bhavan UK.
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He said: “I have had the privilege of engaging with many notable figures from both the UK and India.
“While the list is too long to mention here, what gives me the greatest satisfaction is the number of individuals who have walked through the Bhavan's doors over the past 40 years, kindling their passion for Indian classical arts. It has been fulfilling to witness the integral role that India's arts now play in the cultural fabric of the United Kingdom; having even a small impact on that change brings me immense joy.”
The respected Sanskrit scholar reflected on his journey from his village Mattur in Karnataka to the UK in pursuit of a PhD at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
“Upon my arrival in November 1977, I longed for my village and India, viewing my time in the UK as temporary — just enough to complete my PhD and return to my intended role as a college lecturer. However, circumstances began to unfold that anchored me here for over 45 years longer than I had originally planned,” he shared.
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“I started teaching and assisting at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, which was then a fledgling organisation focused on promoting India's classical arts in the UK. By chance, I became involved with an organisation whose mission aligned perfectly with my interests — a love for India's music, dance, drama, and literature. The rest, as they say, is history,” he said.
Dr Nandakumara concluded his address with the Vedic chat of “let noble thoughts come to us from every direction; Vasudhaiva kutumbhakam – the world is one family”.
In 2023, he was awarded an honorary MBE by HRH King Charles III for his role as an ambassador for Indian art, culture and philosophy.