DR COOL
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D2G wears no responsibility of the views published here by the respective Author. This Editorial is used here for Study Purpose. Students are advised to learn the word-meaning, The Art of Writing Skills and understand the crux of this Editorial.
MEANINGS are given in BOLD and ITALIC
Rahul Dravid has fans applauding (show approval or praise by clapping) again, but for a feat off the pitch. Dravid hit the headlines for turning down Bangalore University’s offer of an honorary (conferred as an honour, without the usual requirements or function) doctorate. Even his refusal (an expression of unwillingness to accept or grant an offer or request) was characteristic of the strong and silent “wall”, who stood firm as he finished games with flourish (a bold or extravagant gesture or action, made especially to attract attention). Dravid said he’ll try to earn a doctorate through academic research in sports. His reticence (the quality of being reticent; reserve) has fans cheering. But other celebrities aren’t so shy about becoming Dr sahibs.
In fact, Bollywood stars generally accept honorary PhDs with glee (delight, pleasure, happiness, joy). While Shah Rukh Khan reportedly has three (one accepted graciously (in a courteous, kind, and pleasant manner) while wearing dark glasses), Amitabh Bachchan has been conferred at least five honorary PhDs (showered on him from Britain to Australia to our very own Jhansi University).
Even Akshay Kumar is “Dr Khiladi”, sorry, “Dr Kumar”, with an honorary doctorate from Canada’s Windsor University. Shilpa Shetty received an honorary doctorate from Leeds Metropolitian University, right after the apparently scholastic feat of winning Big Brother in Britain, while Preity Zinta, famous for dimpling through Salaam Namaste, was awarded an honorary PhD by the University of East London. Vijay Mallya has an honorary PhD too, from a Southern California university, no doubt nestled near the region’s vineyards.
And that is the fun of the honorary PhD. In contrast to the traditional doctorate, these degrees award having fun in the public eye. Normally, PhD scholars spend years locked away from society, embracing research that becomes their entire universe. They miss parties, avoid dates, shake off moneyed jobs and sidestep a real life, lodged in libraries, chained to their desks in the lonely pursuit (the action of pursuing someone or something) of wisdom, a “guide” their only human company until they “submit” several thousand words and await a dreaded (regarded with great fear or apprehension) viva.
Compare this dreary (depressingly dull and bleak or repetitive) slog to the utterly buttery magic of the honorary PhD. You sing, dance, act, play sports or just party, earning moolah and taalis. And hey presto, you’re called “Dr” as well, with the added delight of blowing air kisses at those who could’ve otherwise examined your thesis (a statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved).
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