Tennis legend Amritraj to get honorary degree at PPU

Patna: Renowned tennis legend Vijay Amritraj is set to receive an honorary degree of D Litt at the convocation ceremony of the Patliputra University (PPU) scheduled for Jan 29 in Patna.The decision to honour Amritraj with the prestigious degree was unanimously approved during the senate meeting held at the university headquarters here on Tuesday under the chairmanship of vice-chancellor (VC) Upendra Prasad Singh.In addition, the senate meeting also saw the approval of several key decisions aimed at the future development of the university. One of the most significant announcements was the approval to name the university’s new campus being built at Bakhtiyarpur as ‘Nitish Nagar’ after CM Nitish Kumar’s name. The new campus, which will play a crucial role in expanding the university’s reach and academic offerings, is expected to be a major step in enhancing higher education opportunities in the region, the VC said.According to PPU registrar Abu Bakar, the senate also approved a Rs600 crore deficit budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. The university’s total budget for the upcoming year is set at Rs800 crore, he said, adding the deficit budget is expected to be addressed through strategic funding plans, including grants from the state govt, he said.Furthering its commitment to providing quality education, the senate approved proposals to expand faculty at PPU by hiring more guest teachers. Additionally, plans to open more post-graduate (PG) centres in colleges across the state were also given nod, PPU examination controller Manoj Kumar said, adding the senate members also approved the creation of a ‘citizen chapter’, a platform that will allow citizens to contribute ideas and feedback to the university’s development plans.Later, PPU dean of students’ welfare (DSW) Rajeev Ranjan extended a vote of thanks.