Ramu Damodaran Awarded Honorary Doctorate by J. F. Oberlin University
On March 20th, 2023, Ramu Damodaran, former secretary of the United Nations Academic Impact and current IAUP Advisor, was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of International Affairs Honoris Causa by IAUP member institution J. F. Oberlin University at the commencement ceremony held at Tokyo International Forum in Japan. The honorary degree recognizes his enduring commitment and contributions to advancing global education and fostering a culture of peace, all through different activities which have had a positive impact across the world.
In his speech, Damodaran highlighted the concept of Kyosei, which relates to living and working together for the common good, as taught to him by his mentor, Dr. Toyoshi Satow, former IAUP President and J.F. Oberlin Chancellor, who believed in the idea of togetherness applied to education and international cooperation.
He spoke about how the University has continued to play a vital role in promoting this philosophy of learning as a means to help others under the leadership of current President Hiraoki Hatayama, and how it parallels the mission of The United Nations Academic Impact, which was initiated in 2010.