Dr Arun Verma's Honorary Doctorate Speech (University of Dundee)

On the 21st June 2024, I had the absolute honour of receiving an honorary degree as Doctor of Laws honoris causa from University of Dundee (Summer Graduation 2024, 10.30am). This is an institution where I graduated with my PhD in 2018. I received the award for my leadership and impact for inclusion, intersectionality and anti-racism in higher education and I am so incredibly grateful for this prestigious recognition.
Thank you to University of Dundee for your exceptional welcome and care for me and my family. Thank you to Professor Susie Schofield for an incredible introduction. I am eternally thankful for this (a fuller version of the introduction and speech can be found here: lnkd.in/eCAhPDAA)
In my speech I spoke about my journey, how categories and boxes can inhibit joy and what it means to speak truth to power and disrupt inequality with compassion. Watch my talk in this video. The response was phenomenal with a full standing ovation and I am filled with joy.
lnkd.in/ehFN9vTb