In a special convocation ceremony held by Rai University, Ahmedabad, National-Award winning actor Vidya Balan was honored with an honorary Doctorate for her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema and for creating a new space of empowered thinking for womanhood in society through her unconventional and strong female roles.

The Chancellor, Dr. Harbeen Arora, who is also a noted women's leader spoke ardently in her address and said: "Vidya is a path breaker and original thinker in many ways. She has created a completely new space for the Indian female actor. Through sheer stint of her talent and conviction, she has broken age-old taboos not just in Indian cinema but the world over - be it by going on screen without make-up, putting on weight and defying the size zero myth, or carrying a whole movie on just her shoulders as normally a "hero" would. Vidya stands as a tall icon and inspiration for all women across the world today. Rai University is proud to recognize the huge influence and force of the artistic and cinematic arts. It is time that we as a society recognize the important space of the various expressions of the arts and confer on them the distinctions that they so merit. This conferment is a step toward integrating back again the artificial divide that we have created between science and arts, wherein we illusorily consider science as academic while arts like cinema as entertainment.

There is rigor in every field and excellence in all fields must be honored and we are proud to confer upon Vidya Balan, the honorary degree of Doctor of Arts." Vidya felt honored to receive such heart warming appreciation and applauded Rai University for recognizing and motivating talent from across the industry. She also launched on the occasion the "Vidya Balan University Scholarship" completely free University education for one underprivileged girl every year, for the entire duration of degree program at Rai University, including boarding and lodging charges. Vidya said that a good higher education can be the biggest turning point in a girl's life. It can help decide whether that girl makes the decision to enter employment or give up on her dreams forever. Access to higher education increases the girl's chances of getting and keeping a job manifold.

Accepting her honorary doctorate, Vidya said "I am truly honored to receive this distinction and I believe that Rai University is playing a blessed role in giving free education to underprivileged and orphan girls." She also added that she feels blessed to be able to initiate the change and to be a part of the transformation in the Indian Film Industry, as today, heroines are not just an synonym of beauty,they are the equal contributors to a movie's success. She reminisced the days of her struggle and how she grew in wisdom and learning with all of them, and today that "school of life" seems so worthwhile as it is being also recognized and honored by our society's highest institutions like the Universities who are always the think tanks for society and people.

Vidya Balan has carved a distinct place for female roles and given new stature to women-centric movies in India and around the world. Winner of several accolades,she is known for her realistic, de-glamorous and strong female protagonist roles. Acknowledging her contribution to the Indian Film industry, Rai University conferred upon Vidya Balan the honorary doctorate at a special convocation ceremony in Mumbai at JW Marriott Sahar, on 1st June, 2015. Also present were Vidya's family members including her parents and sister who were seen to be very emotional and proud.