Kolkata-born historian-writer Sharb. Basu has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of London for her contributions to the field of literature and the study of British Indian history in general.
The London-based author of the best-selling biographies Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan and Victoria & Abdul: The True Story of the Queen’s Closest Confidant welcomes her to the Oscar-nominated film starring Dame Judi Dench. * The sister of Britain’s King Charles III honored Basu with the title of ‘Doctor of Literature’.
In her address at the ceremony, Sharb. Basu said that as a writer, it has been a privilege for me to tell the stories of Indians in the First and Second World Wars. Many South Asian immigrants to Britain have ancestors who served in the war. Most people know nothing or very little about them. I’ve seen firsthand that when I talk about it, it gets them excited.
He also noted the importance of the study of empire as a binding and unifying force in UK schools. There has been much debate about the teaching of empire in schools. I don’t see it as a divisive thing, but as something that brings people together and promotes understanding of each other’s culture and history. In the university’s citation for the recent honorary doctorate, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Mary Stiasny described Basu as a “thought leader” on India and the British Empire.
