By: Vibhuti Pathak
Renowned sitarist Anoushka Shankar is set to make history as the first musician of Indian origin to receive an honorary degree from the University of Oxford. Shankar’s stellar career, marked by nine Grammy nominations and collaborations with global stars, including Sting, Μ.Ι.Α., and Herbie Hancock, has earned her widespread acclaim. The university’s decision to honor Shankar for her outstanding contributions to the music industry and her commitment to fostering cultural understanding through her art underscores her significant influence on the global music landscape.
Expressing her joy and gratitude, Shankar described the recognition as a “pinch-me moment” in her career. She will join a prestigious cohort of recipients at Oxford’s Encaenia ceremony on June 19, where she will receive the honorary degree alongside other distinguished individuals. In addition to her accolades, Shankar continues to release new music, with recent endeavors including collaborations with fellow musicians such as Jacob Collier.