The prestigious De Montfort University in Leicester has awarded an honorary doctorate last week to Bijna K. Dasani, the Head of Architecture and Innovation at the UK’s largest Banking Group, Lloyds. 33 years old Bijna, is the youngest woman to be felicitated by the same University which has also honoured renowned personalities such as actor Amitabh Bachchan, director Gurinder Chadha as well as political leader Nelson Mandela.
Bijna’s contribution to the business world through her lenses on strategy and innovation, together with her relentless contribution to social responsibility since she joined DMU as an undergraduate in 2002, has earned her a meteoric rise professionally, and this felicitation. She has been honoured by her industry globally, academic institutions nationally, and the media as catalyst for change and her thought-leadership.
Overwhelmed to receive the honorary from her alma mater through a spectacular ceremony in Leicester, UK, she spoke of her strong connection to DMU’s alumni family. She said, "The family that is a global network across 177 countries; it is the invisible thread of connectivity that binds us together to the incredible DMU family – past, present and future" and offered this advice to graduates: “Education ultimately makes you the master of your own destiny and the change-maker of the future for humanity – Know and respect that you have the power to influence and shape the planet.
“As you graduates move into the world to make your mark - as one shining star on this planet of seven billion people - you too will appreciate the wonderful staff who helped you to become you – without you even realising. I cannot quantify with simple words what this institution has done for me, but I can share a heartfelt sentiment; the people that make this the centre of excellence it rightly is, are simply amazing!”
