Overview

• Dr M N Nandakumara, Executive Director of The Bhavan in London, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature by the University of London Worldwide at the Barbican Centre on April 29, 2025.
• The honorary doctorate acknowledges his transformative role in promoting Indian classical arts, literature, and culture in the United Kingdom over more than four decades.
• In his acceptance speech, Dr Nandakumara reflected on his journey from Mattur, Karnataka, to London, initially intending to return to India after completing his PhD at SOAS but ultimately staying to lead The Bhavan.
• Under his leadership since 1995, The Bhavan has grown into a prominent institution for Indian classical music, dance, drama, and literature in the UK.
• This recognition follows his honorary MBE awarded by King Charles III in April 2023 for his contributions to Indian classical arts in Britain.