Singer Momtaz receives honorary doctorate from India

Bangladeshi folk singer Momtaz Begum has received an honorary doctorate degree from India for her contributions to society in various fields.

The Global Human Peace University in Tamil Nadu, India awarded her the degree on Saturday.

In a special ceremony, Dr P Manuel, the founder and chairman of the university, awarded her the title of “Doctor of Music”.

According to the university authorities, Momtaz has taken herself to another height by becoming the first artist in the world to record more than 700 solo albums, presenting Bangla music to the world for 30 long years and getting involved in various activities including social service.

Momtaz, also a member of the parliament, herself took part in the ceremony and returned back to Bangladesh on Monday.

Expressing her feelings of receiving the degree, she said: “It is a big achievement for me. For the last 30 years, I have been singing folk songs and serving people in various fields. This achievement will inspire me to work harder.”

Momtaz has been working as a professional artist for more than three decades.

In 2000, Momtaz sang the song “Return Ticket” in the popular television show “Ittadi” hosted by Hanif Sanket and reached out to audiences across the country overnight.

The artist was elected lawmaker from Manikganj 2 constituency in 2014 and 2018.