The University of London awarded an honorary degree to a British-Indian novelist

The University of London has awarded historian-author Shrabani Basu, who was born in Kolkata, an honorary doctorate in recognition of her literary achievements and research on common British Indian history.

The best-selling biographies “Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan” and “Victoria and Abdul: The True Story of the Queen’s Closest Confidant,” which were adapted into an Oscar-nominated film starring Dame Judi Dench, were written in London. On Tuesday, the author was awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature degree at a commencement ceremony.

In her role as university chancellor, Princess Anne—the Princess Royal and sister of King Charles III—awarded Basu the degree.

Dr. Basu acknowledged the “humbling and proud moment” when he added, “In 2009, the University of London gave us permission to build a memorial for World War II heroine, Noor Inayat Khan, in Gordon Square.”

The university acknowledged that Noor Inayat Khan, who was little recognized at the time, deserved to be remembered. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, unveiled the bust on a day that will never be forgotten in 2012. People go from all over the globe to visit the monument now, and Noor’s narrative is well known, the speaker stated.

The St. Stephen’s College history graduate from Delhi University recounted her trip as a journalist from India to the UK in the late 1980s, when she came across the many hidden jewels that ended up in her books.

It has been an honor for me as an author to share the experiences of Indians throughout World Wars I and II. Ancestors of many members of the South Asian diaspora in Britain fought in the war. Most people have very little or no knowledge about them. I can personally attest to the fact that it gives them energy when I discuss it. According to the author of “For King and Another Country: Indian Soldiers on the Western Front, 1914–18,” it provides them with a feeling of belonging, a stake in the system, and a sense of inclusion.

The significance of studying the Empire in UK schools as a unifying and cohesive force was also mentioned by her.

There has been much discussion on the Empire’s education in schools. This, in my opinion, is not something that divides people but rather serves to unite them and advance knowledge of one another’s cultures and history. The author, who was in her early 60s, said, “After all, our shared past is the foundation of our shared future.”

As a “thought leader” on India and the British Empire, Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Mary Stiasny characterized Basu in the university’s citation receiving their newest honorary degree.

Stiasny said, “Shrabani is a journalist, historian, and bestselling author for the Sunday Times. Her work combines her twin passions of history and journalism and frequently centers on British rule in India, exploring the past through the lens of hidden stories and marginalized voices.”