Honorary Doctorate Conferred on Pune Philanthropist Dr Manjeet Singh Virdi

Pune, April 21, 2026 — In a moment of pride for the city’s social service community, Pune-based businessman and philanthropist Dr Manjeet Singh Virdi has been conferred an honorary doctorate in Social Work and Philanthropy by Louisiana Research University.

The honour, awarded on April 19, 2026, recognises Virdi’s decades-long contribution to humanitarian causes and his unwavering commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities. The conferment was made upon the recommendation of the university’s Honoris Nomination Advisory Committee and approved by its Senate and Executive Council.

A well-known figure in Pune Cantonment, Virdi has built a reputation not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as a “man with a golden heart,” particularly for his sustained efforts in supporting vulnerable children. Over the past two decades, he has independently organised free screenings of Bollywood films for cancer-affected and underprivileged children across communities—often funding the initiative entirely from his own business earnings.

Operating from his business establishment in Camp, Virdi has seamlessly blended enterprise with empathy. His initiatives, especially during festivals such as Diwali, Eid and Christmas, have brought joy to hundreds of children who would otherwise never experience such outings, reinforcing his belief that “true religion is humanity.”

Beyond individual efforts, Virdi is also associated with charitable initiatives through his foundation, which has organised large-scale outreach programmes for children suffering from serious ailments, including cancer and disabilities. These initiatives have impacted hundreds of lives, further cementing his standing as a grassroots changemaker.

The honorary doctorate marks international recognition of his philanthropic journey, celebrating not just his contributions to social work but also his ability to inspire civic responsibility among citizens.

With this global acknowledgement, Dr Virdi joins a growing list of community leaders from Pune whose work continues to resonate beyond borders—highlighting the city’s enduring spirit of compassion and service.