U of S to honour world-renowned leader in international development
SASKATOON - He went on to manage billion-dollar portfolios and work with thousands of people, but Rajat M. Nag fondly remembers the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) as playing a pivotal role in his early development as an international banking leader.
Nag is the first of six individuals—the others to be announced in the coming weeks—who will be awarded honorary degrees at this year's U of S Spring Convocation ceremonies at TCU Place, May 30 to June 2. Originally from Delhi, India, Nag earned two graduate degrees—Master of Business Education (MBA) and Master of Science (MSc)—during his time at the U of S, before beginning his career as an economist with the Bank of Canada and later serving as managing director general of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
"Mr. Rajat Nag's extensive record of success in international development, particularly in Asia, is perhaps only surpassed by his passion and commitment to equality, justice and human rights," said U of S President Peter Stoicheff. "An accomplished scholar with degrees earned in India, England and here at the University of Saskatchewan, Mr. Nag perfectly represents the kind of international student that we work diligently to attract to the U of S and strive to develop into future leaders of industry, academia and public service."
The 67-year-old Nag, who also earned a bachelor's degree from the Indian Institute of Technology and a master's from the London School of Economics, went on to become a global leader in development in Asia and the Pacific. He feels that his time spent as an international student at the U of S helped prepare him for a successful career and remains close to friends and former professors here in Saskatoon.
"I was very fortunate to have had the opportunities to work in the field of international development, and yes, I think my studies at the University of Saskatchewan gave me the necessary academic training and grounding to pursue my dreams," he said. "The university was, and I am sure still is, very welcoming and supportive of students from abroad and everybody tried to make me feel at home, right from day one."
For more than 25 years, Nag has played a key role in fostering regional co-operation in Asia, with his work at the ADB focused on infrastructure and economic development, as well as education and the environment. He remains an ardent advocate of balancing economic growth with equity, justice and human rights, particularly gender-related issues, and bridging the gap between the region's thriving economies and the millions of poor being left behind.
"Income inequality is increasing in most of Asia," he said. "Progress on other issues such as justice and rights varies across the region, but in almost all cases much remains to be done."
Nag will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws at the first U of S convocation ceremony on May 30 at 2 pm, when the Colleges of Agriculture and Bioresources, and Engineering, take centre stage at TCU Place.
For the full Spring Convocation schedule, see: https://students.usask.ca/events/spring-convocation.php
University of Saskatchewan:
Established in 1907, the University of Saskatchewan has a long history of excellence. We are a member of the U15 group of Canada's top research-intensive universities, offering unique facilities such as the Canadian Light Source, VIDO-InterVac and the Global Institute for Water Security. The university is committed to First Nations, Métis and Inuit student success and to welcoming diverse perspectives and ways of knowing, both from across Saskatchewan and around the world. Our graduates are known for their work ethic, resourceful nature and determination, and will continue to build on our history of success to address the world's challenges now and in the future.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Thoma
Media Relations Specialist
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-1851
jennifer.thoma@usask.ca
"Mr. Rajat Nag's extensive record of success in international development, particularly in Asia, is perhaps only surpassed by his passion and commitment to equality, justice and human rights," said U of S President Peter Stoicheff. "An accomplished scholar with degrees earned in India, England and here at the University of Saskatchewan, Mr. Nag perfectly represents the kind of international student that we work diligently to attract to the U of S and strive to develop into future leaders of industry, academia and public service."
The 67-year-old Nag, who also earned a bachelor's degree from the Indian Institute of Technology and a master's from the London School of Economics, went on to become a global leader in development in Asia and the Pacific. He feels that his time spent as an international student at the U of S helped prepare him for a successful career and remains close to friends and former professors here in Saskatoon.
"I was very fortunate to have had the opportunities to work in the field of international development, and yes, I think my studies at the University of Saskatchewan gave me the necessary academic training and grounding to pursue my dreams," he said. "The university was, and I am sure still is, very welcoming and supportive of students from abroad and everybody tried to make me feel at home, right from day one."
For more than 25 years, Nag has played a key role in fostering regional co-operation in Asia, with his work at the ADB focused on infrastructure and economic development, as well as education and the environment. He remains an ardent advocate of balancing economic growth with equity, justice and human rights, particularly gender-related issues, and bridging the gap between the region's thriving economies and the millions of poor being left behind.
"Income inequality is increasing in most of Asia," he said. "Progress on other issues such as justice and rights varies across the region, but in almost all cases much remains to be done."
Nag will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws at the first U of S convocation ceremony on May 30 at 2 pm, when the Colleges of Agriculture and Bioresources, and Engineering, take centre stage at TCU Place.
For the full Spring Convocation schedule, see: https://students.usask.ca/events/spring-convocation.php
University of Saskatchewan:
Established in 1907, the University of Saskatchewan has a long history of excellence. We are a member of the U15 group of Canada's top research-intensive universities, offering unique facilities such as the Canadian Light Source, VIDO-InterVac and the Global Institute for Water Security. The university is committed to First Nations, Métis and Inuit student success and to welcoming diverse perspectives and ways of knowing, both from across Saskatchewan and around the world. Our graduates are known for their work ethic, resourceful nature and determination, and will continue to build on our history of success to address the world's challenges now and in the future.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Thoma
Media Relations Specialist
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-1851
jennifer.thoma@usask.ca