Bollywood actor and influencer Riva Arora, best known for her roles in Uri: The Surgical Strike and Bharat, has made headlines once again — this time not for her acting but for receiving an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in Digital Influence & Women’s Empowerment at the age of 19. The news, which she proudly shared on social media, has left the internet in a frenzy, with mixed reactions pouring in from fans and critics alike.
Riva Arora Flaunts Her Honorary PhD at 19
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On her official Instagram account, Riva Arora posted a series of pictures dressed in a traditional red convocation gown and cap while holding her doctoral degree. Despite having an injured leg, she posed with a big smile, expressing her excitement and gratitude for the recognition.
Her caption read, “It’s Dr. (H) Riva Arora now!!! Reaching this milestone is a dream come true, and I couldn’t be more proud of what I’ve achieved. Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in Digital Influence & Women’s Empowerment—‘In Recognition of Exceptional Leadership in Digital Media, Inspiring Millions, and Pioneering Women’s Empowerment at a Remarkably Young Age.’”
She further thanked @keshvanandag and @sachingupta1208 for their continuous support and expressed her excitement about future opportunities.
Internet Divided Over Riva Arora’s Honorary Degree
While many of her fans flooded the comment section with congratulations and well-wishes, a significant number of netizens questioned the legitimacy of the honorary doctorate. Some expressed disbelief over how someone as young as 19 years old could receive a Doctor of Philosophy degree without formal education.
One user commented, “PhD at 19? This is beyond imagination! Is it even legit?” while another sarcastically added, “She didn’t even go to college, and now she’s a Doctor. Wow!”
Another user questioned, “So now social media followers are enough to get a PhD? Education system has become a joke.”
A few others, however, defended Riva, stating that the honorary PhD is not an academic degree but a symbol of recognition for her contributions to digital influence and women empowerment.
What is an Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa)?
For those wondering how Riva Arora received a PhD without pursuing formal higher education, it’s essential to understand what an Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) actually means.
The Latin phrase Honoris Causa translates to “for the sake of honor”. This degree is typically awarded by universities or educational institutions to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their field, society, or humanity. It does not require the recipient to have undergone traditional academic studies or defended a dissertation like a conventional PhD.
In Riva’s case, her influence in digital media and work towards women empowerment were recognized, which led her to receive this honorary doctorate.
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My Honest Take on This Situation
While the news is undoubtedly remarkable, it’s understandable why the internet is divided. On one hand, Riva Arora has undeniably created a significant impact through her social media presence, inspiring millions of young people and advocating for women empowerment. On the other hand, granting an honorary PhD to someone so young — especially in a world where people spend years pursuing their doctorate — does raise eyebrows.
It’s also worth mentioning that Honorary Doctorates are purely symbolic and hold no academic value. However, seeing Riva proudly add “Dr.” to her name might be what’s triggering criticism. While she didn’t earn the title through traditional education, her contribution to digital influence still stands.
At the end of the day, the degree was awarded based on her influence — and whether the public chooses to accept it or not, Riva Arora is now Dr. (H) Riva Arora.
