On Saturday, September 19, 2026, New Delhi delivered a powerful answer. The city hosted the highly prestigious XXVIII Sorbon International Convocation. It was an event defined by unparalleled ambition.
The magnificent Bel-la Monde Hotel served as the backdrop. Located near the bustling Delhi Airport, the venue welcomed a truly elite crowd. Global visionaries gathered under one roof. They came to celebrate the absolute peak of human achievement.
The esteemed École Supérieure Robert de Sorbon (ESRDS)from France organized the ceremony. They partnered directly with India's IIPPT Foundation. Together, they built a massive bridge between European academic prestige and Indian entrepreneurial brilliance.
A Grand Arrival: Setting the Global Stage
The energy was electric from the very first minute.
Registrations opened sharply at 11:00 AM. Delegates and awardees captured their proudest moments at the official photo booths. By noon, the main hall was packed. Anticipation filled the air.
At 12:05 PM, the entire room stood in unified silence. The national anthems of France and India played back-to-back. This powerful moment highlighted deep, cross-border respect.
The Lamp Lightining Ceremony
Shortly after, the ceremonial lamp was lit. It beautifully merged ancient Indian tradition with modern global academia.
Strong leadership steered the day. Dr. Vivek Choudhry delivered the opening address. As Vice President of ESRDS France and Chairman of IIPPT Foundation, his vision was clear. He demanded excellence.
Then, the spotlight shifted. Dr. John Thomas Prade, President of ESRDS France, took the stage. He had flown in specifically for this exact moment. His keynote address outlined a bold new future for international education.
The Bharat Samman Awards: Recognizing Titans
But academic degrees were only half the story.
At 12:50 PM, the event shifted gears. It was time for the Bharat Samman Awards. Instituted in memory of the Late Dr. Narendra Choudhry, these awards carry massive prestige. They target individuals fundamentally changing society.
The 2026 winners list is nothing short of extraordinary:
- Dr. Vivek Anand Oberoi
Honored for Global Business Entrepreneurship & Social Service. - Shri Jayant Sinha
Honored for extensive contributions to Politics & Social Service. - Smt. Usha Rai
Honored for decades of excellence in Journalism & Media. - Dr. Amit Goenka
Honored for driving visionary Business Entrepreneurship.
Shri Jayant Sinha’s presence bridged a critical gap. It proved that sound public policy directly fuels educational growth.
Then came a highly anticipated moment. Bollywood icon and entrepreneur Dr. Vivek Anand Oberoi took the stage. He didn't just win a Bharat Samman Award. The institution proudly conferred an honorary D.Litt. degree upon him.
Why? Because his work extends far beyond entertainment. His expansive philanthropic ventures and global business frameworks demand the highest academic respect.
During the keynote address he said that, "My true legacy is not celluloid. My true legacy is not the roles I have played on screen. My true legacy would be my contribution to my great motherland, Bharat." These words by Dr. Vivek Anand Oberoi stood out during the XXVIII Sorbon International Convocation in New Delhi.
The event brought together distinguished academicians, professionals and guests to recognise Vivek Anand Oberoi spoke about seva—the opportunity to help someone when we are in a position to do so.
He reminded us that these moments of service create a form of wealth that cannot be measured through possessions, awards or conventional success. Our real contribution is reflected in the lives we touch.
That thought led to a reflection on legacy. Professional achievements may be remembered for a period of time, but the positive difference we make in other people's lives can leave a far deeper and more lasting impact.
Another thought that resonated deeply was: "You can get work done by Artificial Intelligence. You can access Al from various places. But spirituality is found only in Bharat." Al can help us improve productivity, automate tasks and achieve more.
But spirituality reminds us why we should use our abilities, how we should serve others and what kind of legacy we should leave behind.
Technology can amplify our work. Seva gives it meaning. Spirituality gives it direction.
Shattering Ceilings: The Women Empowerment Awards
True progress requires absolute inclusion. The organizers understood this deeply.
They introduced the highly celebrated Women Empowerment Awards. ESRDS, IIPPT, and the Bel-la Monde Hotel jointly backed this initiative. They sought out female leaders who are fundamentally altering their industries.
Dr. Neeti Sharma — Awarded for Women Awakening & Social Service. A true champion of grassroots mobilization.
Dr. Neha Dewan — Awarded for Global Entrepreneurship. She continues to break international corporate barriers.
Ms. Nidhi Baweja — Awarded for Spirituality & Tarot. Acknowledging unique forms of spiritual leadership.
Ms. Aarti Khetarpal — Awarded for Singing & Modelling. Proving art and culture remain vital societal pillars.
These awards send a crystal-clear message. Leadership has no single definition. It thrives in boardrooms, in communities, and on the cultural stage.
A Masterclass in Cultural Integration
How do you keep a highly formal event deeply engaging?
You infuse it with raw, authentic art. The convocation featured a deeply moving Invocation of Lord Ganesha and Guru Vandana. The Ghungroo Institute captivated the room with a breathtaking Kathak performance.
But the most emotional moment arrived shortly after. Children with special abilities from the Sukhsetu Foundation performed an incredibly inspiring medley. There was rarely a dry eye in the venue.
The leadership team responded immediately. Dr. Prade, Dr. Choudhry, and Dr. Vivek Oberoi stood together on stage. They presented formal Certificates of Appreciation to these brilliant young performers. Excellence recognized excellence.
Conferring the Ultimate Academic Accolades
At 1:25 PM, the core academic ceremony commenced.
Scores of deserving candidates finally received their Doctorate degrees. The committee read individual citations aloud. This public validation is crucial. It confirms years of relentless research and global networking.
Spiritual leader Sadguru Dr. Sakshi Shree provided profound Words of Inspiration. Distinguished Guests of Honour, including Dr. Gurmeet Singh and Dr. Kamal Anand, amplified the event's unmatched prestige.
Dr. Nirmal Bansal, Provost of ESRDS France, brought the event to a graceful close. Following his Vote of Thanks, delegates shared a vast networking lunch. Vital operational thanks were given to key team members—Sagar, Priyaank, Shubham, Lucky, Arjun, and Ritika.
The True Impact of the 2026 Convocation
The world is changing fast. Education can no longer exist in a silo.
The XXVIII Sorbon International Convocation proved a massive point. Real-world corporate strategy, journalistic integrity, and academic rigor must evolve together. By honoring figures like Vivek Oberoi and Usha Rai, ESRDS and IIPPT validated this exact truth.
New Delhi once again proved it is the ultimate meeting ground for global minds. Watch this space closely. The partnerships forged in that hotel ballroom will undoubtedly shape global industries for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When and where was the 2026 convocation held?
The event took place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Bel-la Monde Hotel in New Delhi. - Who organized this international event?
It was a powerful joint collaboration between the École Supérieure Robert de Sorbon (ESRDS) of France and India's IIPPT Foundation. - What major recognition did actor Vivek Oberoi receive?
Dr. Vivek Anand Oberoi received an honorary D.Litt. degree and the Bharat Samman Award for Global Business Entrepreneurship & Social Service. - Who received the Bharat Samman Awards for Politics and Media?
Shri Jayant Sinha was honored for Politics & Social Service, while Smt. Usha Rai was celebrated for her veteran work in Journalism & Media.