Xavier University Aruba President Ravi Bhooplapur was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from the prestigious Karnataka University in Dharwad, India on Monday, October 30, 2023 at the school’s 73rd annual convocation ceremony.

Ravi, awarded this honorary doctorate in recognition of his contribution to the field of education and philanthropy, was born and raised in Dharwad, studied at JSS college and is the first non-Indian resident to receive this great honor.

“It is an honor to receive this honorary doctorate from Karnataka University, a place I hold so dear,” said Ravi Bhooplapur. “Thank you to everyone at Karnataka University who made this possible.”

In 2008, Ravi took over the Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba, and quickly turned the school into an exemplary success. As President, he has overseen the transition of Xavier into a fully-accredited medical school, repeatedly being named one of the Top 10 Caribbean Medical Schools by Money Inc. To date, Ravi’s leadership has led to the graduation of more than 1,200 doctors who are now working in the US and around the world.

Ravi has focused on philanthropy worldwide. In India, Ravi has given back to society in a very big way. He founded Gift of Life India in 2001, an organization that has, to date, saved the lives of 6,500 children suffering from congenital heart disease in India by providing heart surgery free of cost. He has also provided an unimaginable amount of assistance to the people of India in many other ways by supporting many different organizations.

“As I have said many times, I am happy being known as a man who not only made millions, but who touched the lives of millions,” added Ravi. “Giving back to make the world a better place is what really matters the most, and I am thankful to Karnataka University for recognizing my achievements in education and giving back.”