29 June 2024

It was all a bit special

Yesterday I got awarded the Honour of “Doctor of the University” for contribution to human rights by the University of Strathclyde. I’m not an establishment person, so when I was asked to accept this, I thought they must have the wrong person.

I was nervous, I had a speech to make. One that may not necessarily be welcomed because of what I had to say. I worried if I had balanced the tone right. Then there was the dressing up and ceremony which just ramped up the fear. It turned out fine actually - although mentally I had blocked everything out just to get through it, now I think, what was that? Can I go back and actually enjoy it. Time waits for no one.

The University staff treated my family and friends with great kindness and respect; it meant so much to see people I care about feel special. Thank you to the incredible Professor Churnjeet Mahn (who calmed me down), Dr Neelam Bakhshi (who it was a pleasure to see after decades), the University Secretary, Stuart Fancey, Alasdair Goldsmith and other senior staff. Special thanks to Sam, who carried the silver staff and whispered in his Glasgow way, “Just milk it !” as the ceremony began. It brought a smile. Yes it was memorable.

In the early hours of this morning, after it was all over, I felt strangely disturbed. I guess it has taken me this long to find out who I am and I don’t want to lose that person. Most of the time, I work quietly in the background (ok, not so quietly). It’s a safe place. It doesn’t make you popular to speak out, but I prefer it that way. Being tied in with authority or received wisdom can stifle your freedom or originality. And I sense time running out as I get old, older and ancient.

These achievements are only because of a strong support network of trustees who genuinely believe in peace, justice, due process and taking a stand to do the right thing even when no one else does. I’m proud to say they remain trustees because of their integrity not because of any desire for “power”. It is also because of a wide network of many hundreds of members and supporters.

Anyway, I have the certificate now. Billy Connolly got the same honour. He never went to University either. So yes, it was all a bit special. What does any of this mean? I dedicate it to my father, mother and especially to the fight for Palestinian statehood, rights and reparations, truth and an end to this genocide. Because always and no matter what, Never again means now. Free Palestine 🇵🇸.

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