MUMBAI: Oscar-winning musician A R Rahman, has now been bestowed with an American Honorary Doctorate by the Miami University, at the 173rd Annual Commencement Ceremony held at the Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio.

Previously honoured by Aligarh Muslim University, Anna University and Middlesex University in the UK, this is Rahman’s fourth doctorate. David C Hodge conferred the Honorary Degree for Doctor of Music to Rahman.

“I wish to thank a few people who have made a significant impact in my life: My father and mother have anchored me with good values; then Mani Ratnam who is India’s noted filmmaker gave me my first break in the world of cinema in the film ‘Roja’. My Sufi teachers opened my consciousness and helped me discover myself. People from all around India have embraced me and my music without any discrimination and today, I find the same spirit of acceptance in Hollywood. I cannot believe that it is over ten years since my music and I have been associated with Miami University. I have enjoyed collaborating with your students and faculty and above all, every interaction has allowed for greater understanding, sensitivity and growth," Rahman said in his address to a gathering of over 15,000 students

Having given great music in hit films like ‘Bombay’, Dil Se’, ’Taal’, ‘Lagaan’, ‘Vandemataram’, ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, ‘Delhi 6’ and ‘Rockstar’, Rahman has won two Oscars, two Grammys, a Golden Globe and the BAFTA.