Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur

Kundapur, May 8: Anand Poojary from Aluru in Kundapur on the Karnataka coast has been conferred an honorary doctorate by a university in the United States.

The prestigious Washington Adventist University in Washington DC honoured NRI entrepreneur and achiever Anand Poojary with the honorary degree of ‘Doctor of Humane Letters’ during its grand annual convocation and 111th graduation ceremony held in Maryland, USA, on Sunday, May 3.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajan Natarajan, CEO and President of Global Alliant Incorporation, said, “Anand Poojary is a highly deserving recipient of this prestigious doctorate honour. It is a recognition of his dedication, commitment, and hard work.”

Responding to the honour, Anand Poojary said, “I stand before you with deep humility and gratitude. This doctorate is a matter of great honour and pride for me. I did not come from a privileged background. From the beginning, I have valued hard work, discipline, and faith in life. I have always had great respect for society. Values have been the strong foundation of my life. I alone do not deserve credit for this honorary degree. My wife Sumita, my son Aryan, my daughters Anisha and Tara, and all my well-wishers who have always stood by me are equal partners in this honour. I express my gratitude to Washington Adventist University.”

Students graduating in the year 2026 also received their degrees during the ceremony and celebrated their academic achievements. Cherliki Sunzhu compered the programme and delivered the vote of thanks.

It may be recalled that Anand Poojary, who provides catering services to the Indian Embassy in the United States, had earned appreciation from former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his hospitality and culinary services.

Anand Poojary is involved in several business ventures including Jewel of India, Woodlands, Udupi Restaurant, Poojary Consultancy, and GD Hospitality. Originally hailing from the small hilly village of Aluru in Kundapur taluk of Udupi district, he comes from an agricultural family background.

After completing his secondary education at the government school in Aluru, he moved to Mumbai where he worked in a canteen during the daytime while attending night school and completed his PU education. Later, with the support of his late brother Manjunath Poojary, he moved to the United States in 1995 and entered the hotel industry. Through hard work and perseverance, he gradually rose in the field and established his own successful hospitality business.

Actively associated with several Kannada cultural and service organisations in the United States, Anand Poojary’s life journey marked by honesty, discipline, and hard work is regarded as highly inspiring to society.