NEW DELHI, May 29: Former cabinet minister and senior BJP leader Alexander Laloo Hek was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Delhi-based Integrated Global University (IGU) on Friday.
The degree was presented in recognition of Hek’s extensive public service, social work and contributions to society.
Hek is a six-time MLA from the Pynthorumkhrah constituency and has held several ministerial portfolios since 1998.
In his acceptance speech, Hek reflected on his entry into politics, noting that he lacked prior experience, a financial background, or family ties to the profession.
“I was pushed to politics without political experience, financial background or anyone to back him in the family in the career,” he said.
He began his career as an independent candidate under the Youth Democratic Front, the political wing of the FKJGP—an organisation he co-founded as its first state general secretary alongside founder-president late Sounder S. Cajee.
“I joined BJP in 1995 and contested for the first time as an official BJP candidate in 1998 won, and was inducted as a minister. Till today, there is no looking back and I have won record six terms from the same constituency, Pynthorumkhrah. I have been minister for many times with different portfolios,” he said.
In 2021, during his tenure as Health Minister, Hek was recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) for his management of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also been associated with the Lord Gautam Buddha International Peace Award.
Integrated Global University is known for its international convocations and award ceremonies held in major hubs like Kathmandu and Dubai to honour achievers across various fields including education, entrepreneurship, and social work.
