Shashi Tharoor conferred honorary D.Litt by St Xavier’s University
Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor was conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) by St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, during its seventh convocation on 21 February 2026. Tharoor described the honour as deeply meaningful since it is his first honorary doctorate in India, despite multiple international recognitions. The ceremony was held at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, New Town, where over 1,000 students received degrees. Tharoor recalled his earlier role as convocation speaker for the university and noted that this distinction holds special significance as a former Xaverian.
Award: Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) to Shashi Tharoor.
Event date: 21 February 2026; venue: Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata.
Context: Tharoor’s first honorary doctorate in India.
Background: previously invited as convocation speaker for St Xavier’s University.
Significance: recognition of contributions to public life and literature.
Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay, popularly known as Shankar, a towering figure in Bengali literature, died at the age of 92 in a private hospital on the outskirts of south Kolkata. His body of work captured urban India's moral dilemmas, ambitions and social tensions, drawing condolences from political leaders across parties, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. A Sahitya Akademi Award recipient in 2021, Shankar also pursued a research-based project on Swami Vivekananda, reflecting his interest in philosophy and spirituality. His passing marks the end of an era in Bengali storytelling, with his writings continuing to influence readers and scholars.
Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay (Shankar) dies at 92
Noted Bengali writer and Sahitya Akademi Award laureate (2021)
His works explored urban morality and social issues
Mourned by leaders across political lines, including Mamata Banerjee
Final major project was a Vivekananda-focused book
His death signifies a significant loss to Bengali literature
Feb 17, 2026
Odia Playback Singer Geeta Patnaik Passes Away at 73
Geeta Patnaik, a renowned Odia playback singer, died on 15 February 2026 in Cuttack at the age of 73 after suffering a brain stroke. She had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital following initial care at Capital Hospital. Patnaik’s extensive career spanned Odia cinema, devotional songs and contemporary music, earning admiration for a melodious voice and classical training. Her death prompted tributes from fans, fellow singers and cultural figures who highlighted her significant contribution to Odia music and cinema. The loss is widely mourned across Odisha’s cultural community and recording industry.
Date of death: 15 February 2026; age 73.
Cause: brain stroke; treatments at multiple facilities.
Prominent Odia playback singer with a long career.
Contributions to Odia cinema, devotional songs, and albums.
Tributes reflect her impact on regional music and culture.
David J. Farber, Internet Pioneer, Dies at 91
David J. Farber, renowned as the ’grandfather of the Internet,’ passed away on 7 February 2026 in Tokyo at the age of 91. Farber spent decades at Bell Labs and later taught at Keio University in Japan, shaping early networking concepts and mentoring leaders who helped build today’s Internet. His work bridged computing and telecommunications, advocating for interconnected systems that evolved into global data networks. Farber’s influence extended into academia and industry as he guided researchers who contributed to foundational protocols and architectures for networked communications. His death marks the loss of a pivotal figure in the history of information technology.
Date of death: 7 February 2026; age 91.
Pioneer nicknamed 'grandfather of the Internet'.
Affiliations: Bell Labs; Keio University, Tokyo.
Contributions: early networking concepts and mentorship.
Legacy: foundational impact on Internet infrastructure.
Feb 16, 2026
Joe Simon Dies After Cardiac Arrest at KFCC Meeting
Veteran Kannada filmmaker Joe Simon died after a sudden cardiac arrest during a Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) meeting. He was 80 years old. Reports say he collapsed around 4:30 p.m. on Friday as he participated in discussions and proposed ideas for a celebratory program. With a prolific career spanning decades, Simon directed and produced more than 100 films. His death is a significant loss to the Kannada film industry, where he contributed as a filmmaker, producer and promoter of cinema.
Death due to cardiac arrest during KFCC meeting
Age 80; occurred around 4:30 p.m.
Prolific career with 100+ films
Active participant in the meeting at KFCC
Impact on Kannada cinema community
Feb 12, 2026
James Van Der Beek Passes Away at 48
Hollywood actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48 after a prolonged battle with colorectal cancer. Family statements confirmed the death and highlighted his advocacy for early cancer detection and screening. Van Der Beek rose to global fame in 1998 as Dawson Leery, a central character in the popular teen drama. His passing is being mourned by fans and colleagues worldwide, with tributes emphasizing his contributions to entertainment and public health awareness.
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