Powerhouse performer, Vidya Balan, will be conferred with the degree of Doctor of Arts Honoris Causa by Rai University at a special convocation ceremony held at suburban five star Hotel on Monday.

The University has decided to award Vidya Balan with an Honorary Doctorate for her exceptional contribution to the Indian Film Industry and for her contribution to Empowering Womanhood in the country.

Based in Ahmadabad, Gujarat, Rai University provides world class education and empowering opportunities for all sections of society, especially for girls from the underprivileged sections of society.

While Vidya Balan's unmatched excellence and dedication to her craft , has won her several accolades including a National award and several Filmfare awards. . The Government of India also awarded her with the fourth highest civilian award Padma Shri' in 2014 for her strong portrayal of female protagonists and for pioneering a change in the concept of a film heroine.

Vidya now adds another feather to her hat, and receives a honorary doctorate from the Rai University , in the week of her completion of 10 years in the Hindi film industry.

Confirming the news says Dr.Harbeen Arora, Chancellor,Rai University, "Among the league of iconic actors, Vidya is a pioneer in every way. Her films epitomize a distinct Indianness and a powerful womanhood. For her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, for creating a new space for empowered womanhood in Indian society, for her unmatched excellence and dedication to her craft, Rai University will be conferring upon her degree of Doctor of Arts, honoris causa."

Rai University who will be bestowing Vidya Balan with the title will also launch a special scholarship program in her honor. The "Vidya Balan University Scholarship" , is a scholarship which includes free education for under privileged girls. This includes completely free University education for the entire duration of degree program at Rai University, including boarding and lodging for one underprivileged girl nominated by Vidya every year.

Says Vidya Balan, "It is truly humbling and overwhelming to receive this honor. What makes this even more special is that I complete 10 years in the Hindi film industry on the 10th june (in 10 days) . There can be no bigger compliment for an actor than to have done work that has touched peoples lives".