Indonesia/India, Jan 29:Dr. Mallappa Bhargav has been conferred the honorary royal adat title of “HE Dato’ Dr. Bhargav Mallappa” by the Kerajaan Kutai Mulawarman, one of Indonesia’s oldest and most revered traditional royal institutions, marking a moment of international recognition. With this conferment, Dr. Bhargav Mallappa becomes the third Indian national to receive this distinguished honour under the Kutai Mulawarman royal tradition, placing him among a rare group of individuals recognised for contributions that extend beyond national and regional boundaries. The title was formally granted through Sabda Panditha, the official royal decree issued by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sripaduka Baginda Berdaulat Agung Maharaja Kutai Mulawarman, in accordance with long-established adat istiadat (customary law). Reacting to the honour, Dr. Mallappa Bhargav said, “I receive this honour with deep humility and gratitude. Being recognised by the Kerajaan Kutai Mulawarman is not merely a personal milestone, but a responsibility to uphold the values of service, integrity, and cultural respect that this ancient institution represents.