Gordon Brown conferred doctorate by Delhi University

New Delhi, Jan 21 : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was honoured today with a doctorate degree by Delhi University, in recognition of his achievements in the field of academics and public services.

Vice-president Hamid Ansari, who is also the ex-officio Chancellor of the University, conferred Brown with the honorary degree at a special convocation here today.

Brown said it was a real privilege for him to get the degree from Delhi University, which he described as one of the best universities in the country.

"I am honoured to be an honorary graduate of a university that plays such a big part in encouraging the potential and talents of so many young people from so many different parts of the world. You should feel proud of this great university," he said.

He commended the university for fulfilling the educational needs of young people from as many as 60 countries, which is the largest presence of foreign students in any varsity in Asia.

In his speech, he spoke about the traditional ties between India and Britain and said it would play an important role in creating a new global framework of developed and developing countries.

"India and Britain, two great 21st century modern economies, one of the oldest democracies of the world and the biggest democracy of the world, working together for a common aims. Our understanding not many decades old is that our two nations are not only already intertwined but we are also interdependent," he added.

Gordon Brown also launched the UK sports initiative at Delhi University Ground.

Later in the day, Brown is expected to meet President Pratibha Patil and his Indian counterpart Dr. Manmohan Singh.

ANI