PM confers doctorate on Baba Amte, Ratan Tata

Mumbai, May 6: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today conferred the degree of Doctor of Literature (honoris causa) upon renowned social worker Baba Amte and Industralist Ratan Tata.

Dr Vikas Amte, elder son of Mr Amte accepted the honour on behalf of his ailing father. Mr Amte's recorded acceptance speech was telecast before the audience.

Dr Singh said honouring these illustrious sons of India is an indication of the twin attention given by TISS for creating wealth through honest means and also ensuring that the need of the marginalised is not neglected.

The degree was conferred upon Mr Amte in recognition of more than seven decades of dedicated, visionary and pioneering service to the cause of humanity and social justice.

Mr Tata who has been globally acknowledged for consistently upholding values and integrity in the management of business and industry, received the degree ''in recognition of his distinguished business, organisational and philanthropic leadership''.

The previous recipients of this award were Mr J R D Tata in 1993 and Dr J J Bhabha in 1996.

UNI