Goa Univesity confers D.LITT Degree on President of Portugal

Panaji, Jan 14 (UNI) The President of the Republic of Portugal, Prof Anibal Cavaso Silva, was today conferred upon the prestigious D.LITT degree by Goa's Governor S C Jamir in the presence of his spouse Dr Maria Cavaco Silva, Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane, Education Minister Luizinho Faleiro and Vice-Chancellor Prof P S Zacharias, at the 19th annual convocation of the Goa University here.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Silva observed that in recent years globalisation and information techology are changing the face of the world.

''The internet and global television have contributed to a massive proliferation of information and ideas,'' he noted.

Prof Silva said India is being recognised in the world as an inspiring country in many ways.

''Millions of people are being lifted out of poverty in India.

Indian professionals, universties and companies are respected abroad. India is a well functioning democracy wih a wide ethic and religious diversity. India has proved that development and individual freedom can be pursued and practised at the same time,'' the president pointed out.

''Portugal is a friend of India and Indian and Portuguese firms should deal with globalisation in the right way, with mutual benefits, he advised.

Speaking on the occasion Governor S C Jamir cautioned that India is still behind many south-east Asian countries and China with regard to the percentage of enrollment in universities is concerned.

He also called for higher levels of participation from the private sector into higher education.

UNI