PM awarded Honoris Causa degree by BHU

Varanasi, Mar 15 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was today awarded D litt (Honoris Causa) degree by the Banaras Hindu University.

The Prime Minister participated in the 90th convocation of the BHU here while on a two-day visit.

Besides Dr Singh, famous painter Satish Gujral and eminent historian Irfan Habib were also honoured with the Honoris Causa degree.

The Prime Minister awarded 179 Phd, 2,023 postgraduate and 4,252 graduate degrees, totalling 6,454 degrees to meritorious students.

He also presented total 29 medals, including Vice-chancellors and BHU medals for obtaining highest percentage of marks in various subjects.

Addressing the 90th convocation of the BHU, Dr Singh said the varsity played an important role during country's freedom struggle and bringing a new awakening in the society through education.

One hundred years ago, universities were established by the British rulers only, he said, adding the founder of BHU Pt Madan Mohan Malviya understood the importance of modern education and established this great university, where besides modern education, Indian culture, history and traditions were also being taught.

Pt Malviya had said at that time the doors of the varsity will remain open to all Indians, irrespective of caste and creed.

BHU's vice-chancellor Prof Punjab Singh honoured the Prime Minister by offering shawls and mementoes.

Uttar Pradesh Governor T V Rajeswar, chancellor of the university and eminent scholar Dr Karan Singh and UP health minister Anant Mishra were also present on this occasion.

The Governor and the chancellor garlanded the bust of Pt Malviya, while the students sang the 'kulgeet' of the world-famous university.

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