Friday, July 8 2005 19:12 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Oxford (London): It was a trip down the memory lane and a proud moment for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (July 8, 2005) when he was conferred an honorary degree from the Oxford university where he studied five decades ago and passed with flying colours.

Singh, who had received a D Phil in economics at Nuffield College in Oxford in 1957, was presented the honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Law in recognition of his role as a statesman and leading economist at a special ceremony here.

Accepting the honour, an emotional Singh said he had the good fortune of receiving several honorary degrees. However, there could be nothing more valuable than receiving an honorary degree from one's own alma mater. "This is a day I will truly cherish."

The ceremony was held in the Convocation House, where the Prime Minister was escorted by University's Chancellor Lord Patten Barnes and senior University figures from the 15th century Divinity School.

Earlier, University public officer Prof Richard Jenkyns introduced Singh to the Chancellor explaining in Latin why he was being awarded this honour. He described Singh as a man who exhibited wisdom, learning and sense of patriotic duty in the highest degree.

The Prime Minister said the Indian Constitution, which emphasises on the principles of secularism, democracy, the rule of law and above all equality of human being irrespective of caste, community, language or ethnicity, has deep roots in the country's civilisation.