Jamia confers DLitt degree on Saudi prince
By IANSWednesday, April 14, 2010
NEW DELHI - Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia was Wednesday conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters by Jamia Millia Islamia, a leading central university of India.
“Jamia Millia Islamia honours His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, a world renowned philanthropist, internationally acclaimed statesman and above all a man of high moral fabric and integrity, with the degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa),” a citation read at the function said.
Prince Aziz, while accepting the degree, thanked the university. He said there was a need for deepening educational ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
“India and Saudi Arabia have a historic relationship. There is a need to deepen education ties between both the countries,” said Prince Aziz.
In the citation, the university said: “Prince Salman Bin Abdul Azizs acclaim as a highly respected figure and great philanthropist has transgressed the boundaries of the region. He is one of those few leaders who evoke passionate support at home and unswerving popularity outside.
As the governor of Riyadh, he spearheaded the rapid transformation of the city of Riyadh from a mid-sized town into one of the most modern metropolis of the world. A recipient of the UN medal for his efforts leading to poverty eradication, prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, accords great attention and care to humanitarian activities.
With a deep commitment to education, Prince Salman has been instrumental in establishing many educational institutions of research and higher learning. He played a leading role in establishing the renowned Imam Mohammad Bin Saud University Complex. Indian educational institutions in Riyadh enjoy tremendous support and patronage from him, the citation added.
Speaking on the occasion, Delhi Chief Minister Shila Dikshit said: This degree … will enhance the ties of trade, industry and education between India and Saudi Arabia.
–Indo Asian News Service
