Karan Singh honoured by US varsity

NEW YORK: Scholar and politician Dr Karan Singh was today conferred with an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters by the State University of New York.

"As an internationally respected humanitarian and one of the most learned individuals of modern times, you have a lasting impact on philosophy, culture, education, and the environment in India and abroad," the University said in the citation.

In his acceptance speech, Singh, also President of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), said, "Our two countries (India and USA) have a long and generally positive relationships".

Singh, who served as Indian Ambassador to the US in the 1990s, underlined the critical role of the youth "at this critical juncture" of human development.

"I would like to make a special appeal to the young persons assembled here. In order to play your due role in helping the human race at this critical juncture, you will need to prepare yourself so that you are up to the task," he said.