Cambridge University says 'alumnus' Manmohan Singh has standing invite

NEW DELHI: Eager to host its "famous and valued alumnus" Manmohan Singh, Cambridge University has said it has a standing invite for the former Prime Minister of India and it would love to see him on the campus.

Singh, a well known economist, studied economics at St John's College, Cambridge. He passed Economics Tripos (First Class Honours) from Cambridge University.

Describing Singh as a "famous and valued alumnus", Cambridge University Vice Chancellor Leszek Borysiewicz said, "We are always delighted whenever he has the time to come to Cambridge".

"Singh knows us extremely well and I know that his college, St John's College, is very keen for him to visit us. I am very keen for him to visit Cambridge.

"There has been a standing invitation and there continues to be a standing invitation. We would love to see him," Borysiewicz told PTI in an interview during his visit here.

On whether any formal proposal has been made to Singh in this regard, the Vice Chancellor said there is always a standing invite "from me anytime to visit Cambridge"

"That is something that is open to him and he knows that. I haven't troubled him because this is a turbulent time with changeovers in the government and I look forward to hear from him when he is ready," Borysiewicz said.

Singh, who had a brilliant academic and administrative career, served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. He is also credited with kick-starting India's economic reforms way back in 1990s.