Cambridge economist accepts 'Dr Manmohan Singh Chair' at Panjab University

LONDON: A leading Indian-origin Cambridge economist today said he has accepted the ' Dr Manmohan Singh Chair' named after Indian Prime Minister at the Panjab University.

Professor Ajit Singh said he has now "officially accepted" the position that was offered by the university to him in May.

"I regard it as a great honour not only because of Dr Manmohan Singh's outstanding qualities but also because he was my teacher at Panjab University when I started doing economics," he told PTI.

Prof Singh, who spent all his academic life teaching and researching at Cambridge since 1964, is an alumnus of the Panjab University.

Launched in 2009, the 'Dr Manmohan Singh Chair' is based at the Department of Economics, Panjab University.

Prof Singh has published numerous research papers, advised several governments at the highest level (including India) and assisted international organisations focused on development, during his career.

After teaching at Cambridge since 1964, Prof Singh retired in 2007, and continues his research as an Emeritus Professor of Economics and a Life Fellow of Queen's College, Cambridge.

Prof Singh's current research is concerned with the rise of India and China and their economic interactions with advanced and emerging countries.

The research re-examines, among other lines of inquiry, structural questions such as the respected roles of manufacturing and services as engines of long-term economic growth in the two countries.