The Hindu : National : ‘Let’s work for universal free education’

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Tuesday, Jan 22, 2008
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‘Let’s work for universal free education’

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was conferred the honorary degree of D.Litt. by Delhi University in recognition of his achievements in the field of academics and public service at a special convocation here on Monday.

Vice-President Hamid Ansari, who is the Chancellor of the University, conferred the honour on the visiting dignitary.

Reading out the citation, Vice-Chancellor Deepak Pental said Mr. Brown had been known for his commitment to eradication of poverty and his campaign to increase aid to provide every child with education and healthcare.

He spoke about Mr. Brown’s academic life as a student and later as a university and college lecturer during which he authored many books. Accepting the award, the British Prime Minister said it was a “real privilege to receive a degree in a great city in a great university which by its international reach has become a global university.”

“I am honoured to be a graduate of a university that encourages the talent of so many young people.”

Displaying his witty streak, Mr. Brown remarked: “I was a university lecturer myself. We are taught objectivity, rationality and honest pursuit of truth in the university. One has to leave all this behind when you enter politics.”

Mr. Brown also stressed the need to build a “new world order which is grounded in our shared needs, shared interests and responsibilities.”

“What we now know is that what happens to the poorest citizen in the poorest country can affect the richest citizen in the richest country … There should be a dialogue between nations based on consensus and partnership. We are for a global unity between developed and developing countries,” he said.

Referring to a new role for India, the visiting Prime Minister said: “We want to work with India to offer universal free education for all children in all countries. By 2015, instead of 17 million children being deprived [of] the right to education, every child should have that basic right.”

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