Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Saturday lauded Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, saying the latter is one of the most distinguished economist of the world.
"I welcome honourable Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh ji who has come here to address the PAU (Punjab Agricultural University) convocation in Punjab his home state. I congratulate the students, as they are lucky to receive their degrees in the presence of Prime Minister of the country and most distinguished economist of the world. It is very kind of him that he has spared his valuable time from his busy schedule," said Badal in his opening address.

Dr Singh, who was the chief guest at the golden jubilee convocation of the Punjab Agricultural University here, was conferred with the degree of doctor of science (honoris causa).

Punjab governor Shivraj Patil and information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari were also present on the occasion.