President Pranab Mukherjee (right) is awarded the Doctorate of Literature degree by governor Keshari Nath Tripathi at the Calcutta University convocation on Friday.

'When I became the President, I received many offers to receive doctorate degrees, honoris causa. But I declined them most respectfully because I thought as the President, I should not accept such degrees. But when the offer came from my alma mater, I thought about it. I think I am unworthy of receiving the doctorate degree, honoris causa, of Calcutta University, but I consider it (degree) a symbol of love and affection. I accept it with all humility,' Mukherjee said.

Later, the President attended the inauguration of a 150-bed unit of the Institute of Neurosciences near Mullickbazar.

'There are doctors who want to undertake higher studies in premier institutions abroad.... They should be encouraged. At the same time, they have to remember that the nation has invested in their education to make them doctors. Whatever they do, they have to retain the sacred bond with their motherland,' the President said.

Picture by Amit Datta