The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who is a renowned economist and architect of India's economic reforms, was today conferred an honorary doctorate by Saudi Arabia's prestigious King Saud University. <br/><br/>Accepting the honour, the Prime Minister recalled his days as a University professor and his role in inspiring young minds. Dr. Singh said education plays a major role in social and economic transformation. <br/><br/>He said, like Saudi Arabia, India too recognises the importance of education in social empowerment as part of that 30 new Central Universities will be coming up in India.<br/><br/>An MOU for cooperation was signed between Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and the King Saud University in the presence of the Prime Minister. Later, speaking at a community event at the Indian Embassy hosted by Indian Ambassador Talmeez Ahmed, the Prime<br/><br/>Minister praised the contributions made by the over 1.8 million Indian citizens in this oil-rich kingdom.<br/><br/>Dr. Singh said, India is proud of them and proud of their achievements in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Singh said King Abdullah and other Saudi leaders are full of praise for the Indian community in Saudi Arabia describing them as law-abiding, hard-working and warm human beings. Dr. Singh said that his heart is filled with joy at this universal praise.<br/>