Honorary membership recognises and celebrates those who have made an exceptional contribution to LSE and its global community.
Barkha Mathur New Delhi
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) on Wednesday awarded economist and politician NK Singh a prestigious honorary membership.
The honorary membership was awarded by LSE President and Vice-Chancellor Larry Kramer at a ceremony in central London.
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“The award of Honorary Fellowship recognises and celebrates those who have made an exceptional contribution to the LSE and its global community, exceeding all reasonable expectations over a sustained period of time,” the LSE said in a statement.
Singh, a former member of the Rajya Sabha, joins the ranks of fellow Indians such as Nobel Prize winner Professor Amartya Sen and former President KR Narayanan.
“This is a humbling moment for me, given the importance of many of my predecessors. The LSE has been a centre of academic excellence since its founding in 1895. Its connection with India is an intense, passionate and integral relationship,” said the President of the Institute of Economic Growth in his address.
In his acceptance speech entitled “The India Era,” the 83-year-old economist highlighted India’s development over a long period of time.
Commenting on Singh's honour, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, “NK Singh's deep expertise in fiscal policy coupled with his unwavering commitment to fiscal discipline, transparency and cooperative federalism embody his lasting legacy. During his decades of public service, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership in key positions, including as Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission and the Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Financial Management (FRBM).”
Singh is currently the co-chair of the G20 High-Level Expert Group on Multilateral Development Bank Reforms and President of the Institute of Economic Growth. He also previously served as Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission and Chairman of the FRBM. He was a member of the upper house of the Indian Parliament, the Rajya Sabha, from 2008 to 2014.
“Incurable gamer. Infuriatingly humble coffee specialist. Professional music advocate.”
