UK varsity honours Amartya Sen

Internationally renowned economist Amartya Sen has been honoured with a Doctorate of Science by the Queen's University Belfast at a graduation event.

He received the DSc (Econ) for distinction in economics.

A university release said, "Considered one of modern India's greatest intellectuals and economists, Sen's reputation is unrivalled in academic circles. He is a renowned philosopher, economist and social thinker."

It added, "In 1998 Professor Sen won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics for his work in welfare economics and used the prize money to set up a trust fund to help the poor in India and Bangladesh.

In recognition of this, the Indian government awarded him with the highest civilian award, the prestigious Bharat Ratna (Jewel of India) in 1999."

The university listed some of Sen's achievements and honours that include the Leontief Prize for outstanding contribution to economic theory from the Global Development and Environmental Institute (2000), the Eisenhower Medal for Leadership and Service USA (2000) and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (2003).