Chandigarh, Nov 3 (PTI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was conferred with a doctorate (honoris causa) in law by the Panjab University, his alma mater where he returned today more than half a century after a stint there as a faculty member.

The honour was conferred upon Singh by Panjab University Vice Chancellor R C Sobti at a special convocation held here this evening for the purpose.

"It is always a pleasure to visit one's alma-mater and I am delighted to be here with you today," the Prime Minister said addressing the gathering on the occasion.

He said he should be forgiven if he became a little emotional as he had spent some of the best years of his life at the university as a student and later as a faculty member.