The Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, will confer Tata chairman Ratan N. Tata with an honorary doctorate degree at its 100th graduation ceremony on April 23, 2004. Mr Tata will also be the graduate speaker on the occasion.

The event will be broadcast live at the link www.mmserv.ait.ac.th at about 8.30 am IST. It can also be viewed directly with Window Media Player software using the URL: www.mmserv.ait.ac.th/MPU-Web/LiveConf/MPUMediaStation4.asx

Mr Tata is being awarded the degree for his 'outstanding contributions to industrial development in India, and to building better relations and understanding between India and the countries in the Asia Pacific region through the Tata Group's philanthropic trusts in the field of science, technology, medicine, social service, rural welfare and the performing arts'.