New Delhi, Aug 24 (IANS) Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal Tuesday said he had apologised to world chess champion Viswanathan Anand over questions on his nationality, blaming them on ‘procedural issues’.
‘I had personally called up Viswanathan Anand at his hotel. I told him that we are sorry for what has transpired. As far as we are concerned, we were ready to give him the honorary doctorate today (Tuesday) evening itself,’ Sibal told reporters.
The controversy began after HRD officials asked for confirmation of Anand’s citizenship before the University of Hyderabad conferred the doctorate on him at the International Congress for Mathematicians.
‘But Anand indicated that this may be a problem. I said we are ready to award the degree any day it is convenient and he kindly agreed,’ said Sibal.
Sibal said the issue came up due to bureaucratic procedures. ‘These are procedural issues.. if we have to send a proposal (on the issue) to the president, we have to send it in a bunch.’ The president of India is the visitor of the university.
‘Anand has done India proud on not just one occasion,’ Sibal said.
