Gurgaon, Feb 20 (IANS): Bharat Ratna recipient C.N.R. Rao Friday said a person who desires to succeed must follow the principles of dedication, doggedness and pugnacity.

Rao, head of the Scientific Advisory Council to the prime minister, was conferred the Honoris Causa in Science by Amity University here for his extraordinary scientific vision and unwavering commitment to the cause of the society.

In his acceptance speech, Rao said: "I am honoured to receive the honoris causa from Amity University."

He also said that the competition level among students is very high nowadays, therefore the youth need to prepare themselves for the struggle.

Padma Vibhushan G. Madhavan Nair, former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation, was also conferred Honorary Doctorate in Science for his exceptional scientific vision and profound commitment to India's self-reliance in space research and development.

Accepting the degree, Nair, who is secretary in the Department of Space, expressed his gratitude for being included in the distinguished Honorary Doctorate recipients of Amity University.

He said most institutions are mass-producing graduates or post-graduates, who want to be employees of an organisation. "This situation needs to be changed."