High Commissioner for India visits Bristol

His Excellency the High Commissioner for India Mr Y K Sinha was received by Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding OBE for a day long visit to Bristol.  A packed programme of events and activities was developed by Dr Parag Singhal and Mr Stephen Parsons DL with the involvement of the Lord-Lieutenant.  The visit was designed to introduce the High Commissioner to businesses, medical professionals, Indian students and staff from the City’s Universities, the Bristol Commonwealth Society and to allow time for some cultural activities as well. ‘Given our shared history, common language and similar legal, medical and educational systems, building a broad range of links between Bristol and India can only be of mutual value to both countries,’ explained Mrs Golding. The High Commissioner started the day with a business breakfast organised by Business West.  James Durie welcomed the audience of more than 50 business people trading with India, or keen to do so.  A presentation by India Market Specialist Ms Ameeta Virk, based at Business West, highlighted the opportunities in, and the successes of, companies in the Indian marketplace. This meeting was followed by a boat trip along the River Avon that pointed out important historical and other items of interest  After lunch the High Commissioner visited the University of Bristol where an Indian street market preceded an opportunity to meet students and faculty. At City Hall, the High Commissioner met members of British Physicians of Indian Origin and other imminent members of the Indian community resident in the City.  A keen historian, the High Commissioner learned briefly about the construction of Bristol Cathedral and attended Evensong.  The last activity for the day was dinner at Fort Royal as a guest of the Vice Chancellor and Deans of the University of Bristol together with invited guests.  The High Commissioner was accompanied throughout the visit by Dr Singhal and Mr Parsons and through substantial parts of the visit by the Lord-Lieutenant.