Two Indian students studying at Oxford University's Blavatnik School of Government took a central role in welcoming Britain's Prince William who inaugurated the institute's new building.
Dinesh Kapur, a former national youth soccer player from India who is studying the one-year Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the school, gave a formal address yesterday at the inauguration by the Duke of Cambridge.
"Your Royal Highness, you have just returned from my beloved country, India, where you were greeted with love, respect and, I may say, fanfare. That reception, to echo your sentiments, speaks to the unique and special relationship between the UK and India," Mr Kapur said.
"And as I see it, the Blavatnik School is an institution that will further deepen this country's ties, not just with India, but also with countries all over the world," Mr Kapur said.
Susan Thomas, originally from Kerala, also greeted the 33-year-old second in line to Britain's throne and discussed his recent visit to India.
Ms Thomas is into her 15th year working with the Government of India as the Additional Commissioner of Income Tax in Bangalore and is on sabbatical to study gender issues and good governance in India, the university said.
