Caroline Rowett, British Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh called on Governor Bandaru Dattatraya at Raj Bhavan, Shimla on Tuesday.The Governor discussed various issues of mutual cooperation and said that the Shimla, capital of Himachal Pradesh in particular, has a deep link with British history. The heritage buildings and the overall formation still gives a glimpse of the city of England. He added that we could work with mutual cooperation not only in cultural exchange but also in different areas of development like education, skill development in particular, transport, waste management, urban development, tourism and renewable energy.He said that the State government had laid the foundation stone of the Centre of Excellence for Tourism and Hospitality and Information Technology in Solan district. This centre would provide a sound and trained manpower to the tourism and hospitality industry. He said that this Centre of Excellence would have an Information Technology Centre, Centre of Excellence for Tourism and Hospitality, Training Hotel, Teaching Staff Residence, Students Hostel, Staff Quarters and Directors Residence.
The State may seek the support and cooperation of British Government on the opening of such another Centre of Excellence, he added.Shri Dattatraya also discussed the UK Government’s global scholarship programme of ‘Chevening’. He said that it offered future leaders the unique opportunity to study in the UK. He stressed on study exchange programmes of the Universities of Himachal Pradesh with the British Universities.Ms. Rowett expressed her desire to work in mutual cooperation in various fields and assured that they would extend all possible support and cooperation in sharing latest know-how in the areas of the interest. She also apprised the Governor about the Chevening Scholarship Programme and said that the scholarships were awarded to outstanding professionals from all over the world to pursue a one-year Master’s Degree in any subject at any UK university. She said that it provided fully-funded scholarships, leaving the free to focus on achieving the academic goals and enjoying the experience of a lifetime.“A person can live and study in the UK for a year, during which the person can develop professionally and academically, grow the network, experience UK culture, and build lasting positive relationships with the UK”, she added.Later, the Governor honoured her by presenting a Himachali cap and shawl.