Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

John Lyon School hosts Indian High Commission officials

Shitanshu Chaurasiya and Amish Tripathi spent an eventful day with the pupils which included an excellence programme and yoga session.

John Lyon School hosts Indian High Commission officials

JOHN Lyon School, Harrow-on-the-Hill, on Wednesday (8) hosted two events supported by the High Commission of India, London.

The school welcomed Shitanshu Chaurasiya, first secretary of the Indian High Commission, and Amish Tripathi, author and director of the Nehru Centre -- the cultural wing of the High Commission of India in the UK.


The distinguished duo were greeted by Katherine Haynes, head, John Lyon School; her deputy Andy Sims and Florence Weinberg, the school's director of admissions.

John Lyon School and Indian High Commission Students take part in an outdoor yoga session at John Lyon School on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. (Picture: John Lyon School)

During their visit, Chaurasiya and Tripathi met a small number of pupils and staff over light refreshments in the school’s Red House. There, a variety of India-related issues were discussed informally.

Chaurasiya inaugurated the first event explaining his role and the work the High Commission of India, London, does. He then presented Haynes with books for the school's library, personally donated by the high commissioner.

Haynes reciprocated by presenting the High Commission with an oak plant, grown using an acorn from one of the oldest trees at the school.

John Lyon School and Indian High Commission Shitanshu Chaurasiya, first secretary of the High Commission of India, presents books to Katherine Haynes, the head of John Lyon School, for its library. (Picture: John Lyon School)

This brief introduction was followed by an engaging and thought-provoking excellence programme talk by Tripathi entitled ‘Understanding India: Among the oldest living Civilisations’.

The talk was delivered to a packed New Memorial Hall, comprising Year 7 and Year 8 pupils.

Tripathi initially discussed his broad career journey-- from a banker to an author to a film producer and diplomat -- and then answered questions prepared by four students of the school: Eric, Jon, Troj and Ayaan.

The questions covered various topics -- from the history of India to its relationship with the UK to the effect of the ongoing war in Ukraine on India.

John Lyon School and Indian High Commission Shitanshu Chaurasiya, first secretary of the High Commission of India in the UK, interacts with a student of John Lyon School. (Picture: John Lyon School)

Tripathi’s talk was interactive and energetic, and the pupils were captivated throughout.

The second event was an outdoor yoga session on the Red House lawn, both as an early celebration of International Yoga Day (June 21) and to boost physical and mental health. The session was conducted by Joemie Moes, who teaches biology at the school, and was attended by a number of pupils and staff members.

The school thanked Chaurasiya, Tripathi and the High Commission of India for visiting it and expressed hope that there will be many more collaborations.

More For You

Daljit Nagra departs as chair of Royal Society of Literature

Daljit Nagra (Photo: RSL)

Daljit Nagra departs as chair of Royal Society of Literature


THE Royal Society of Literature (RSL) has announced the departure of Daljit Nagra, a well-known British Indian poet, as its chair at the conclusion of his four-year term.

Amid some frenzied UK media speculation over the leadership of the 204-year-old home for Britain’s literary talent, the charity also confirmed that its director will be stepping down at the end March. It comes in the wake of rows over freedom of speech and accusations that the RSL had failed to speak out in favour of some writers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Los-Angeles-wildfires-Getty

The fires have destroyed hundreds of homes in Pacific Palisades, a high-profile area known for its multimillion-dollar residences. (Photo: Getty Images)

Celebrities evacuate as Los Angeles wildfires destroy homes

CELEBRITIES including actors, musicians, and other public figures were among tens of thousands affected by deadly wildfires in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The entertainment industry has largely paused, with events such as a major awards show and a Pamela Anderson film premiere cancelled as firefighters combat flames driven by hurricane-force winds.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tirupati-temple

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which operates the temple, apologised for the incident and promised action against those responsible. (Photo: X/@TTDevasthanams)

Six dead in stampede at India's Tirupati temple

AT LEAST six people have died and 35 were injured in a stampede near the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh, authorities said on Thursday.

The incident occurred as thousands of devotees rushed to secure free passes to visit the temple, popularly known as Tirupati.

Keep ReadingShow less
People-smuggling-Getty

Last year, 36,816 people were detected making the crossing, a 25 per cent increase from 2023 and the second-highest annual total on record. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Sanctions to target people smugglers under new plan

THE GOVERNMENT has announced plans to impose economic sanctions on people smugglers in an effort to curb migrant crossings in small boats over the Channel.

The proposed measures, described as the world’s first “standalone sanctions regime” targeting people smugglers, aim to address the issue by sanctioning individuals and groups facilitating these dangerous journeys.

Keep ReadingShow less
China’s mega dam sparks
growing concerns in India

The £109.4 billion project is in the fragile Himalayan region, prone to earthquakes

China’s mega dam sparks growing concerns in India

CHINA on Monday (6) reiterated its plan to build the world’s biggest dam over the Brahmaputra River in Tibet near the Indian border. This follows New Delhi’s concerns raised last Friday (3), stating that it will “monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests.”

The project, estimated to cost around $137 billion (£109.4bn), is located in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region along a tectonic plate boundary where earthquakes occur frequently.

Keep ReadingShow less