John Lyon School, based in Harrow-on-the-Hill, said they were ‘delighted and honoured’ to host two events supported by the High Commission of India, London.
Yesterday (8 June), John Lyon School welcomed Mr Shitanshu Chaurasiya (First Secretary of the High Commission of India) and Mr Amish Tripathi (author and Director of the Nehru Centre), which is the cultural wing of the High Commission of India in the UK.
Having been greeted by staff at the school, Mr Chaurasiya and Mr Tripathi were invited to meet a small number of pupils and other staff members over light refreshments in the school’s Red House.
This was an opportunity to discuss a variety of India-related issues in an informal manner, said the school.
In addition, John Lyon pupils learnt a great deal from the opportunity and were thankful to the guests.
Mr Chaurasiya opened the first event explaining his role and the work of the High Commission of India, London. He then presented Miss Haynes (head of John Lyon) with books for the school library, personally donated by the High Commissioner. Miss Haynes then presented the High Commission with a very small oak tree, grown using an acorn from one of the oldest trees at John Lyon School.
This brief introduction was followed by the first event, a highly engaging and thought- provoking Excellence Programme talk by Mr Tripathi entitled ‘Understanding India: Among the oldest living Civilisations’. The talk was delivered to a packed New Memorial Hall, comprising of Year 7 and Year 8 pupils.
Mr Tripathi initially discussed his broad career, from banker to author to film producer and diplomat. He then answered questions prepared by four students: Eric, Jon, Troj and Ayaan.
These questions covered a variety of topics, from the history of India to its relationship with the UK to the effect of the war in Ukraine on India. Mr Tripathi’s talk was interactive and energetic, and 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 and to boost both physical and mental health.
The session was led by Miss Joemie Moes, Teacher of Biology at John Lyon, with a number of pupils and staff participating.
All involved are said to have had a terrific time, and very much enjoyed both the Excellence Programme talk and yoga session in the glorious Harrow sunshine!
