Prince of Wales concludes tenth official visit to India

In a diverse range of engagements, he celebrated the deep cultural connections between the UK and India and looked forward to further bilateral cooperation on issues like sustainability and climate change.

New Delhi

HRH began his visit by presenting a Commonwealth ‘Points of light’ award to Keralan Jolly Johnson, founder of the Helping Hands Organisation (H20). Under Jolly’s leadership, H20 built a centre for disabled children that runs therapy sessions, vocational training and family counselling. The organisation was also actively involved in dealing with the aftermath of Kerala’s devastating floods in 2018 through their rehabilitation programme.

HRH next visited the Indian Meteorological Department to discuss India’s weather forecasting systems. He was given a tour of the Control Room, showcasing how the Centre operates to forecast, track and respond to cyclones and other potential disasters – including the latest cyclone Bulbul in Bangladesh. There he heard from Sunita Narain from the Centre for Science and Environment about India’s solutions to air pollution and met with three winners of the Ashden Awards, who demonstrated their innovative technologies. HRH was shown an innovative e-rickshaw charging station designed by SunMobility before being taken for a spin in one of the e-rickshaws by Mariya – one of the female drivers working with Ashden winner SMV Green.

HRH held a bilateral discussion with the President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind, where they noted their mutual interest in green issues and traditional medicine, as well as the important role of the Commonwealth. The President gave HRH a tour of the herbal garden, where the Prince planted a champa tree in his name.

In the afternoon, HRH visited a Sikh Gurudwara, where he learnt about the significance of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. He was welcomed by representatives from across the Sikh community, and was given a tour of the langar kitchens – as well as the opportunity to try his hand at chapati making.

He closed the day at a Service of Remembrance commemorating the sacrifices of soldiers from India, the UK and across the Commonwealth in World War One and World War Two. Marking the 75th anniversary year of the Battle of Kohima, HRH recited the Kohima Epitaph and laid a wreath of Khadi poppies, made by members of the Royal British Legion in the UK. He visited a number of graves of those who lost their lives in Service, including that of Army Medic Sergeant Henry Bombroff, whose 80 year-old son Bill, was present at the event.

Mumbai

On arrival in Mumbai, HRH joined a British Asian Trust meeting to gain an update on the work of the Trust in India. The meeting included discussion around the Quality Education Development Impact Bond.

He then attended a discussion with influential Indian business leaders on how to accelerate a transition to sustainable markets. Senior attendees representing finance, transportation, technology and life sciences explored how to connect sustainable investors to sustainable opportunities around the world. The discussions will inform how HRH and the Sustainable Markets Council might advance specific initiatives. Issues discussed included access to green finance markets, biodiversity, waste and plastics reduction and renewable energy.

HRH also had the opportunity to meet artist Haribabu Natesan whose artwork – made of recycled material was on display during the meeting.

HRH finished his programme by meeting children who have benefitted from support from the British Asian Trust. The Prince was also sung happy birthday by the children to celebrate his 71st year.

Further information

For images from the Royal Visit, please visit our Flickr page.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales last visited India as part of a joint official tour with The Duchess of Cornwall to Brunei, India, Singapore and Malaysia in November 2017.

The Commonwealth Points of Light award thanks individual volunteers across the 53 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond.

Since the Ashden Awards were founded in 2001, Ashden has rewarded more than 225 enterprises around the world which so far have collectively improved the lives of more than 88 million people, saving 13 million tonnes of CO2 emissions every year. The three winners were:

• Shuttl, which provides affordable transportation on private, air-conditioned buses by crowdsourcing digital demand for, and creating, rush hour bus routes;

• SMV Green, which is creating fair working conditions, with electric rickshaws and reliable contracts. The organisation’s Vahini programme is training some of India’s first women rickshaw drivers (like Mariya);

• Greenway Appliances, which makes and sells affordable biomass cook-stoves that reduce smoke, cook more quickly and stay cleaner for longer driving improved quality of life for women.

• HRH jointly launched a Sustainable Markets Council with the World Economic Forum in September to ensure sustainability for future generations.

Mail to: Kriti Gupta

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