Who is Nidhi Gautam? Young Karnataka woman dons 'British High Commissioner' hat for a day in Delhi

TOI City Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Oct 11, 2024, 16:05 IST

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Delhi University student Nidhi Gautam becomes British High Commissioner to India for a day through a competition celebrating International Day of the Girl Child. Gautam's day included briefings on the UK-India bilateral relationship, technology initiatives, and visits to innovation centers. The initiative underscores the importance of empowering women and girls as future leaders.

Who is Nidhi Gautam? Young Karnataka woman dons 'British High Commissioner' hat for a day in Delhi

(Image credit: X/@iitdelhi)

NEW DELHI: Delhi University student Nidhi Gautam served as the British High Commissioner to India for a day, providing her with unique insights into diplomatic life and the UK-India partnership.
The British High Commission in India has been holding the 'High Commissioner for a Day' competition annually since 2017 to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11. This year, Gautam, a 19-year-old undergraduate student from Miranda House in Delhi, was chosen from over 140 applicants.
Who is Nidhi Gautam?

Gautam (19) from Karnataka became the 'British High Commissioner to India' for one day, getting a unique behind-the-scenes look at the life of a diplomat and seeing the UK-India partnership in action.
She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in history and geography from Miranda House college in Delhi. She is passionate about sketching, wordle, cultural diplomacy and foreign policy.
As the UK's 'top diplomat' in India, Gautam got to experience an exciting range of activities over the course of a "fully packed day".
She started her day as the 'high commissioner', getting briefed over breakfast on the details of the UK-India bilateral relationship, the UK-India Technology Security Initiative announced in July, it said.
She visited the National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, where she had an immersive experience in new technologies that are helping differently abled people live their lives to the fullest, it further said.
She also visited the National Institute of Immunology to see how technology is aiding the development of vaccines in India, in addition to a range of meetings with government and industry partners over the course of the day, it added.

The British High Commission emphasised its commitment to engaging with girls and promoting them as future leaders, stating, “Protecting and promoting freedoms for women and girls in the UK and around the world is the right and smart thing to do; it is integral to creating resilient economies and strong, free societies.”
Reflecting on her experience, Gautam said, "Each interaction underscored the idea that technology serves a greater purpose by creating tangible social benefits."

Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India and serving as Deputy High Commissioner for the Day, praised Gautam, stating, "It was fantastic to learn from Nidhi for the day. Our conversations, from the UK-India Technology Security Initiative to the role of young women in tackling global challenges, were inspiring."
Cameron highlighted the importance of the competition, saying, "The 'High Commissioner for a Day' competition embodies the idea that the world will be a better place when everyone has equal opportunities. Empowering women and girls in the UK and around the world is a priority for us and an integral part of our partnership with India."

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