Indian student who became British High Commissioner for a day

Rudrali Patil from Amity Law School became the British High Commissioner in India for a day on October 9. The story of her holding such a high-profile post for a day is an interesting one

The British High Commission in India celebrated the International Day of Girl Child in a unique way. It organised a competition for female students aged between 17 and 25 to win the opportunity to become the British High Commissioner to India for a day. The competitors had to submit a short video presentation on the topic: “Girls rights and two things they would do to bring about change’’.

The High Commission received 45 entries. The competition was tough and finally the selectors chose Rudrali Patil as the winner. A law student at Amity Law School, Noida, Rudrali wants to pursue her higher studies in law and then return to her town, Latur in Maharashtra, to become a social entrepreneur. In the past two years, she has taken up the cause of rights of adolescent girls in rural India and saving girl children through gender sensitisation camps.

On this competition and Rudrali’s success, the Permanent British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith said:

‘I am delighted that we were able to run this competition and give young Indian women a platform to discuss girls’ rights. I thank all participants for submitting the videos which I found inspirational.

‘Rudrali is very impressive. She’s clearly committed to girls’ rights and her video was outstanding. I’m slightly nervous that the Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, notices just how impressive she is, and decides to make her my permanent replacement.’

Rudrali assumed charge of the British High Commission in New Delhi on October 9. She led a meeting with directors across the network, then visited various departments of the High Commission to become acquainted with its work. She was apparently delighted to have this opportunity which, for her, highlighted the importance of women and girls’ rights.

The High Commission in collaboration with Indraprastha College, University of Delhi, organised a ‘Chat with a Diplomat’ programme too where the British Deputy High Commissioner, Dr Alexander Evans, interacted with students.

The High Commission staff were also encouraged to wear purple clothes to promote the IDGC.