Indian Student Becomes British High Commissioner for One Day

An Indian student has become British High Commissioner to India for 24 hours on Oct. 8. Esha Bahal, who studies Political Science at Amity University, as per British High Commission, was selected through a contest organized by Britain’s chief diplomatic office in India.

After she became the High Commissioner, Sir Dominic Asquith (the current British High Commissioner) became her deputy for the day.

To mark the International Day of Girl Child, which falls on Oct.11, the British High Commission in India had organized a competition for women aged between 18-23 and asked them to submit a short video on the theme ‘What does Gender Equality mean to you?’ The prize was a unique opportunity to head British High Commission for one day.

Bahal was among 58 students/women that participated in this competition from across India. She won the competition and got the chance to head the diplomatic network for 24 hours.

Announcing Bahal as the winner, the British High Commission also tweeted her video in which she urges that gender equality should be applicable to all and not just to men or women. In her video she has also advocated for the rights for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and, queer) community.

And the winner is…@BahalEsha

Esha, a Political Science student from @AmityUni wins the High Commissioner for a day challenge.

She will accompany 🇬🇧 High Commissioner #DominicAsquith throughout a normal day’s work.#DayoftheGirl#IDGC2018 pic.twitter.com/PhnaOQrJGh

— UK in India🇬🇧🇮🇳 (@UKinIndia) October 4, 2018

“Acting as British High Commissioner for a day has been a great and really unique experience. I’ve learnt about the breadth and depth of UK-India relations – and had the opportunity to highlight the importance of gender equality and inclusivity, issues which are of great importance to me,” an elated Bahal said in a statement issued by the High Commission.

Bahal wants to higher studies in public policy and law and become a social entrepreneur.

“I am delighted that we were able to run this competition and give young Indian women a platform to discuss their rights. I thank all participants for submitting their excellent videos,” British High Commissioner to India Sir Dominic Asquith said in his statement.

The High Commissioner praised Bahal and her video and said, “Esha is truly impressive. She is clearly committed to girls’ rights and her video was outstanding. I would like to congratulate her on her success and wish her all the best for her future endeavors.”

After assuming her temporary charge, she was given an opportunity to lead the meeting with the heads of departments across the High Commission to get an understanding about the work they are doing. Apart from this, her schedule for the day included a visit to a project site in Gurgaon, meeting with the winners of Tech Rocketship Awards, and a formal interaction with the media.