His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh arrived in India today, 2 February, for a three-day visit aimed at supporting young people and highlighting the impact of non-formal education
worldwide.
During his time in Mumbai and Delhi, The Duke will promote The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, known in India as The International Award for Young People (IAYP). This global initiative has provided a framework for young people to develop essential life skills, fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Since its introduction in India in 1962, the programme has positively impacted over 150,000 students across 325 schools and institutions.
Beyond advocating for youth development, His Royal Highness will engage in a range of activities that reflect the deep and enduring ties between the UK and India. His schedule includes meetings with government officials, discussions with leaders from the education and business sectors, and interactions with philanthropists. He will also participate in events celebrating the two nations' shared passion for sports and the arts.
Strengthening UK-India relations
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said: "I am delighted to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to India. The visit is an important reminder of the vibrant and enduring links between our countries, including through a 1.7 million-strong Indian diaspora in the UK.
The UK-India partnership is helping drive solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues. By investing in our youth today and ensuring they have all the opportunities to succeed, we can continue to build on the shared vision of a better tomorrow".
Kapil Bhalla, National Director, The International Award for Young People, India said: "We are deeply honoured to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to India as part of his continued commitment to inspiring young people worldwide. His visit reaffirms the transformative impact of The International Award for Young People in empowering the youth of India to realise their full potential. His Royal Highness’ presence is a testament to the enduring legacy of this programme and its ability to connect communities across the globe".
At the conclusion of the visit to India, The Duke will travel on to join The Duchess of Edinburgh in visiting Nepal. Photo by wili hybrid, Wikimedia commons.