Bhubaneswar: British Deputy High Commissioner Bruce Bucknell met Manoranjan Panigrahy, the Principal Secretary of Odia Language, Literature and Culture here Thursday.
During the meeting both parties agreed to develop the British Information Centre at the Harekrushna Mahatab State Library.
The Centre’s activities in promoting higher education, professional training and cultural exchanges will be developed. Bucknell also praised the world famous Car Festival and other cultural events in Odisha.
The British Council had signed a MoU with the Odisha Government last year to improve English teaching in schools.
The British Council will support the government’s ‘Mo School’ (My School) initiative by contributing to the development of English language skills of learners and teachers in government-aided schools.
Principal Secretary Panigrahy also presented some books on Odisha to Bucknell.
Bucknell said that Britain had a sizable Indian diaspora numbering almost one and a half million, and they constitute a successful, diverse community.
“We have Odias too. I know an Odia society based in Manchester. Indians are a very important element of British life. They have relatives living here in India and some of them also support the Indian cricket team. This diaspora with a vibrant culture is a living bridge to India,” he added.
