Gareth Wynn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh | photo credit: special arrangement
When Gareth Wynn Owen, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, raised a toast in Hyderabad to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III at London’s Westminster Abbey, he was also paying homage to the Falaknuma Palace, which housed the emperor’s great-grandfather. Hosted 100 years ago. “It is indeed extra special. I am delighted to celebrate this historic event at Taj Falaknuma.
Describing the screening of the Coronation Ceremony to invitees as an important cultural event for the United Kingdom with a global reach, Gareth said, “I am delighted to celebrate this historic event with so many friends. My team and I wanted to make the event a little extra special with curated British food and drink for our guests. Many of our friends who have strong ties to the UK were present at the historic event making it even more special.
The hosts won praise for their move to keep the event carbon-neutral. The High Commission partnered with Climates India, an Indian climate tech company, which calculated the carbon footprint of the event and attendees voted, via QR codes, for climate solutions to be funded by the Commission. Furthermore, all branding materials used were sustainable and recyclable. “King has been an avid champion of environmental issues over the past 50 years and has used this opportunity to promote his passions: youth, community, diversity and sustainability,” said Gareth, “something I see in my people.” I can tell when the children are grown or my future grandchildren is a special experience.
echo matters
Television viewers in India were excited to see UK PM Rishi Sunak, a Sikh in the choir, recite a verse from the Bible during the ceremony. While the day was rooted in tradition, it really reflected the modern, multicultural UK, Gareth said. “There was a strong representation of the diversity of faith within the UK. It marked the first time in the 1000-year history of coronation ceremonies that non-Christian religions were represented. Coronation symbols with senior figures from Muslim, Sikh and Hindu Judaism attended the presentation.
Eight months after taking charge, Gareth admitted to enjoying his stay in India. “The welcome and hospitality of everyone we met has been beyond our expectations and we are loving exploring Hyderabad and everything that India has to offer. From the heritage of Hyderabad and the temples of Vijayawada to the beaches of Goa and Kochi It has been a great experience to try Chinese fishing methods in India and we look forward to spending two more years here.