Sir Menzies Campbell, MP, former leader of the Liberal Democrats, said the UK was greatly influenced by India and its culture.

"We would very much like to have a few more cricketers and particularly a cricketer of Sachin Tendulkar's caliber," said Campbell, who was the chief guest of honour at a Diwali Banquet here.

The role of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in spreading the art, culture and heritage of India in the UK was specially mentioned at the Banquet organized at Marriott Hotel in Regent's Park last night.

The celebration was attended by a large number of dignitaries including NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul, Lord Bagri, Lord Navnit Dholakia, deputy leader of the Liberal Democratic Party in the House of Lords and Lord Khalid Hameed.

Maneck Dalal, OBE, Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, UK, said "Bhavan has become a well recognized Indian institute of culture and art."

He was particularly happy about the assistance extended by Chancellor of West Minster University Lord Swraj Paul.

Dalal said the Bhavan had also taken a policy decision to join the mainstream of education here and the Musical degree course started last year jointly with Trinity College of Music and Westminster University was doing well.

"The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan has played a very important role in providing a window to the Indian art and culture to the UK," Asoke Mukerji, Acting High Commissioner, who was the co-chief guest on the ocassion said.
Acting High Commissioner Mukerji said it was a matter of satisfaction that the Bhavan was inculcating Indian culture and values among youngsters in UK.

He also acknowledged the contribution of Indian community here in building a strong relation between India and Britain.

Mukerji noted that the special focus on Diwali by the city of London at Trafalgar Square recently was an example of the way in which the festival has become an integral part of the community of Indian origin, as well as other communities, in the UK.

Noting that Britain shared common experiences with India in diverse fields, Campbell said the recent celebration of the 60th wedding anniversary of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip was a measure of the enormous cultural changes that have taken place here.

Campbell said his wife was born in India in 1940 when her father served there as a soldier.

Joginder Sanger, Vice Chairman of the Bhavan and Chairman of the Fund-Raising and Finance Sub-Committee said, "In the Bhavan we have one goal - to be able to provide the best possible education - especially in the field of our culture and heritage."

He said the establishment of Indian Music Degree course, which is now in its second year, is a source of great satisfaction, particularly because we are doing this in collaboration with two of the UK's leading educational institutions - Trinity College of Music and Westminster University.

Sanger said "the Bhavan's classes in music, dance, drama, languages, yoga, art and archaeology are considered to be the best anywhere outside India. We have a modern art gallery and state-of-the-art auditorium along with many other facilities."