JOIN USSpeaking at the valedictory function of the Platinum jubilee celebrations of the Rotary Club of Bangalore at the premises of the Rotary House of Friendship on Lavelle Road on Monday, Hyde said, “Between April and July 2008, 9,000 students headed to Britain for higher studies whereas in the same period in 2009, 26,000 students have opted for higher studies.” While there is generally a 10% to 15% annual increase in the number of students opting to study in Britian, the figures are very high this year, he said.
There is a gross misperception among Indians that Britain does not encourage immigration, Hyde said.
Furnishing facts in this connection, Hyde said that 8% of Britain was filled with ethnic minorities, of which 2% were of Indian origin. This roughly represents 1.3 million Indians. Elaborating on the tremendous contributions made by Indians, the Deputy High Commisioner said, “This 2% contributed upto 5% of Britain’s GDP.”
Later, in an interaction session, Hyde was asked why Britain restricted the issue of transit visas, Hyde said the objective was “to fight against people trafficking.”
Hyde was honoured with the `Mysore Peta’ by the president of the club, Rotarian C K Sreenathan.