An interesting collection of medallions, coins and mugs is on display at the British Council Library, as part of an exhibition of ‘Royal Memorabilia' 1857-2011 inaugurated here on Thursday.
The exhibition, organised by the British Council and the Association of British Scholars, features the collection of Pradipta K. Mohapatra, who has been passionately collecting and preserving the items for years. It was put up in celebration of the royal wedding of Prince William with Catherine Middleton to be held on Friday. Delivering the special address at the inauguration, Prince of Arcot Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali traced the historical bond shared by the Nawabs of the Carnatic and the British in South India.
Reading out excerpts of a letter written by King George III to Nawab Muhammad Ali Wallajah of the Carnatic, he said it offered a glimpse into the affectionate and cordial relationship that existed between the British royal family and the House of Arcot.
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Pointing to the royal couple's request that donations be made to charities established by them instead of traditional wedding gifts, the Nawab said it was a lesson for the future generations to follow. He wished the “socially responsible young royal couple” a very happy married life.
Mike Nithavrianakis, British Deputy High Commissioner in Southern India, said the exhibition underlined the huge interest in Friday's wedding. It was a mark of deep affection, he said.
The presence of the Prince of Arcot at the inauguration of the exhibition typified the strong and deep relationship between the two royal families, he said. Paul Sellers, Director of British Council and P.M. Belliappa of the Association of British Scholars spoke.
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The exhibition, at the British Council Library, is open to the public on Friday and Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.