Deepa Jayaraj, a 20-year-old law student from Chennai, had an interesting Wednesday. A student of the School of Excellence in Law, Deepa led the British Deputy High Commission the entire day, and took over the role of Oliver Ballhatchet, the British Deputy High Commissioner.
The young student was one of the seven winners chosen from across the country, as part of a contest where women aged between 18 and 23 were asked to submit a video presentation on “What does gender equality mean to you and who is your biggest inspiration.”
‘First woman’
The contest was held to mark the International Day of the Girl Child.
In her video, Deepa stressed on the role education played towards ensuring gender equity. Mr. Ballhatchet said Deepa was the “first woman Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai” after 26 men serving the post here since 1947.
Deepa’s day began with a breakfast meeting at Cottingley, the residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner. “I had an opportunity to meet with the heads of sections here and was given a briefing about the work they do,” she said.
As the British Deputy High Commissioner for the day, Deepa addressed the students of her college on the importance of gender equity and was interviewed by a radio channel.
While the competition was held at other centres the last three years, this is the first year the British Deputy High Commission here has hosted it.
