(From left to right) British high commissioner Sir Rob Young, deputy high commissioner John Edward Mitchiner, Victor Rao of the British Council (east zone) and Abhijit Barooah, convenor of ABS, Guwahati chapter (UB Photos)

Guwahati, Sept. 27: Champagne bubbled and crystal clinked as a toast was raised to the launch of the Guwahati chapter of the Association of British Scholars (ABS) this evening at a city hotel.

Terming it a “heart-warming event”, British high commissioner to India Sir Rob Young, who lit the ceremonial lamp, also said it was a “particular pleasure to launch the Guwahati chapter since it would spell the beginning of the association of the ABS with the Northeast”.

The ABS Guwahati chapter, the 14th in the country, would work towards “strengthening Indo-UK relationship, besides encouraging information-sharing, contact-making and social interaction”. Sir Rob, effusive in his praise for the gathering, said, “Going by the numbers present today, I am sure this will be a lively chapter and help us all keep in touch.” Any Indian who has had education or training in Britain for a period exceeding three months or one who has visited Britain for education or training under the British Council for over a week is eligible for membership in the ABS.

Deputy high commissioner John Mitchiner, Assam education minister Pankaj Bora and state chief secretary Prabir Kumar Dutta also graced the occasion.

Formalities over, UK-educated scholars and other professionals interacted with the high commissioner, who was in a relaxed mood. At the news conference, he said, “I have held talks with the Assam government on boosting Indo-British trade in the information technology, agro processing and tourism sectors. Since the law and order situation in Assam has improved considerably in the past few years, it might help boost Indo-British trade in the region.”