A student of Integrated MA in Economics at University of Hyderabad, Harikrishna Varma was a part of the Indian student politicians’ delegation to the UK. The programme was conducted by the Foreign and Commonwealth office of the UK and provides a platform for students from different political camps to interact with the professors and students from reputed educational institutions in the UK. They also get to interact with the MPs of the UK Parliament.
Harikrishna was selected for the programme through the British Deputy High Commission in Hyderabad after he was asked to send a write-up on his political views, along with his previous works.
“The party leadership had nominated my name along with a few others. The Deputy High Commission did an initial screening from other political camps too and this was followed by a group debate and discussion among a mixed group of students, entrepreneurs and budding writers. I then received an invitation letter for the programme spanning six days in London,” he says.
Originally from Kochi, Hari got inclined towards politics when he was in Class X. “My focus was mostly on foreign policy, defence strategy, geo-politics, business and industry. But it was after I joined UoH that my view towards the various nuances and issues of Indian politics and social life was broadened,” he says.
Hari also adds that the experience in London was unforgettable. “It was a completely different paradigm of politics and social life I encountered. The special bonding of the 12-member student delegation across the spectrum of different parties was inspiring. We had the opportunity to experience the ensuing political battle over the Brexit debacle between the Conservative Party and the Labour Party in the UK. From the spectators’ gallery in the House of Commons, we saw the debate between British PM Teresa May and Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn,” he adds.
