CHOGM, and a childhood hero met

Life is – gradually returning to normal. The weight of 400 e-mails in the inbox is distracting, but I’m trying to use the week to better understand the operation.

A great outcome on CHOGM, I think. It was a difficult decision to attend, but I think the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary’s willingness to do exactly what they said we would – raise the difficult human rights issues with the Government of Sri Lanka – has vindicated it. I’m proud that the Government continues to make the hard foreign policy decisions because they’re right.

This is a particularly sensitive issue in Tamil Nadu, but the political commentary is pretty positive.

Last night I attended a Rotarian prize ceremony for an amazing ex-rowing champion called Neville Bilimoria who runs marathons and cycles for charity. He’s raised millions of pounds for kids suffering from cerebral palsy and to build toilets and schools for the needy. He remains genuinely modest (and very, very fit).

I also had the privilege of sitting next to the very funny Krishnamachari Srikkanth. Amongst other interests, he’s closely involved in promoting English through sport, including in partnership with the British Council. But I remember him as the top scorer in India’s famous cricket world cup victory in 1983 at Lords.

It was an unexpected victory against the world’s best side, the awe-inspiring West Indies (the turning point was Kapil Dev’s amazing catch to get Viv Richards). I was watching in black and white in Kent where we were – to coin a phrase – the only Asians in the village (and nearest town).

I remember, as a confused 13 year-old the sense of confidence and pride in my Asian identity that that victory brought me. A special moment. Thanks Kriss.