IMGL5350Somerville alumna, Shireen Dinshaw Mistry, has been presented with an honorary MBE in recognition of her contribution towards building strong relations between India and the United Kingdom.

After graduating from Bombay University, Miss Mistry came to Somerville in 1982 to read English Language and Literature. She worked as a journalist before joining the British Deputy High Commission, Mumbai, where she ran the Communications and Public Affairs department for Western India between 1992-2015.

“Shireen Mistry has been a powerful and impressive advocate for strong and friendly relations between India and the United Kingdom,” said British Deputy High Commissioner in Mumbai, Kumar Iyer. “On top of that she has been the link between the media in Western India and the British Government and a popular, high profile member of the British Deputy High Commission staff. I am delighted that Her Majesty has graciously approved this award and that His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge has agreed to present it to Shireen. She deserves it.”

Miss Mistry was presented with her honorary MBE by His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge during The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit to Mumbai on 11 April 2016. The MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) was created in 1917 by King George V to recognize the contribution of a greater range of people to the British war effort‎ and with the post-war intention to reward services in a wider sense.

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