On 14 April, 2015, over 50 students from Asha communities were invited to St Stephens College for a lecture by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop. Addressing a gathering of over 200 students from Delhi University, she talked about the upcoming student exchange programme with Delhi University. Ms Bishop has been associated with Asha in the past few years and has visited Asha communities as well.
Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms Julie Bishop addressing the students
During the Question & Answer session after the lecture, Ms Bishop answered the queries of various students. Asha Student Deepak enquired about the possibilities of higher education in Australia for students from economically weaker sections of the society, to which Ms Bishop replied by mentioning the loans that are available for the students with financial constraints.
Asha Student Deepak, enquiring about the possibilities of Higher Education to Ms Bishop
Later during an informal interaction, Ms Bishop met Asha students individually and enquired about their studies and internships. The Australian High Commission has played a key role in the establishment of the Asha Internship Programme, which has provided the students with a world of new opportunities in Delhi’s professional circles. The students shared with Ms Bishop their dreams of becoming financially independent and to excel in life.
Ms Bishop meeting Asha students
On a lighter note, the students and Ms Bishop talked about Australia winning the World Cup and recent films. Filled with admiration for the work and for what the students had achieved, Ms Bishop wished the students luck and encouraged them to continue working hard.
Ms Bishop talking to Asha students
Asha would like to express its heartfelt thanks to Ms Julie Bishop for her warm words of encouragement to the students, and to the Australian High Commission for inviting them for this meeting.
