Congratulations for completing the From London to India Alumni Quiz Challenge. The University of Westminster has a rich history of connections with India, dating back to the early 19th century. The University’s Records and Archives team have gathered historical information about these links with India, (including all the details behind the quiz). 

Connections between the University of Westminster and India can be traced back to the Royal Polytechnic Institution (RPI) as the record of a visit to the RPI was published by two Indian naval architects in 1841. Jehanger Nowrojee and Hirjeebhoy Merwanjee came to England to study steam shipping and described their visit in Journal of a Residence of Two Years and a Half in Great Britain (London: Allen, 1841), pp.116-117. After describing at length the diving bell and diver in the Great Exhibition Hall of the RPI, they commented: 

‘We have given a very long account of the visits we paid to the Polytechnic Institution because we saw nothing in London, – nothing in England, half so good.’ 

From 1883/4, Hindustani was taught at the Polytechnic Young Men’s Christian Institute (along with French (Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced), German, Greek, Italian (including Dante readings), Spanish, EFL and Latin). It was no longer on the syllabus after 1908. 

In April 1906, JEK Studd initiated the Foreign Legion column in the Magazine. Letters from Poly members abroad had always been published in the Magazine (since the first edition in 1879) but the Foreign Legion column was the first formal attempt to publish a list of names and addresses of members abroad. The first list of names in April 1906 included Canada, USA, South Africa, Port Said, Australia, and Ivory Coast. The next published list in October 1906 added New Zealand and India (Deccan and Calcutta). 

In the late 1970s, the student-run Indian Cultural Society was founded at the Polytechnic of Central London (PCL). Its aim was to promote Indian culture, including holding Mehfils (musical evenings), film showings and lectures on Indian philosophy. In 1979/80 its membership totalled 150. 

In July 1977, the School of Communication, Cultural and Community Studies organised a two-day seminar entitled ‘Performing Arts of India’ which featured dancing, music and singing by Indian artistes for the Sanskrit 7th festival. Events including a discussion of Indian philosophy and English settings of Indian poetry. Performers and lecturers included Birenda Shankar (artistic director of the Centre of Indian Arts), Mahendra Kundu (Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society), Pulendran Thiagaraja and Pittu Laungani. 

In 1995, the university established its annual Chevening Scholarships programme for 12 young Indian print journalists. The British Chevening Scholarships programme has run since the early 1980s, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and administered by the British Council, its name taken from the official country residence of the British Foreign Secretary. The aim of the programme is to offer opportunities for study in India in a wide range of disciplines including arts, humanities, social sciences, science and technology; as well as offering short courses for professional groups. The programme continued until 2005 at which point it moved outside London. 

On 11 November 2005, the University of Westminster Indian Alumni Association was formally launched. 

Just over a decade later, the Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) programme was  established. WWC connects students with alumni from around the world to give insights into the working culture in their country, and share advice from a range of industries and roles. WWC embarked on their first trip to Mumbai in 2017. 

The historical connections between the University of Westminster and India are a testament to the enduring bond that developed over the past two centuries. This legacy of partnership continues to inspire the Westminster community, ensuring that the ties between the University and India remain strong and vibrant.