The Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has been appointed as a special representative to the United Nations for a global charity.
Professor Dominic Shellard will serve as the representative for the Gandhi Global Family, which works to spread the work of Mahatma Gandhi around the world.
Professor Shellard will attend a variety of meetings with other UN representatives and sit on committees on behalf of the charity.
Padmashri S P Varma, Vice-President of the Gandhi Global Family, said he hoped that Professor Shellard would take forward the mission and responsibilities of the organisation in this diplomatic role.
RELATED NEWS
It's not too late to come to a DMU Open Day. Sign up here
DMU Dance class tremendous boost for Indian 'sisters'
DMU to help thousands in India
He added: “I personally believe that a person of such calibre, insight and knowledge will be an asset to the global community. With the involvement of Professor Shellard, the peace movement will be further strengthened.”
The Gandhi Global Family runs social awareness programmes in collaboration with the United Nations, teaching young people about different faiths and promoting diversity and inclusion, values championed at DMU.
Prof Shellard said: “I am humbled and honoured to receive this news. One quote which I always keep in my mind is Gandhi’s creed, to be the change you want to see in the world.
“I hope to be an influential advocate for the Gandhi Global Family and promote their message of peace, service to others and tolerance.
“Their work is very close to my heart and has inspired DMU’s own wider involvement to help others, especially in India where Square Mile India is making a difference to the lives of children born in almost unimaginable poverty.”
In 2013, the Gandhi Global Family presented Prof Shellard with the Mahatma Gandhi Seva Medal for services to society. DMU itself was awarded the Mahatma Gandhi International Award, in recognition of organisations that make a “distinguished contribution” to the community.
The award acknowledged the work of students and staff who have made DMU one of the UK¹s leading universities for the public good, giving up thousands of hours to help others on a variety of projects.
Posted on Wednesday 11 January 2017