Biodata R.K. Bhatia, High Commissioner for India to Kenya

R. K. BHATIA
High Commissioner for India to Kenya

H.E. Mr. Rajiv Kumar Bhatia has been serving as the High Commissioner for India to Kenya, and Permanent Representative to United Nations Environment Programme and Habitat since January 1998. He is an intellectual but pro-active diplomat with 26 years of public service behind him.

He holds a Masters Degree in Political Science from the University of Allahabad. He served as a Lecturer in a university college in India.

In 1972, Mr. Bhatia joined the Indian Foreign Service. He has represented his country in Indian Embassies in Paris, Beirut, Brussels, and Jakarta. His last assignment was Consul General of India in Toronto, Canada.

His other important assignments include deputy spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs; Information Adviser in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; and Head of Division in the Ministry of External Affairs dealing with neighbouring countries.

Mr.Bhatia loves writing on non-political issues. He has contributed numerous articles for prestigious Indian newspapers such as the Times of India, Indian Express, Hindustan Times and Pioneer. His articles on Canada-based Indian artists, which appeared in 'India Perspective', have been well received. While in Kenya, he has contributed several articles to the Nation, East African Standard and Business Africa on the facets of the contemporary India as well as India-Kenya relations. He has been frequently interviewed on radio and television - both in Canada and Kenya. He has also delivered lectures on India at several universities and other institutions in the countries of his accreditation.

During his assignments abroad, Mr. Bhatia has enthusiastically promoted and patronized India's arts.

In recognition of his unique contribution to the promotion of India-Canada relations, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce conferred upon Mr.Bhatia, the President's Award for 1997.

Mr.Bhatia has gathered considerable experience of multilateral work. As India's PR to UNEP and UNCHS since January 1998, he has had the honour to serve as a member of the Bureau of the Committee of Permanent Representatives[CPR] of UNEP as also of UNCHS in the past. He was also a member of the Indian delegation to the Special Session of UNGA on Habitat-II. India has been elected to serve as a member of the UNEP CPR Bureau for the year 2001-2002.

Mr.Bhatia has been serving as the Chairman of the Group of 77, Nairobi Chapter since January 2001. Under his leadership, the Nairobi Chapter has been playing an active role in promoting and safeguarding its interests as evident during the 21st Session of UNEP GC GMEF, 18th Session of UNCHS and 2nd Session of PrepCom for UNGASS on Habitat-II as well as in subsequent fora.

The High Commissioner's wife, Mrs Kumkum Bhatia, has been an energetic community activist. She contributed handsomely towards the cultural, intellectual and spiritual upliftment of NRI women and youth in Lebanon, Indonesia and Canada. She continues her mission in Kenya as well.