British Indian TV presenter and broadcaster, Anita Rani, took over as the seventh chancellor of the University of Bradford during a ceremony held earlier this month. The 45-year-old Bradfordian took to the stage in a custom-made gown created by fashion designer Yashana Malhotra.
Speaking on the day of her installation, the Indian-origin Sikh said, “The University of Bradford is about to move into a really exciting phase, I’m thrilled to be part of that journey, and that I get to be Chancellor during City of Culture 2025.”
"Going to University completely changes your life, it opens your world up not only through education but the culture and people you get to meet – this is about instilling the next generation with confidence to step into the world," she added while thanking her parents.
Rani began her broadcasting career at the age of 14 and is best known for BBC One's Countryfile and as a presenter of BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour. In her speech, she also announced her plans to establish the Rani Scholarship, which will support young women get access to higher education.
Lauding Rani's love for the city and her dedication to education, Vice-chancellor, professor Shirley Congdon, said: “Anita’s installation marks a new chapter in the life of our university, a chapter that will be focused on catalysing our future like never before.
“As a proud Asian woman from Bradford who has worked hard to overcome all kinds of challenges, Anita is an incredible role model for young people.
