An Assamese couple Bhargab Sarma and his wife Dr Samyami Chowdhury Sarma were invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace on June 5. They are based in UK.
Queen Elizabeth hosts four garden parties each year, three of which are at Buckingham Palace. This tradition started back in 1860.
The purpose of this garden party is to reward public service and those who have had an impact on the community.
Bhargab Sarma, who hails from Assam, is an award-winning London-based corporate banker and is now working with RBS-Natwest. He is also an avid writer, cricketer and raises money for rhino conservation worldwide.
His wife Dr Samyami Chowdhury Sarma is a paediatrician. She was born and raised in England and studied Medicine at Warwick Medical School. Her sub-speciality choice is Paediatric Neurology. She is also a trained Indian classical vocalist and flautist, who along with her family are torch bearers of Assamese music and culture abroad. She is involved with charities, including the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children and The Brain Tumour Charity.
Guests are nominated for invitation in order to achieve a representative cross-section of the community.
The event is prestigious, a real honour and privilege for those invited.