A NEW High Sheriff for Wiltshire has been sworn in.

Pradeep Bhardwaj made his Declaration and acceptance at St Mark’s Church, Swindon, taking over the role from Lady Lansdowne in a ceremony on Friday (March 31), in a ceremony dating back to Saxon times.
More than 200 guests attended the ceremony and the following reception, which included some cultural showcase displays.

Mr Bhardwaj is a senior strategy director and head of industry standards in the mobile industry, working for Syniverse, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, an expert in leading-edge technologies such as 5G with over 30 years’ experience.

He has been a part of a few historical moments, including setting up India’s first public email service, public internet service and electronic data interchange service.

He also set up mobile and international telecom services in the Seychelles, after which he had a stint in Australia designing a mobile satellite-based telecommunication system.

He is a trustee of three local charities and governor of New College, Swindon.

“Pradeep has received many awards, but he takes most pride as a social worker and as a community champion for the cause of equality and diversity, with a passion to bring people together,” said a Wiltshire Council spokesperson.

“The accomplishment he cherishes the most is establishing the first Hindu Temple in Swindon and Wiltshire, to enhance the lives of thousands of people.”

Mr Bhardwaj has chosen the theme of inclusion for his High Sheriff term, promoting and celebrating equality, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of our society to bring a positive change.

Through the years, he has worked relentlessly to connect individuals and communities, to increase societal inclusion and create opportunity for all.

During his shrieval year he aims to bring a sharper focus to empowering and promoting social, political, and economic inclusion by breaking down barriers for participation and involvement, the spokesperson added.