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George Michell obtained his PhD in the field of early western Chalukya temple architecture from the School of Oriental African Studies, University of London, in 1974. From 1974 to 1977, he directed courses on Asian architecture at the Architectural Association, London, and was the co-editor of Art and Archaeology Research Papers from 1972 to 1982. Since the 1980s, he has co-directed an international team of scholars and students at Vijayanagara, the medieval Hindu site in Karnataka. George Michell has also lectured at universities and museums throughout the USA, Europe, India and Australia. Among his many Publications are The Royal Palaces of India, Islamic Heritage of the Deccan, Architecture of the Islamic World: Its History and Social Meaning and Hindu Art and Architecture.

Footloose for the last three decades in different parts of the world, have used Indian films as a potent tool of cultural diplomacy and organized retrospectives in 10 countries, most recently, three of them at the Gene Siskel Film Center Chicago: retrospective on Raj Kapoor, retrospective on Guru Dutt and a retrospective of contemporary Classics of Indian Cinema. In recent years Surendra Kumar has served as a Minister (Press, Information and Culture) at the High Commission of India in London and Ambassador of India in Mozambique and Libya. He also served as the Consul General of India in Chicago from February 2003. Presently, he is serving as the High Commissioner of India to Kenya in Nairobi.