Region's highest-ranking Asian officer receives honour
The region's highest-ranking Asian policewoman has been honoured at the Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival.
Harvi Khatkar, who received her accolade as part of International Women’s Day, was recognised for her services to diverse communities across the region.
Harvi joined the force in 1993 and has held a number of roles including Neighbourhood Policing Officer and most recently, Superintendent, during this time.
Upon accepting the honour, Superintendent Khatkar said:
The Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival is organised each year by Shruthi UK, a Solihull-based South Asian arts & culture organisation.
It is said to be the most popular, prestigious annual festival celebrated in the Midlands in honour of the great Singing Saint, Poet & Composer, Thyagaraja.
Thyagaraja is known for composing thousands of devotional hymns, most in praise of the Hindu God, Lord Rama. Music recitals and dance performances are just some of the highlights of the festival.
Also honoured at the festival was Her Majesty’s Vice Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Dr Beverly Lindsay OBE OD DL. In 2011, she was awarded an OBE for her services to business and to the community in Birmingham.