President James Michel met with Chirag Shah at State House this morning. Mr. Shah is a Seychellois who was named among one of the Best Outstanding Engineering Student for 2011 with a first class honours at the University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom after completion of a four year studies. Also present during the meeting was the Secretary General of the Executive Office of the President, Mrs. Lise Bastienne, and his father, Mr. Drupad Meghjee-Shah.

The President congratulated him for all the efforts he have put in his studies and wished him the best of luck in his career as well as praised his father; Mr. Drupad Shah for the constant support given to Chirag throughout, that have encouraged him to excel in his studies.

“I congratulate you for the hard work you’ve put in your studies and happy to see when we have a lot of students who put every effort in their studies and taking up the opportunity. You have been very focused which have resulted in achieving excellent result, for that you have made us proud. I sincerely wish you the best in your career and hope that after you have gathered enough work experience, you will come back to Seychelles one day and contribute towards the development of your country as we need people like you in  its progress,” said President Michel.

Chirag Shah is presently working as a Civil Structural Engineer with the EDF Energy, one of UK’s and France’s largest energy companies and producer of low-carbon electricity. To note, he have also followed an intensive training in nuclear engineering.

During the meeting, they discussed about his post at the EDF energy and what it entails, the energy sector in Seychelles such as the use of more renewable and solar energy in future.
Chirag started his education at the Seychelles International School and obtained A-Levels in mathematics, physics and chemistry. He then furthered his studies in England.

Speaking to the local press after his meeting with the President, he noted that his education in Seychelles has built a good foundation that has helped him performed well in his studies overseas.

"My plan is to gain more work experience overseas then come back to Seychelles one day and work for the betterment of my country. I am very happy to have been received by the President and we had a good and honest discussion. I would like to advise students who wish to take a career in this field not to hesitate to apply to as many companies as you can, no matter your nationality, if you are good, they will choose you, but be prepared to answer all questions during the interview for you to succeed," said Chiraj.