Inaugurated by UK minister of state for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Dr Kim Howells, the centre has been named the `Lifestyle and Diversity Zone'. Besides offering the youngsters an opportunity for learning more about self-development, the centre will offer information on studies in the UK, British awards, professional and language development programmes available in India.

According to an official of the Council, the zone is the first initiative in India that will be replicated in other libraries being run by the Council in the country. "The zone will also focus on the UK-India Education Research Initiative which promotes academic exchange and research collaboration between the two countries. UK's involvement and expertise in the area of climate change and nano-technology and UK's role in facilitating inter-cultural dialogue will also be features of the zone," the Council has said in a statement.

Over 60 specialist and lifestyle magazines, scholarly journals and newspapers, music CD and DVD collection and a coffee stall are some of the important features of the zone.

Highlighting the services and products of the Council, Sujata Sen, director, British Council, East India, said that the zone will act as the one-stop shop for the various offers and development opportunities that the Council has on offer for students.