In a ceremony rich with emotion and community spirit, Baiju Thittala, the Mayor of Cambridge, UK, and a prominent criminal defence solicitor, was awarded honourary citizenship by the municipality of Castelluccio Valmaggiore in Italy.
Thittala, originally from Kerala, India, and a proud member of the Malayalee community, was honoured for his outstanding contributions to public service and social justice.
The event, organised by the Castelluccio Valmaggiore Municipality in the province of Foggia, was attended by dignitaries and local leaders. Municipal Secretary Dr. Maria Michael introduced Mayor Thittala to the assembly, following which the honorary citizenship was officially conferred by Mayor Sir Pasquale Marchese.
Among those present were Deputy Mayor of Castelluccio Valmaggiore Michel Giannetta, former Cambridge Mayor and current Councilor Robert Dryden JP, MRTIA; and community leaders including Piero D’Angelico, Giuseppe, and Abdul Kai Arayin.
During the ceremony, Mayor Thittala was also extended a special invitation to the Italian Senate by Senator Gisela Naturale.
Mayor Marchese highlighted that Thittala was selected for this honour in recognition of his professional excellence, unwavering commitment to promoting diversity, and dedication to social justice.
Mayor Thittala expressed his gratitude with these words:
“I am honoured to receive this recognition, which further strengthens the ties between our two communities. We will soon initiate the process for twinning our towns.”
Castelluccio Valmaggiore, a picturesque municipality with a population of just 1,226 nestled in the Apulia region, served as the backdrop for this memorable occasion. Mayor Marchese remarked that the visit itself was a great honour for the town, which lies in the Monti Dauni area.
Mayor Thittala also visited nearby regions including Orsara di Puglia, the Franco-Provençal-speaking Calè San Vito, and other culturally rich towns.
“It’s a historic day for Castelluccio Valmaggiore,” said Mayor Marchese. “Awarding honourary citizenship is not just a ceremonial gesture but a heartfelt symbol of connection and mutual respect.”
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