By Bill W. Cooper
India’s Ambassador to Liberia, Mr. Pradip Kumar Yadav has disclosed that four Liberian students would leave for India soon on fully paid scholarships for under-graduate and post-graduate courses in renowned universities under the Africa Scholarship Scheme.
He said the Government of India has also granted an all-time high 70 fully paid scholarships under the India Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, noting that the Indian Government is fully committed to the capacity building of Liberian students, government officials and others.
Ambassador Yadav narrated further, that, “From time to time our Government has also extended various Grants and Gifts to the friendly Liberia in cash and kind.”
He made the disclosure on Monday, August 15, 2022, at a programme hosted by the Embassy of India, in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav).
Held at the Monrovia City Hall in Monrovia, the colorful event brought together several international diplomats including US Ambassador, Michael McCarthy, EU head of Delegation to Liberia, Laurent Delahousse and Liberia’s Vice-President, Jewel Howard-Taylor among others.
According to Ambassador Yadav, the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence is being celebrated under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – ‘ Elixir of Energy of Independence’.
He recounted, “On this day in 1947, India became an Independent country, free from the Colonial rule of the British. Innumerable known and unknown patriots of India selflessly laid their lives in their non-violent struggle to win the freedom.”
“And it reminds me of a famous quote from the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi – “In a Gentle Way, You Can Shake the World”. Millions have worked tirelessly to preserve the hard-earned Independence and transform India into one of the fastest growing economic power,” he said.
According to him, not many countries had thought that India would be able to sustain itself after the Independence but they have proved them wrong to emerge as an independent, self-reliant and strong democratic nation.
Ambassador Pradip Kumar Yadav stressed, “Our Independence also paved the way for many other nations to get their independence and our success story has been a source of inspiration for many nations. Today, India’s all-round development, dynamic democracy, cultural heritage, Yog and soft power have been acknowledged all over the globe.
He further stated, “In sports too, India has raised its Flag around the world and proved its mettle, whether it is Hockey, Chess, Badminton, Table Tennis, Boxing, Cricket or the relatively new sport for India – the Lawn Ball. The latest being an outstanding performance by our sportspersons and athletes at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK. India’s medal tally stood at the 4th spot with 22 Gold, 16 Silver and 23 Bronze Medals.”
“Recently, India also has surpassed the gigantic figure of administering 2 billion Covid-19 vaccinations. India, through its indigenously developed Covaxin and Covishield vaccines, not only successfully controlled the spread of Covid-19 in India but also helped many friendly countries including Liberia with the supply of these vaccines and other medical supplies,” Mr. Yadav mentioned.
The Indian Ambassador further noted, “The Embassy has been making best efforts to upgrade our bilateral relations with friendly Liberia. Post-Covid, India has regained its place as a favoured destination for affordable and quality higher education and medical treatment among the Liberians.”
“The bilateral trade during the year 2021-22 has gone up by a good US$ 35.65 million. Not only India’s exports to Liberia went up, Liberia’s exports to India also rose three-fold during the last year. We are working with different agencies to realize the full potential of India-Liberia bilateral trade,” he intoned.
For his part, Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Dee Maxwell Kemeyah reaffirmed the Liberian government’s commitment to upholding the long existing bilateral relations with the People’s Republic of India.
He said Liberia and India have had a long-lasting friendship since the founding of both countries and has over the years greatly benefited Liberia and its citizens.
According to him, to reflect, India has significantly impacted the lives of several Liberians through skills training, scholarships, and the provision of grants including job opportunities among others.
He added, “With this, I want to on behalf of the President reassure his government’s unwavering support towards the good people and government of India and to say that we remain committed as government in upholding the two countries’ bilateral relations.”
Meanwhile, Minister Kemeyah then extolled the Indian business tycoon, Jeety for his immense contributions and humanitarian gestures towards the citizenry of Liberia.
