By Bill W. Cooper
India Ambassador to Liberia, Manoj Bihari Verma has pledged to work with Indian Business tycoon Upjit Singh Sachdeva, alias, Jeety, to provide several Indian scholarships to students residing in Weala, Margibi County.
The initiative, according to Amb. Verma is to buttress Jeety’s efforts aimed at supporting local residents and empowering the youth to get higher studies abroad, thus reflecting India’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities and strengthening ties with Liberia.
The collaboration was announced over the weekend, when Amb. Verma, led by Jeety, toured the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) and Jeety Rubber LLC, highlighting not only the potential of the country’s business climate and rubber industry but also the transformative impact of corporate social responsibility on local communities.
The Ambassador’s presence during the tour was not merely ceremonial, but also a strategic move to highlight the potential for Indian investment in Liberia, as well as underscore the importance of diplomatic support in fostering economic development for both countries.
The tour further provided a firsthand look at the operations that have made Jeety a household name in the rubber industry, as the facilities, equipped with modern technology and sustainable practices, are designed to maximize efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
Popularly known for his philanthropic gestures to Liberians over the years, Jeety has long been a prominent Indian businessman, as well as been recognized for his contributions to Liberia’s economic landscape.
His companies, including Jeety Trading, SRC and Jeety Rubber LLC, have been pivotal in creating jobs and fostering economic growth in the region, as his vision extends beyond profit and is deeply committed to improving the quality of life for the residents of Weala.
During the tour of both facilities, Amb. Verma emphasized the Indian government’s commitment to strengthening ties with Liberia and promoting investment in key sectors, including education, health and empowerment.
The Indian Ambassador further indicated, “Like I said before, India and Liberia share a long-standing relationship, and we are here to support Jeety and any of our citizens initiatives that empower the local communities they are operating in.”
“And I am impressed with the level of work done by our former Consul General in helping the Liberian people. Moving forward, I will work with him and ensure that some of your children go to India on scholarship, learn, come back and help with the development of Liberia,” he vowed.
Amb. Verma furthered that the Indian government is keen on facilitating partnerships that can lead to sustainable development and job creation, and assured, “So, we will work with Jeety to explore opportunities that can benefit both Indian businesses and the people of Liberia.”
The Ambassador then praised Jeety’s initiatives, stating, “Investing in education and healthcare is essential for sustainable development. We encourage our other businesses to follow Jeety’s example and contribute to the communities in which they operate.”
Earlier, Jeety thanked the Ambassador for honoring his invite, and expressed his dedication to sustainable growth in Liberia, noting, “Our goal is not just to run a successful business but to ensure that our operations benefit the communities around us.”
“Because we believe that by investing in the people of Weala, we can create a brighter future for everyone, ensuring that our presence in this area is being felt by the elderly, women, youths and even our little children,” he mentioned.
As the delegation walked through the plantations, Jeety also explained the various stages of rubber production, from tapping the trees to processing the latex, and said, “We are committed to using sustainable practices that protect the environment and ensure the longevity of our resources.”
One of the key highlights of the visit was the discussion on corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that Jeety has implemented in Weala, as these initiatives focus on education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, intended to address the residents’ pressing needs.
Jeety further announced plans to expand his company’s efforts, including the provision of scholarships for performing students attending the plantation school at the end of the academic year as a means to motivate and bring competition amongst them.
He maintained, “Education is the foundation of any community’s future, and we want to ensure that the children of Weala have access to quality education, including good healthcare facilities for the residents.”
Jeety also mentioned his plans to engage the youth of Weala, providing them with opportunities for internships and apprenticeships within Jeety’s companies, and emphasized, “Because by investing in the youth, we are investing in the future of Liberia.”
Meanwhile, at the close of the tour, both Jeety and Amb. Verma reiterated their joint commitment to sustainable development in Weala, and emphasized the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring that the benefits of development are felt by Weala residents.