By Bill W. Cooper
The Indian Embassy and the Liberian government have embarked on a partnership aimed at showcasing Liberia’s rich tourism potential while simultaneously promoting the vibrant cultures of Punjab and Kerala.
This collaboration, which was formalized during a recent diplomatic event held at the Mamba Point Hotel over the weekend, seeks to enhance bilateral ties and foster mutual understanding through tourism, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation.
Liberia, situated in West Africa, is often overlooked in the global tourism landscape despite the country’s untapped tourism sector, coupled with the cultural treasures of India’s Punjab and Kerala regions.
However, it boasts a wealth of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural diversity, as from the pristine beaches of Robertsport to the lush rainforests of Sapo National Park, Liberia offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.
The country is also home to historical sites such as Providence Island, where freed American slaves settled in the 19th century, and the vibrant capital city of Monrovia, which reflects a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions.
Also, the partnership with India aims to highlight these attractions and promote Liberia as a viable tourist destination, because Indian tourists, known for their love of exploration and cultural experiences, are seen as a key demographic that could significantly contribute to Liberia’s tourism growth.
Punjab, known for its vibrant culture, music, and cuisine, offers a unique experience for travellers, as the state is famous for its colorful festivals, such as Baisakhi and Lohri, which celebrate the harvest and the arrival of spring. The traditional Punjabi dance forms, including Bhangra and Gidda, are a major attraction for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture.
While Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is renowned for its stunning backwaters, lush landscapes, and Ayurvedic wellness retreats, as the state’s unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage makes it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
The partnership will facilitate cultural exchange programs, allowing Liberians to experience the diverse traditions of Punjab and Kerala through food festivals, dance performances, and art exhibitions.
In a speech by the Indian Embassy to Liberia, Manoj Bihari Verma, disclosed that Tourism is a powerful way to connect people, cultures, and economies. As such, India and Liberia have always enjoyed warm and friendly relations.
He said, “Our two countries are working together successfully in various fields of mutual interest, notably in capacity building, scholarships and on multilateral issues including mutual support at UN and other international bodies.”
“Both countries share common views on many important issues affecting the world, such as human rights and women’s empowerment including climate change, environment protection, solar energy, and above all democracy. Liberia’s ARREST agenda completely aligns with India’s Africa-focused Foreign Policy of trade, investment and capacity building.
Our people-to-people connections are very strong, which is evident from the presence of a large Indian community in Liberia and a growing number of Liberians going to India for tourism, medical treatment, business, and education,” the Indian diplomat asserted.
Amb. Verma furthered, “We are thankful to the Government of Liberia for providing a welcoming environment to the Indian community and continues to actively contribute to its development journey.”
“In this context, it is befitting that we have gathered today to strengthen our travel and tourism ties because, over the past year, we have witnessed a rise in visa applications from Liberians who are eager to explore India for tourism and beyond,” he added.
Earlier, Indian Business tycoon, Upjit Singh Sachdeva alias Jeety, expressed immense gratitude to have formed part of the gathering, and said, “I am deeply honored to speak on this occasion and extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ambassador Verma, for organizing this remarkable program, which not only highlights India’s historic and cultural beauty but also discusses the profound cultural ties and boundless opportunities within the India-Liberia relationship.”
He noted, “India, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, is a land where every corner tells a story. From the towering Himalayas, where nature whispers ancient secrets, to the lush tropical rainforests of the south, India presents a mosaic of landscapes of wonders.”
As more Liberians discover the allure of India – be it for higher education, medical excellence, or the pursuit of adventure, we witness a beautiful exchange of knowledge, culture, and human connection.
Each visit opens a new chapter in the shared history of the two countries, strengthened by mutual respect and bonds, and in my own journey through the world of business, I have learned that success is born from collaboration and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” Jeety intoned.
Jeety furthered, “Therefore, I invite each of you to explore the wonders of Punjab and Kerala. Go and experience, and celebrate the beauty of India, a land of wonders, including being home to one of the world’s seven wonders.”
“Once again, I want to thank Ambassador Verma, and all of the staff here at the Indian Embassy for organizing this event and for inviting me as a speaker. I am truly grateful and look forward to seeing more events like this in the future,” he added.
Information Minister, Jerolinmek Mathew Piah, expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership, emphasizing the importance of cultural diplomacy in building bridges between nations.
Minister Piah added that by showcasing Liberia’s tourism sector and promoting the cultural heritage of Punjab and Kerala, both countries aim to create a platform for dialogue and understanding.