Indian Amb. meets with Indian-trained Liberians

Liberians who have acquired some form of higher education from various Indian universities and other higher institutions of learning in India were last Wednesday, October 7, hosted by Mr. Dinesh Bhatia, Ambassador of India to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire.

Amb. Bhatia, who met with the Liberian men and women at the India House on Mamba Point, called for more cohesive relationship between both Liberia and India.  Addressing the Liberians, the Indian Envoy urged his audience to use their skills acquired in his country to further strengthen the good bilateral ties that exist between the governments of the two nations, which are on the first and the second largest continents— Asia and Africa, according to the Foreign Ministry in Monrovia.

He stated that the friendship between Liberia and India dates back many years, adding that both nations have some similarities in terms of the ways of life among their peoples. “The peoples of both nations have similar ways of thinking. God has blessed both our countries with many natural resources yet we behave lazily,” he stated.

The gathering at which Ambassador Bhatia spoke, was an acquaintance meeting with Liberians, who studied in India through scholarships provided by the Indian Government.  The Indian Diplomat encouraged citizens of both countries to make good use of the rich lands with which God has blessed them.

He used the occasion to extend thanks and appreciation to the Liberian Government for upholding the good relationship between Liberia and India. He also encouraged Liberians, who studied in India to continue being united, adding “this will keep the friendship strong and long-lasting.”

Speaking earlier, Liberia’s Minister of State Without Portfolio, Mr. Sylvester Grisby, thanked the Indian Government for affording Liberians the opportunity to study in India. Minister Grisby joined Ambassador Bhatia to encourage Indian-trained Liberians to keep the torch burning that will further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

While at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Deputy Minister, Minister Grisby was instrumental in ensuring that most of the Liberians present at the meeting, had the opportunity to go to India to acquire degrees and post-graduate diplomas.

“I think most of you here know me because when you were processing your papers to go India, you always saw my face; I know that you have learned for yourselves in that part of the world, and I encourage you to continue to be together always as it has started,” he noted.

Also speaking, the Honorary Indian Consul General to Liberia, Mr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva, who had organized the acquaintance meeting, urged the Indian-trained Liberians to form an organization to keep them together. 

Mr. Sachdeva – a respectable businessman in Liberia, told the Liberians that the Indian Consulate would support such venture, disclosing that when such is done, he would sponsor the organization to celebrate the observance of some of key holidays of both India and Liberia.

The last Wednesday’s meeting was the second with the Indian Ambassador accredited to Liberia – the first was hosted by Ambassador Anil K. Sharan. Last Wednesday’s meeting brought together over 50 Liberians, who were trained in different professional disciplines.-Press Release