Liberians who have acquired some form of higher education from various Indian universities and other higher institutions of learning in India were 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.

He stated that friendship between Liberia and India dates back many years and added that both nations have some similarities when it comes to way of life among their peoples.

“The peoples of both nations have similar way of thinking. God has blessed both our countries with many natural resources yet we behave lazily,” he stated.

The gathering at which AmbassadorBhatia spoke was an acquaintance meet with Liberians, who studied in India through scholarships provided by the Indian Government.

The Indian Diplomat encouraged citizens of both Indian and Liberia to make good use of the rich lands God has blessed them with.

He used the occasion to extend thanks and appreciation to the Liberian Government for keeping the good relationship between Liberia and India strong.

He also encouraged Liberians, who have 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 AmbassadorBhatia to encourage Indian-trained Liberians to keep the torch burning that will further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

When Min. Grisby was at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was under his watch as a deputy minister that most of the Liberians present in the meeting, had gone to India to obtain those higher education degrees, and post-graduate diplomas.  

He urged them to be united; adding: “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 yourself in that part of the world, 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 themselves into an organization, which will keep them together.

Mr. Sachdeva, who is a respectable businessman in Liberia, told the Liberians that the Indian Consulate would support such venture.

He disclosed that when that is done, he would sponsor the organization to celebrate the observance of some of key holidays of both India and Liberia.

The meeting on Wednesday was the second meeting India-trained Liberians have had with Indian Ambassador accredited to Liberia. The first one was hosted by Ambassador Anil K. Sharan. The Wednesday meeting brought together over 50 Liberians, who were trained in different disciplines.