-Ambassador Verma Says Books Build Bridges Between Nations, Encourages Liberians to Tap India’s Scholarship and Professional Training Opportunities
MONROVIA – India has strengthened its longstanding partnership with Liberia by inaugurating the country’s first-ever Indian Corner at the Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA) National Public Library, a landmark initiative aimed at expanding cultural diplomacy, promoting educational exchange, and bringing India’s rich literary and intellectual heritage closer to Liberian readers.
The Indian Corner, officially unveiled on Monday by India’s Ambassador to Liberia, Manoj Bihari Verma, features a dedicated collection of books showcasing India’s ancient civilization, democratic traditions, scientific innovations, technological progress, cultural diversity, and development journey.
Established through a partnership between the Government of India, acting through its Embassy near Monrovia, and the Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA), the initiative represents the first permanent Indian literary collection housed at Liberia’s National Public Library.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Ambassador Verma described the occasion as another important milestone in the growing friendship between Liberia and India.
“It is my pleasure and privilege to join you today for the inauguration of the first India Corner in Liberia at this historic National Library of Liberia,” Ambassador Verma declared.
‘A Small but Meaningful Gift from India’
The Ambassador described the bookshelf as far more than a donation of books, saying it represents India’s enduring commitment to strengthening people-to-people relations with Liberia through education, knowledge sharing and cultural exchange.
“This collection of books is a small but meaningful gift from India,” Ambassador Verma said.
“Through these books, we hope to offer readers a window into India’s rich civilizational heritage, culture, democratic values, scientific achievements and development journey.”
He explained that while the collection may be modest in size, it reflects India’s broader vision of fostering mutual understanding and cooperation through intellectual engagement.
According to Ambassador Verma, books possess a unique ability to unite people across geographical boundaries.
“Books have the unique ability to transcend borders and connect people,” he noted.
“They promote understanding, inspire curiosity, and encourage dialogue. We hope that readers will find this India Corner a valuable resource to learn more about India.”
The Ambassador said the initiative forms part of India’s expanding diplomatic engagement across Africa, where cultural diplomacy, education and capacity building continue to complement traditional development cooperation.
Education Remains Pillar of Bilateral Relations
Ambassador Verma emphasized that Liberia and India continue to enjoy warm diplomatic relations built on mutual respect, friendship and a shared commitment to development.
“India and Liberia share a warm and friendly relationship based on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to development,” he said.
He stressed that strengthening relationships between ordinary citizens remains one of the most effective ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.
“We believe that strengthening people-to-people ties, especially through education and cultural exchange, is essential to further strengthening this partnership.”
According to him, educational cooperation and professional capacity building have become among the strongest pillars of Liberia-India relations.
“People-to-people relations through education and capacity building are among the strongest pillars of our partnership,” Ambassador Verma added.
Scholarships and Capacity Building
Beyond the book donation, Ambassador Verma encouraged officials of both the National Public Library and the Center for National Documents and Records Agency to take advantage of the many educational opportunities offered annually by the Government of India.
“I invite the officials from the National Public Library and the Center for National Documents and Records Agency to benefit from ITEC training and ICCR scholarship opportunities,” he urged.
The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme provides fully funded professional and technical training for government officials and professionals from partner countries, while the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) offers scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral studies at Indian universities.
The Ambassador said these programs continue to strengthen institutional capacity across developing countries while promoting lasting educational partnerships.
Symbol of Lasting Friendship
Ambassador Verma thanked the management of Liberia’s National Library for embracing the initiative and expressed confidence that the Indian Corner would become a lasting symbol of friendship between the two countries.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the National Library of Liberia for partnering with us in establishing this India Corner,” he said.
“We are confident that it will serve as a symbol of friendship between our two countries.”
He encouraged Liberians to make full use of the collection by exploring the many dimensions of India’s civilization and modern development.
“I invite all readers to explore these books and discover the many facets of India—from its ancient wisdom and cultural diversity to its modern achievements in technology, healthcare, education, entrepreneurship and development.”
CNDRA Seeks Expanded Cooperation
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Government of Liberia, CNDRA Director General D. Nelson Bearngar expressed appreciation to Ambassador Verma and the Government of India for what he described as a meaningful contribution to Liberia’s educational and cultural landscape.
Bearngar said the Indian Corner will become an important resource for students, researchers, educators, policymakers and members of the public seeking broader perspectives on global history, governance and development.
He praised India for its continued partnership with Liberia and appealed for expanded cooperation beyond the current initiative.
Among his priorities, Bearngar called for increased scholarship opportunities for CNDRA staff, technical assistance for institutional capacity building, and support for establishing functional public libraries across Liberia’s fifteen counties.
He also highlighted the urgent need to modernize and digitize Liberia’s National Archives, describing digital preservation of historical records as one of the institution’s principal objectives under its current five-year strategic plan.
According to him, strengthening archival systems will improve public access to Liberia’s documentary heritage while safeguarding important national records for future generations.
National Library Called Liberia’s ‘Intellectual Heartbeat’
Also speaking at the ceremony, National Library Director Christ Jlatuh welcomed the establishment of the Indian Corner, describing the National Public Library as one of Liberia’s most important educational institutions.
He referred to the library as “the intellectual heartbeat of Liberia,” emphasizing its central role in promoting literacy, lifelong learning, research and national development.
“The National Library is the public gateway to knowledge,” Jlatuh said.
“It is a place where cultures converse, where every voice is welcomed, and where traditions and civilizations are preserved.”
He said initiatives such as the Indian Corner enrich the library’s collections while exposing Liberians to diverse global cultures, ideas and intellectual traditions.
Building on Decades of Liberia-India Cooperation
The inauguration comes as Liberia and India continue expanding cooperation across education, healthcare, agriculture, information technology, trade, capacity building and diplomacy.
For decades, India has provided scholarships, technical training, medical assistance and professional development opportunities to hundreds of Liberians through programs such as ITEC and ICCR, while strengthening broader South-South cooperation across Africa.
The establishment of the Indian Corner at Liberia’s National Public Library therefore represents more than the donation of books. It stands as a tangible symbol of the growing friendship between Liberia and India and reflects both countries’ shared belief that education, knowledge and cultural exchange remain among the strongest foundations for sustainable development and enduring international partnerships.
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