Indian Embassy Hosts Second ‘India Connect’ Youth Outreach, Showcases Culture and Study Opportunities to Liberian Students

MONROVIA – The Embassy of India in Monrovia has held the second edition of its youth outreach initiative, “India Connect: Liberian Youth @ Embassy,” hosting 30 students from Len Millar High School for a day of cultural exchange, diplomacy education, and exposure to study opportunities in India.

The November 27 event follows the inaugural programme held on September 25, 2025, which brought 30 students from the College of West Africa (CWA), one of Liberia’s oldest and most prestigious secondary schools, to the Embassy.

According to a release from the Embassy, both programmes are designed to “inspire young Liberians to become lifelong friends of the Embassy and youth ambassadors of India–Liberia friendship.”

Ambassador Verma: “Nurturing Lasting Friendship”

India’s Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Manoj Bihari Verma, welcomed the Len Millar delegation and underscored the importance of cultivating ties with the next generation of Liberian leaders.

He said initiatives like India Connect allow young Liberians to engage directly with India’s culture, history and values, while learning about the Embassy’s role in strengthening India–Liberia bilateral relations.

The Ambassador encouraged the students to see themselves as future bridges between the two countries and stressed that people‑to‑people connections are the foundation of strong diplomatic partnerships.

Inside the Embassy: Diplomacy 101 and a Taste of India

During the programme, students took part in interactive presentations on:

• India’s rich cultural heritage
• Historic landmarks and major festivals
• Indian cuisine and cinema
• The country’s technological and scientific achievements

Liberian staff at the Embassy also held sessions on India–Liberia relations and the functions of a diplomatic mission, explaining how embassies promote cooperation in trade, education, culture and development.

The students then toured key sections of the Embassy, including:

• The Ambassador’s Office
• The Head of Chancery
• The Commerce Department
• The Consular & Visa Department

The visit concluded with a tasting of Indian food, giving students a chance to experience Indian culture through its cuisine.

Over 2,000 Liberians Studying in India

Ambassador Verma used the occasion to highlight the growing number of Liberian students in India, noting that more than 2,000 Liberians are currently enrolled in Indian universities and training institutions.

He outlined several scholarship and training schemes available to Liberians, including:

• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
• The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme
• Other bilateral and multilateral initiatives

These programmes support both degree‑seeking students and professionals pursuing higher education and specialized technical training, particularly in fields such as engineering, medicine, information technology, agriculture, and management.

Len Millar Praises Initiative

Mr. S. Kwesi Yorcee, Vice President for Student Affairs at Len Millar High School, praised the Embassy’s outreach, describing it as a “valuable opportunity” for students to learn about India and its relationship with Liberia.

He said the interaction broadened the students’ horizons and exposed them to concrete educational pathways that could shape their futures.

Students: “We Now Understand How an Embassy Works”

Students who participated in the India Connect programme expressed appreciation for the visit, saying it enhanced their understanding of how embassies function and how they contribute to friendship and cooperation between countries.

Several students said they were particularly struck by the similarities between aspects of Indian culture and Liberia’s own traditions, noting parallels in family values, community life and respect for elders. The Embassy said it plans to continue and expand the “Liberian Youth @ Embassy” series with other schools, as part of efforts to deepen people‑to‑people ties and ensure that young Liberians are aware of the educational, cultural and professional opportunities available through India–Liberia cooperation.