MONROVIA – The Embassy of India in Liberia on Thursday, October 2, commemorated the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with a strong message of solidarity in the fight against drug abuse, a crisis that continues to grip Liberia’s youth.
The event, which also marked the conclusion of Seva Pakhwada—a fortnight of service launched on September 17 to coincide with the 75th birthday of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi—was attended by members of the Indian community, Liberian officials, and friends of India.
In a symbolic gesture, Bunty Pharmaceuticals of the SBR Group of Companies, an Indian pharmaceutical firm operating in Liberia, donated protective face masks and latex gloves to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA). The donation is expected to enhance the capacity of frontline personnel engaged in the government’s escalating battle against narcotics trafficking and abuse.
Indian Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Manoj Bihari Verma, described the contribution as a reflection of the shared responsibility between India and Liberia in tackling drug abuse, which he called a “global challenge” with young people as its most vulnerable victims.
“The Embassy has been privileged to partner with the LDEA through capacity-building programmes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) scheme,” Ambassador Verma noted. “This thoughtful contribution by Bunty Pharmaceuticals is a symbol of our shared commitment to a healthier society.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police and Officer-in-Charge of the LDEA, Fitzgerald T. M. Biago, welcomed the donation, stressing that protective equipment is essential for officers working on the frontlines of Liberia’s anti-drug campaign.
Beyond the donation, the Embassy observed Seva Pakhwada in Liberia with a series of activities inspired by Gandhi’s values of truth, nonviolence, and service. These included a community cleanliness campaign, the honoring of sanitation workers with safety kits, a yoga session promoting harmony of body and mind, and a tree-planting exercise under the #EkPedMaaKeNaam (“A Tree in Mother’s Name”) campaign.
Globally, Indian Missions marked the observance with similar service-oriented initiatives such as the Viksit Bharat Run and awareness drives centered on health, service (seva), and commitment (sankalp). A key focus this year was the Nasha Mukt Yuva (“Drug-Free Youth”) campaign—an initiative that resonates deeply with Liberia’s own struggle against substance abuse.
The ceremony concluded with Ambassador Verma urging participants to draw inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s life, reminding them that “the best way to find meaning in life is through seva—selfless service to others.”
The Embassy extended appreciation to Bunty Pharmaceuticals for their donation and to the LDEA for its active role in the program, underscoring that the fight against drug abuse is a shared journey between both nations.
