ADDIS ABABA – The Indian Council for Cultural relations (ICCR) is promoting cultural exchanges, and fostering mutual understanding between peoples of India and Ethiopia. The Embassy of India honored the foundation day of ICCR here on Tuesday.
Ambassador Anurag Srivastava told The Ethiopian Herald that since its foundation in 1950, the ICCR educational scholarship program aimed at building bridges between cultures and strengthening bonds among peoples of different countries around the world.
Anurag announced the launch of the ICCR alumni network in Ethiopia and urged the alumni to work closely with the Mission to further strengthen and grow this network.
The Ambassador also called on alumni to spread Indian educational opportunities including the ICCR as well as through distance learning and tele-education.
Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Ethiopia Ergoge Tesfaye (Ph.D) lauded the role of the Indian scholarship program, and urged the alumni to act as ambassadors of both countries and build bridges with a sense of belonging and affinity with Indian scholars.
Getting the highest ranking of ICCR alumnus for receiving Ph.D from Andhra University in 2017, Ergoge said that she is proud to be an ICCR alumnus, and stated that she would always work to strengthen ties between the two countries.
State Minister for Agriculture & Natural Resources Kaba Urgessa (Ph.D) shared stories from his long stay in India for his undergraduate, post-graduate and Ph.D degrees.
Kaba advised students going for higher education to India through ICCR scholarships to use the opportunity to travel within the country and learn about its rich culture and heritage.
Ambassador Anurag announced that Kaba is one of the five recipients of the ICCR Distinguished Alumni Award for 2018, selected from 160 countries around the world.
Approached by The Ethiopian Herald, two ICCR alumni said that the quest for knowledge has always been fundamental to Indian culture and civilization.
“India continues to be a real centre for learning; its education system is unique in terms of providing affordable reading materials, academic freedom in election and party union, cultural exchanges, and genuine grading system among others.”
The Alumni conveyed, “We will continue to remain ambassadors of India and act as a bridge to connect the peoples of Ethiopia and India; not only for our accomplishments but also for the everlasting heritage we receive from Indian knowledge and traditions.”
The Ethiopian Herald June 7,2019
BY ZELALEM GIRMA
