Indian HC celebrates ITEC Day with alumni |12 December 2022

High Commissioner Pande addressing the gathering

The High Commission (HC) of India in Seychelles on Tuesday afternoon hosted an alumni meet, bringing together Seychellois alumni who have benefitted under the programme recently, to mark the 58th Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day celebrations.

Observed this year under the theme ‘Building capacity, building community’, the programme is a bilateral programme of assistance of the government of India, instituted by the Indian Cabinet in 1964. Fully funded by the government of India, over 161 countries benefit from training and capacity-building for both civilian and defence professionals in different centres of excellence in India, empowering them with professional skills, while also preparing them for an increasingly globalised world.

Over 200,000 professionals have benefited through various ITEC programmes in past years, and around 14,000 scholarships are offered annually.

High commissioner of India to Seychelles, Kartik Pande, in his address noted India’s commitment towards a better world, through working and growing together, along with partner countries. As India formally assumed the G20 Presidency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has committed to working to promote the universal sense of oneness, with the tagline ‘One Earth, one family, one future’.

“It is a matter of great pride for us that since 1985, professionals from Seychelles have chosen to come to India, to augment their expertise, and today, over 1000 Seychellois have been to India,” High Commissioner Pande stated.

Even with the disruptions caused by the Covid pandemic, over 100 Seychellois were able to benefit under the programme.

High Commissioner Pande however noted that a significant proportion of scholarships offered to Seychelles annually often go unutilised.

For his part, Designated Minister and Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Jean-François Ferrari, conveyed his gratitude on behalf of President Wavel Ramkalawan and the government for the opportunities extended to Seychellois.

Minister Ferrari stated that the fact that ITEC programmes are grounded in practical skills and application has, and remains especially beneficial to Seychelles, especially towards Seychelles’ military force.

Chetina Saunders, who attended three weeks of training in ‘Enhancing leadership skills’ at the V.V Giri National Labour Institute, Moida in 2019, shared the experience with participants from four other countries, and found it to be very informative and valuable.

“The training itself has really enriched and enhanced my knowledge on the subject of leadership, provided me with new skills and tools to improve my leadership skills, in my quest to become a better leader in my respective field of work, and in society,” she recounted.

Asides from the training, Ms Saunders noted that it was a great opportunity to discover different places in India, the culture and cuisine, as well as to make new friends, with whom she is still in touch today.

Five other alumni shared their experience, namely, Idris Afif who followed an Information Technology (IT) related course, Steve Thelermont who completed a Yoga and Environment audit course, Peter Roselie, Lydia Rignace and principal secretary Sherin Francis.

The ceremony , which was also attended by the Minister for Education Justin Valentin and Vice- Chancellor of the University of Seychelles (UniSey) Joelle Perreau, was followed by a cocktail reception.

Our selection of photographs show some highlights of the ceremony.

Laura Pillay

Photos by Joena Meme