By Ncaba Ntshakala
A group of 30 young emaSwati have been awarded full scholarships by the government of India under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) for the academic year 2024-25.
The Indian High Commissioner, Ram Prasad, announced that his office received a total of 344 applications, but after rigorous scrutiny, only 30 were selected for this life-changing opportunity.
During a ceremony where Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla and Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture Bongani Nzima addressed the students,
RELATED:AfricaBusinessDigital EditionEventsFinanceGovernmentNationalSponsored
it was shared that the scholarship recipients will soon depart for India to pursue various courses where they will be embarking on a transformative academic journey that holds the potential to shape not only their futures but also contribute to the development of Eswatini.
The scholarships cover all academic expenses, allowing the students to focus entirely on their studies.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who addressed the scholarship awardees, congratulated them on their achievement and emphasized the significance of education as a pathway to personal and national growth.
She urged the young emaSwati to make the most of this opportunity and to take their studies seriously.
In her speech, Dladla reminded the students of their dual role, not only as scholars but also as ambassadors of Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage.
She encouraged them to embrace the opportunity for cultural exchange that the scholarship offers. “As you go, do not lose your identities.
RELATED: Inyatsi Foundation unveiled as title sponsor of Eswatini Schools Arts and Culture competitions
Carry with you your traditional regalia and be our true ambassadors,” she said.
Dladla emphasized that the scholarship represents much more than academic achievement.
“The scholarship is not merely a reward for your academic excellence; it is a gateway to new opportunities, new experiences, and a chance to broaden your horizon beyond the borders of Eswatini,” she said.
Eswatini and India share strong and growing bilateral relations, underpinned by cooperation in areas such as education, healthcare, and development.
India has been a key partner in supporting Eswatini’s human resource development, offering scholarships and providing technical training to emaSwati.
Diplomatic ties are further strengthened through trade, cultural exchange programs, and collaborative projects in agriculture and infrastructure.
