Sierra Leonean journalist and digital influencer, Sallu Kamuskay, has received two Certificates of Appreciation and prizes from the High Commission of India in Freetown for his participation in educational and cultural activities organized to commemorate India’s 80th Independence Day.
Neeraj Kumar Saini, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the High Commission of India in Freetown, presented the awards to Sallu Kamuskay on Saturday, 15 August 2026, during an Independence Day celebration held at the High Commission’s office in Freetown.
One certificate recognized Sallu Kamuskay’s successful participation in the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz 2026, an initiative designed to deepen participants’ knowledge and understanding of India’s history, culture, people and development.
Sallu Kamuskay received the second Certificate of Appreciation for taking part in the “India Through My Lens” photography competition, in which he also won a prize. The competition invited participants to use photography to present their experiences, memories and personal impressions of India.
The High Commission of India issued both certificates in recognition of Sallu Kamuskay’s commitment and active participation in the two initiatives.
Speaking to The Calabash after receiving the awards, Sallu Kamuskay expressed gratitude to the High Commission of India for providing Sierra Leoneans with opportunities to learn more about India through educational and cultural programmes.
“I am grateful to the Indian High Commission for creating opportunities such as the quiz and photography competition to test our knowledge and help us learn more about India. My perception of India changed when I visited the country in May last year. I had the opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, interact with Indians and enjoy the tour,” Sallu Kamuskay said.
Sallu Kamuskay described the quiz as an important platform for learning about India’s people, independence movement and rich cultural heritage.
“The quiz competition is also an opportunity to learn about India, its people, those who fought for the country’s independence and its rich culture. I am grateful to the High Commission for bringing such an opportunity to our country,” Sallu Kamuskay added.
Sallu Kamuskay’s participation in the photography competition followed his visit to India in 2025 as part of an India Familiarization Tour for digital influencers and content creators.
Sallu Kamuskay was among five Sierra Leonean influencers selected for the programme, which brought together participants from several African countries. The tour allowed the content creators to explore India’s history, culture, development and everyday life before sharing their experiences with their respective audiences.
Prominent African content creators also participated in the programme, including Nigerian comedian and digital creator Mark Angel, alongside influencers from other countries across the continent.
During the visit, the participants travelled to different locations and experienced various aspects of Indian culture. Sallu Kamuskay’s tour included a visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, as well as interactions with Indian citizens and exposure to the country’s traditions and way of life.
Sallu Kamuskay later used photographs and experiences from the tour to enter the “India Through My Lens” competition.
The presentation of the certificates and prizes underscored the growing cultural and people-to-people ties between India, Sierra Leone and other African countries. It also demonstrated the role of exchange programmes in promoting mutual understanding and strengthening international relations.
India commemorates Independence Day on 15 August each year to mark the end of British colonial rule and the country’s attainment of independence in 1947.
