The High Commission of India in Sierra Leone has held an orientation programme for 50 beneficiaries of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year, preparing them for their academic journey in India.
The programme, held on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, at the High Commission of India on Wilkinson Road in Freetown, provided scholarship recipients with essential guidance on academic expectations, travel arrangements, cultural adaptation and their responsibilities as representatives of Sierra Leone during their studies in India.
Addressing the awardees, the Charge d’Affaires of the High Commission of India in Sierra Leone, Neeraj Kumar Saini, congratulated the students on their selection, describing the ICCR scholarship as a prestigious recognition of academic excellence, commitment and future leadership potential.
He said the beneficiaries were joining a global community of scholars who have chosen India as a destination for higher education and personal development.
Neeraj Kumar Saini highlighted India’s long-standing reputation as a centre of learning, tracing its educational heritage from ancient institutions such as Nalanda and Takshashila to modern universities offering globally recognized programmes in fields including engineering, information technology, artificial intelligence, agriculture, management, humanities, social sciences, sciences, performing arts and yoga.
He explained that the ICCR Scholarship Programme is one of India’s flagship educational and cultural diplomacy initiatives, awarding thousands of scholarships annually to students from countries around the world.
According to him, the scholarships go beyond financial assistance, describing them as an investment in people-to-people relations and future leaders who will strengthen partnerships between India and other nations.
Speaking on Sierra Leone-India relations, Neeraj Kumar Saini described the partnership between the two countries as strong and longstanding, based on mutual respect, shared democratic values and South-South cooperation.
He noted that capacity building remains a key pillar of bilateral relations, with many Sierra Leonean students and professionals benefiting from ICCR scholarships and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme over the years.
The diplomat also highlighted India’s continued support to Sierra Leone through development assistance in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, water supply, digital connectivity and education.
He disclosed that India recently donated haemodialysis machines to strengthen Sierra Leone’s healthcare system and announced that 1,000 metric tonnes of rice had arrived in Freetown to support the country’s school feeding programme.
Neeraj Kumar Saini reminded the scholarship recipients that they are important partners in strengthening relations between both countries.
“By studying in India, you will not only acquire knowledge and professional skills but also become lifelong ambassadors of the friendship between India and Sierra Leone,” he said.
He encouraged students to complete all pre-departure requirements, including obtaining valid passports, student visas, medical documents and carrying original academic certificates before travelling.
Upon arrival in India, he advised them to complete university registration, immigration procedures, medical insurance arrangements, bank account opening and submission of joining reports to ensure smooth access to scholarship benefits.
Neeraj Kumar Saini also informed the students that they were required to submit one-minute testimonial videos before receiving their visas and air tickets, encouraging those yet to submit theirs to do so promptly.
He reminded the beneficiaries that the scholarship comes with responsibilities, including maintaining good academic performance, attending classes regularly, respecting university regulations and observing India’s laws, culture and traditions.
The Charge d’Affaires encouraged the students to explore India’s diverse culture and learn from the country’s achievements in areas such as technology, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He assured them of continued support from the High Commission and ICCR throughout their academic journey.
Also speaking during the programme, Kamal Kishore, Attaché (Administration/ICCR), urged the scholarship recipients to uphold discipline, academic excellence and respect for Indian laws and cultural values throughout their studies.
Kamal Kishore described the scholarship as a life-changing opportunity and encouraged students to embrace India’s cultural diversity, traditions, festivals and hospitality while building meaningful relationships.
He advised them to attend classes regularly, maintain strong academic performance and comply with all university and Government requirements.
The Attaché (Administration/ICCR), reminded students to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 40 days of arrival, maintain valid passports and visas, open Indian bank accounts for scholarship payments and secure health insurance coverage.
Kamal Kishore also advised students to carry approximately US$1,500 for initial settlement expenses, explaining that scholarship allowances could take up to three months to process after arrival.
He urged them to protect important documents, including passports, visas, academic certificates and medical records, while seeking assistance first from their universities’ international student offices or course coordinators when facing challenges.
The ICCR official cautioned students against participating in political activities, demonstrations, election campaigns, religious preaching or engaging in employment during their studies.
He further warned them against misconduct, including bullying, violence, criminal activities or actions that violate university regulations and Indian laws.
On social media use, Kamal Kishore encouraged responsible online behaviour, advising students to avoid sharing offensive, inflammatory, anti-India or harmful content capable of affecting social harmony or relations between India and Sierra Leone.
He clarified that ICCR would not cover expenses such as hostel security deposits, excess baggage charges, medical treatment, penalties or other personal costs outside the scholarship package.
Meanwhile, scholarship beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the opportunity and pledged to use their studies to contribute to Sierra Leone’s development.
John Francis Koroma, who will pursue a Bachelor of Pharmacy at Utkal University, said he was honoured to receive the scholarship, describing it as a major milestone in his academic journey.
According to him, he chose India because of its global reputation in pharmaceutical sciences, medicine production and research.
He expressed confidence that the opportunity would enable him to gain knowledge and practical skills that would contribute to improving Sierra Leone’s healthcare sector upon his return.
Another beneficiary, Quinette Stephine Palmer, who will pursue a Master’s degree in Gender Studies at Alagappa University, thanked the Government of India and ICCR for the opportunity.
Quinette Stephine Palmer said she selected India because of its strong academic background in gender and development studies, particularly its experiences in addressing women’s empowerment and gender equality challenges.
She noted that many gender-related issues faced in India are similar to those experienced in Sierra Leone, making the programme valuable for gaining knowledge that can be applied back home.
She pledged to maximize the opportunity and use her education to contribute to advancing gender equality and social development in Sierra Leone.
The orientation programme ended with officials encouraging the scholarship recipients to represent Sierra Leone positively while building stronger educational and cultural ties between Sierra Leone and India.
