Forty top-performing Basotho students are set to pursue higher education at universities and institutes across India after securing scholarships offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
The students, who recently completed all the requirements for the programme, will begin their studies in the coming weeks under one of India’s flagship educational and cultural exchange initiatives.
The ICCR scholarship supports Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate and PhD programmes, giving recipients the opportunity to acquire internationally recognised qualifications while experiencing India’s diverse academic and cultural environment.
The programme is open to applicants aged between 18 and 40 years, depending on the level of study.
Over the years, hundreds of Basotho students have benefited from ICCR scholarships, returning home with skills and qualifications that have contributed to national development.
Speaking during a send-off ceremony, the First Secretary (Press, Information and Culture) at the High Commission of India in Pretoria, Dr Sona Soman, said the students would serve as ambassadors for Lesotho while strengthening ties between the two countries.
“You become India’s guests and Lesotho’s ambassadors,” Dr Soman said.
She described the scholarship as more than an opportunity for academic excellence, saying it also promotes international exposure, cross-cultural understanding and tolerance.
“The ICCR Scholarship is one of India’s flagship initiatives in educational and cultural diplomacy. Every year, it offers outstanding students from across the world an opportunity to pursue higher education at some of India’s finest universities and institutions.
“By earning this scholarship, you have become part of a distinguished community of alumni who have gone on to excel in diverse fields and have strengthened the bonds of friendship between India and their home countries.”
Dr Soman said Lesotho is among the largest beneficiaries of the ICCR scholarship programme.
She noted that India places great emphasis on knowledge sharing, capacity building, human resource development and partnerships for shared prosperity.
“ICCR brings together more than 3,400 students from over 160 countries enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes,” she said.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, return air tickets, medical insurance, accommodation allowance and a monthly stipend. However, recipients must maintain satisfactory academic performance throughout their studies to retain the sponsorship.
One of the recipients, Mosa Mabekeke, will study for a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics at Punjab University.
She said the programme would help her achieve her dream of working in a hospital.
“I am someone who loves food, and I want to study how it can improve people’s lives,” she said, adding that poor nutrition can also have serious health consequences.
Another recipient, Thapelo Kane, will pursue a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering.
He pledged to use the knowledge and skills he acquires to benefit Lesotho and encouraged other young people to seize opportunities whenever they arise.
“Locally there are limited scholarship opportunities, so young people should take advantage of opportunities like these,” he said.
Matoka Seetsa, who will study Civil Engineering, said she chose the field because Lesotho needs more infrastructure professionals.
“To my fellow youth, do not give up. There are opportunities out there if we are willing to look for them and make use of them. This is our country; let us put it on the map,” she said.
Counsellor for the Asian and Pacific Realm at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Ngaka Ramoroke, congratulated the students and said the expertise they would gain would contribute to Lesotho’s economic development.
He said many Basotho who studied in India had returned home to make meaningful contributions to the country.
Ramoroke urged the students to respect India’s laws, customs and traditions while conducting themselves in a manner befitting ambassadors of Lesotho.
“Fly our flag high. Everything you do will reflect on us,” he said, urging them to register with the Lesotho High Commission in New Delhi upon arrival.
“I implore you to remain faithful to yourselves and to your country. Avoid getting into trouble by all means. Your responsibility is to study hard and make your sponsors proud so that we can negotiate even more scholarships for future generations.”
He thanked the Government of India for its continued support, describing the scholarship programme as a reflection of the strong and friendly relations between the two countries.
“Enjoy your studies, but remember that you are going there for education. We are not sending you there to look for jobs. In India, you are there to study.”
He reminded the students that although they would be thousands of kilometres from home, they would have the support of the Lesotho High Commission in New Delhi.
ICCR Scholarship alumnus Relebohile Tsoamotse, who completed a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication in India after travelling there in 2021, described the experience as life-changing.
He encouraged the students to embrace every opportunity.
“Take every experience as it comes. Learn not only from your academic programme but also from the culture. Be open to acquiring new skills and meeting new people,” he said.
Tsoamotse also urged them to support one another despite being placed at different universities across India.
Another alumna, ‘Mapalo Nkheloane, who obtained a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism, reminded the students that they would represent Lesotho throughout their stay.
“Your behaviour reflects your country,” she said. “Respect people’s cultures and beliefs. India is an incredibly diverse country. Go there and represent Lesotho well.”
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nearly 2,000 Basotho have benefited from scholarships offered by the Government of India and Indian institutions over the years.
Honorary Consul for India in Lesotho, Biju Abraham Korah, congratulated the students and wished them success.
“You are fortunate to have this opportunity to study in India and explore new possibilities through education. We are proud of you and wish you every success in achieving your goals,” he said.
Korah described India as a country of immense diversity, with many cultures, languages, religions and traditions, and encouraged the students to embrace the experience and integrate into their host communities.
Summary
- Speaking during a send-off ceremony, the First Secretary (Press, Information and Culture) at the High Commission of India in Pretoria, Dr Sona Soman, said the students would serve as ambassadors for Lesotho while strengthening ties between the two countries.
- “By earning this scholarship, you have become part of a distinguished community of alumni who have gone on to excel in diverse fields and have strengthened the bonds of friendship between India and their home countries.
- Counsellor for the Asian and Pacific Realm at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Ngaka Ramoroke, congratulated the students and said the expertise they would gain would contribute to Lesotho’s economic development.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He reports on accountability, human rights, exposes corruption and wrong doing by those in power. He reports have exposed corruption, abuse of power, fraud, misconduct and negligence. He subscribes to evidence-based reporting. He reports on governance, parliament, courts, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and agriculture. He gives a voice to the marginalised while also demanding accountability. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
