Month: June 2024

Opportunities for African Scholars in India

 India offers a myriad of opportunities for African scholars, leveraging its robust educational infrastructure, diverse academic programs, and a commitment to fostering international collaboration. These opportunities span across scholarships, academic exchange programs, research collaborations, and professional development initiatives. Below is an overview of the key opportunities available for African scholars in India:


1. Scholarships and Fellowships

a. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarships

  • Overview: ICCR offers various scholarships to African students under the Africa Scholarship Scheme, enabling them to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies in Indian universities.
  • Fields of Study: Covers a wide range of disciplines including engineering, humanities, sciences, and arts.
  • Benefits: Includes tuition fees, living allowances, and travel expenses.

b. Study in India (SII) Program

  • Overview: An initiative by the Government of India to attract international students from various countries, including those in Africa.
  • Features: Offers scholarships and admissions to top Indian institutions.
  • Focus Areas: Includes technical education, management, humanities, and social sciences.

c. C.V. Raman International Fellowship for African Researchers

  • Overview: Sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, this fellowship aims to foster scientific cooperation.
  • Benefits: Covers fellowships for postdoctoral research, visiting scientists, and senior researchers.
  • Research Areas: Encompasses fields like science, technology, and innovation.

2. Academic Exchange Programs

a. India-Africa Forum Summit Initiatives

  • Objective: To enhance educational cooperation between India and African nations.
  • Activities: Includes faculty exchange, joint research projects, and institutional partnerships.
  • Impact: Promotes academic and cultural exchange, enriching the educational experience for African scholars in India.

b. Bilateral Agreements

  • Overview: Several African countries have bilateral agreements with India to facilitate student and faculty exchanges.
  • Features: Provides opportunities for African students to study in India and for Indian students to study in Africa.
  • Fields of Collaboration: Includes agriculture, medicine, engineering, and environmental studies.

3. Research Collaborations

a. Indo-African Research Collaboration

  • Initiative: Promoted by the Government of India, focusing on collaborative research projects between Indian and African institutions.
  • Research Areas: Spans across biotechnology, information technology, renewable energy, and more.
  • Funding: Jointly funded by Indian and African governments or institutions.

b. Partnerships with Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)

  • Scope: IITs and IIMs often engage in international research collaborations, providing opportunities for African scholars to participate in cutting-edge research.
  • Benefits: Access to world-class research facilities, joint publications, and potential for innovation and technology transfer.

4. Professional Development and Training

a. Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program

  • Objective: To provide technical training and capacity building to professionals from developing countries, including Africa.
  • Programs Offered: Short-term training courses, workshops, and seminars in various fields such as IT, engineering, and management.
  • Benefits: Covers training costs, travel expenses, and accommodation.

b. Skill Development Initiatives

  • Focus: Enhancing skills in areas like healthcare, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
  • Programs: Includes hands-on training, internships, and industry-academia collaborations.
  • Impact: Equips African scholars with practical skills and knowledge applicable to their home countries.

5. Higher Education Institutions and Special Programs

a. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and University of Delhi

  • Programs: Offer various undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs with a strong focus on international students.
  • Support Services: Provide dedicated international student offices to assist with admissions, visa processes, and integration.

b. Specialized Centers and Programs

  • Example: The African Studies Centre at JNU, which promotes research and academic exchange focused on African studies.
  • Activities: Includes conferences, seminars, and collaborative research projects.

Conclusion

India provides a diverse array of opportunities for African scholars, fostering academic growth, research collaboration, and professional development. Through scholarships, exchange programs, and research initiatives, India not only enhances the educational landscape for African scholars but also strengthens the ties between India and African nations. These opportunities empower African scholars to gain valuable knowledge and skills, contributing to their personal and professional growth and fostering a global exchange of ideas and innovations.

Commandant, College of Defence Management, Secunderabad

 Maj Gen Harsh Chhibber took over as the Commandant, College of Defence Management, Secunderabad on 31 May 24 from Rear Admiral Sanjay Datt. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Major General Harsh Chhibber was commissioned into the Army Service Corps in December 1988.

Maj Gen Harsh Chhibber holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) on Public Policy along with two M.Phil degrees in Business Management and Public Administration. He has also undertaken Technical Staff Officers Course (TSOC), Higher Defence Management Course (HDMC), and the Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration (APPPA).

Major General Chhibber’s military experience encompasses various important assignments in Eastern, Northern and Western Sectors including command of the Para ASC company, an ASC Battalion and the ASC Training Centre. He has been Brigadier General Staff (Information System) in Eastern Sector and Major General (Operational Logistics) in Northern Sector. He has also served as an instructor at the Army Service Corps Centre and College and as the Directing Staff and Head of the Financial Management Department at College of Defence Management. Software applications developed and implemented by him are in use in a large number of units.

***

Keep the wheels of democracy spinning as voting for the 18th Lok Sabha election

 India has made history today. Starting on the 19th of April with commencement of voting in phase 1 and spread over 7 phases, polling for General Election 2024 concluded today. Indian voters have given their most cherished right to vote for the constitution of the 18th Lok Sabha. Indian democracy and Indian elections have again done the magic. The great Indian voters, irrespective of their caste, creed, religion, socio-economic and educational background have done it once again. The real winner, indeed is the Indian voter.

Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar along with Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and ECI family are deeply humbled by the voters, who made it to the polling station overcoming many challenges and dilemmas they might have. The Commission, with all sincerity, wishes to place on record its thanks and appreciation to all voters. Through their emphatic participation, the voters have risen to the trust reposed by the founders of the Indian constitution, when they handed over the power of suffrage to the ordinary Indian. The massive participation in the democratic exercise reaffirms the democratic ethos and spirit of India.

ECI also expresses its gratitude to the entire election machinery including security forces for their dedication and commitment in providing smooth, peaceful and festive environment to voters across the country, braving tough weather, logistical challenges like tough terrains and managing law and order in a diverse demography.

The Commission also thanks all political parties and candidates which are a critical pivot of the Indian elections.

Commission is also thankful to the print, electronic and digital media for their contribution. The Commission has always considered media as an ally for a free and fair elections.

The importance of votes cast by centenarians, elderly, persons with disabilities, and transgenders are an inspiration to many, especially the youngsters

who will take forward the democracy further. ECI aspires that India’s next generation voters will take this participation to even greater heights.

The collective efforts of voters, political parties, candidates, election personnel and security forces during polling have strengthened Indian democracy, deserving great respect and appreciation. We, the people have kept the wheels of democracy spinning, thanks to collective efforts.

***