BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE – Education cooperation between Eswatini and India reached another milestone on Friday as 41 emaSwati students were awarded prestigious Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships, marking a significant increase from 31 beneficiaries last year.
Speaking during the scholarship award ceremony, India’s High Commissioner to Eswatini, H.E. N. Ram Prasad, described the increase as a clear demonstration of India’s growing commitment to empowering Eswatini’s youth through quality education. The event was attended by Acting Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo, government officials, parents and students.
The High Commissioner revealed that the scholarship programme attracted 426 applications this year, meaning more than ten students competed for every available scholarship. He said all successful candidates were selected purely on merit after a rigorous evaluation process.
He noted that education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives, strengthening communities and driving national development. He said India values its long-standing friendship with Eswatini and continues to invest in young people through scholarships, skills development, cultural exchanges and technical cooperation.
H.E. Ram Prasad encouraged the scholarship recipients to embrace every opportunity while studying in India by developing academic excellence, leadership skills and cultural understanding. He urged them to return home equipped with knowledge that will contribute towards achieving His Majesty King Mswati III’s Nkwe Vision of prosperity and sustainable national development.
He further reminded the students that the scholarships represent a responsibility to serve their country after graduation by becoming innovators, entrepreneurs, educators and professionals who improve the lives of emaSwati.
Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo congratulated the recipients and encouraged them to work hard, represent Eswatini with pride and use their education to help build a stronger nation.
India alumnus Muzi Mhlongo also inspired the new scholarship recipients by sharing his own academic journey. He encouraged them to embrace new experiences, adapt to a different culture and maximise every learning opportunity available during their studies.
The High Commissioner reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Eswatini through continued educational opportunities that empower young people and create lasting partnerships between the two nations.
#EducationForAll #IndiaScholarships #Eswatini #YouthEmpowerment
