Namibia and other foreign holders of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations’ (ICCR) scholarship praised the entity for the opportunity to enhance their academic and professional careers.
One of the recipients, Wilka Shonghela, said the scholarship played a crucial role in her life by empowering and providing her with access to high-quality education in India.
“Financial constraint s can be a barrier to higher education abroad. The ICCR scholarship helped me bridge this gap by covering tuition fees, accommodation and other essential expenses,” said the Master of Business Administration graduate from the University of Mysore.
She said beyond financial support, the scholarship fosters cultural exchange, allowing engagement with India’s rich academic and business ecosystem.
“This exposure helps build skills, networks and knowledge that can contribute to the economic and social development of our home countries. Receiving this opportunity to pursue my master’s has been invaluable in shaping my academic and professional growth.
It has allowed me to study in a globally-competitive environment, gain international exposure, and build connections that will be beneficial in my career,” Shonghela shared.
She encourage Namibians to apply for the scholarship, saying it is not merely an educational opportunity, but an investment in the future of African students.
Helena Haitembu said “I got an opportunity to develop soft skills for leadership, teamwork and communication, which are crucial for a successful career in business. The journey in India can be quite enriching, as India is home to diverse business landscapes”.
She is based in the state of Karnataka, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Mysore.
Sayed Iftikhar Hussain Vajdani from Afghanistan told Youth Corner that India has long been a beacon of knowledge and learning, attracting students from different parts of the world through its various scholarship programmes.
“As a beneficiary of the ICCR scholarship, I have personally experienced India’s vast educational landscape. Currently pursuing my PhD in Economics, I have witnessed first-hand how India shapes students’ academic and personal growth,” he said.
He added that the ICCR scholarship plays a crucial role in strengthening international academic ties.
India’s high commissioner to Namibia Rahul Shrivastava noted that education is a cornerstone and prioritised aspect of the bilateral relations between the two nations.
Apart from the ICCR, there is also an opportunity to apply for a scholarship through the India Africa Matri scholarship programme.
“We have a scholarship that is exclusively for Namibian nationals. We would like more Namibians to apply. We also have the best university providing these courses,” he stated.
He encouraged Namibians in the art space to apply for scholarships and pursue careers in music, theatre and other forms of art.
-psiririka@nepc.com.na