The event, which falls on 15th September, is an annual event bringing together I-Tech scholars and ITEC alumni to interact and share experiences while pursing different programmes in India.
Launched in 1964, ITEC is one of the oldest institutionalised arrangements of the government for international capacity building and has since benefited more than 200,000 officials from over 160 countries in both the civilian and the defense sectors.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Dinka Asthana, High Commissioner to The Gambia, revealed that India and The Gambia are natural partners and share common values of democracy and also cultural and linguistic links.
‘‘The overall engagement between India and the Gambia remains vibrant and we desire to continue and strengthen this mutually beneficial relationship and to enhance cooperation and understanding with the Gambia on issues of mutual interest at the bilateral and multilateral levels.’’
The Indian High Commissioner made reference to the Indian Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Narendra Modi that India is a country which has always played a constructive role on the world stage.
‘‘Our offer of development assistance, our development model is not based on a give and take but it is guided by the developmental requirements of our partner countries. Our focus has always been on capacity building and human resource development.’’
To that end, the Indian diplomat revealed that his country’s continuance to partner with their favorite developing partner countries such as the Gambia under the framework of South-South cooperation, is an important pillar of India's foreign policy.
High Commissioner Asthana acknowledged that development partnership is a cornerstone of India's foreign policy and it is based on two main pillars; the idea of partnership that is working for mutual benefit and secondly, cooperation based on priorities that are identified by the partner country that is demand driven.
Started in 1964, ITECH he said, is one of the oldest institutionalised arrangements of the government for international capacity building.’’
Through the programme, he revealed that India has trained more than 200,000 officials from over 160 countries in both the civilian and the defense sectors by relying on India's vast and rich network of governance and developmental related expertise available in higher education, higher educational institutions and training facilities.
Equally, he revealed that ITECH offers nearly 10,000 fully funded in-person training opportunities through nearly 400 courses at over 100 eminent institutions in India every year.
Ambassador Lang Yabo, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, shared his memorable times while pursuing a course in India in 1994.
He acknowledged that India has impacted his life and thanked India on behalf of Government and people of the Gambia.
‘‘India is one of the countries that, when we look at the Development South, we always remember India, because of your role in partnering with countries around the Development South.
Ambassador Yabo maintained that India has spearheaded development initiatives, human capital development, mainly in the Development South, using various means including the South-South Fund at the United Nations.
Professor Pierre Gomez, Minister for Higher Education, Research Science and Technology, emphasised that the programme has over the decades quietly but profoundly shaped the human capital of nations such as ours.
‘‘Let me begin by conveying on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Gambia our sincere appreciation to the Government of India for its enduring partnership, solidarity and commitment to capacity development in our country. This evening is not merely ceremonial. It is a testament to a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared aspirations and common belief in the transformative power of knowledge.’’
He reminded that as they gather as alumni of the ITEC program, they celebrate modern training, opportunity, exposure, transfer of skills, ideas and values that transcend borders.
‘‘In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, no nation can develop in isolation. As Indian statesman Jawaharlal Nehru once observed, the future belongs to science and those who make friends with science.’’
Professor Gomez noted that the India ITEC program has enabled the Gambia to make precisely sought friendships, not only with science and technology but with innovation, entrepreneurship and global best practice.
He recalled that countless Gambian professionals, public servants, engineers, academics, ICT specialists and administrators over the years have benefited from ITEC training, some of whom are now back and contributing to national development.
The event was graced by senior government officials, ITEC alumni, Indian High Commission officials and friends.
The event, which witnessed performance by local Gambian dance group, also accorded alumni to share their insightful experience during the times in India.
