The Indian Ambassador to Liberia, Manoj Bihari Verma, embarked on a weekend tour of Margibi County, specifically visiting the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) and Jeety Rubber Factory. These entities, under the ownership of Indian businessman Upjit Singh Sachdeva, also known as Mr. Jeety, have garnered significant praise for their positive socio-economic impact on the region. Ambassador Verma’s visit aimed to assess the extent of this impact, encompassing job creation, infrastructural development, and community investment initiatives. The ambassador’s visit was met with enthusiastic appeals from local leaders, including township chiefs and district commissioners of Margibi District #5, who stressed the critical need for enhanced educational opportunities for their youth. They specifically requested an increase in scholarship provisions, emphasizing the transformative potential of higher education in driving economic growth within their district and Liberia as a whole. They passionately pleaded for the ambassador’s intervention, highlighting the genuine and heartfelt nature of their request. They believed that providing their children with access to advanced education would be a catalyst for positive change, not only within their district but across the nation.
Responding to the local leaders’ plea, Ambassador Verma acknowledged the significance of their request and reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to supporting Liberia’s developmental aspirations. He emphasized India’s focus on strengthening education, healthcare, and youth empowerment within Liberia, reiterating the country’s status as a key development partner. He highlighted the ongoing scholarship programs facilitated by the Indian government, particularly those targeted at capacity building within Liberia. Moreover, the ambassador pledged to work with SRC and Jeety Rubber Factory to establish a system of undergraduate scholarships for students from Margibi County, ensuring a merit-based selection process. This commitment, bridging both nations, would empower Liberia with a more skilled workforce while simultaneously reinforcing India’s diplomatic and economic ties within West Africa.
Beyond the scholarship initiative, Ambassador Verma commended the significant strides made by SRC and Jeety Rubber Factory in improving the local infrastructure. He lauded the companies’ contributions to employment generation, infrastructure development, and the overall improvement of the livelihoods of the communities they operate within. The ambassador underlined the importance of robust bilateral ties between India and Liberia, asserting that these strong ties would encourage increased investment from Indian businesses, thereby contributing significantly to Liberia’s broader development agenda. He reaffirmed India’s enduring partnership with Liberia and expressed his satisfaction with the conducive investment environment fostered by the Liberian government and the people of Margibi.
Mr. Sachdeva, committed to fostering sustainable community development, shared his ambitious vision for the future. He detailed plans to expand the Jeety Rubber Factory’s production to include tires and gloves, anticipating that this expansion would lead to improved incentives and social services for the local population. He emphasized his commitment to upholding a robust corporate social responsibility model, ensuring the long-term welfare of the communities surrounding his businesses. His commitment to improving the lives of the local population through job creation and enhanced social servicesunderscored his focus on sustainable community development.
Underlining his dedication to education, Mr. Sachdeva announced a comprehensive scholarship program for students at the SRC School. He promised to provide full undergraduate scholarships in India to any 12th-grade student who achieves an A+ on the WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination). Furthermore, students who obtain an A grade will receive sponsorship for their studies at any university in Liberia. He reinforced his belief in education as the cornerstone of community development, highlighting his commitment to ensuring access to quality education and healthcare facilities for the children of Margibi. This initiative underscores Mr. Sachdeva’s dedication to investing in the future of the community by empowering its youth through education.
Mr. Sachdeva outlined the ongoing infrastructural improvements at SRC, pledging to complete the renovation and upgrade of all worker housing within a 24-month timeframe. He also committed to providing additional social amenities, demonstrating a holistic approach to worker welfare. This commitment to enhancing the living conditions of the workforce reflects Mr. Sachdeva’s focus on creating a positive and supportive work environment which contributes to the overall well-being of the community. His initiatives align with the broader goals of sustainable development, economic growth, and improved quality of life for the residents of Margibi County. The combined efforts of the Liberian government, the Indian Embassy, and private sector investments create a powerful synergy for positive change in the region.
