Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Engages with ITEC St...

Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Engages with ITEC Students at Embassy

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

On Tuesday, the Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Bramha Kumars, hosted an insightful interaction at the Indian Embassy in Harare with Zimbabwean students who had completed their training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme in India. The event offered an opportunity for the returnees to share their experiences and express gratitude for the valuable skills and knowledge gained during their time in India.

In his address, Ambassador Bramha Kumars highlighted the significance of the ITEC programme, which was launched in 1964 by the Indian government. "The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme is the leading capacity-building initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. It is the oldest institutionalized arrangement for international capacity building, having trained more than 200,000 officials from over 160 countries in both the civilian and defense sectors," he said.

Ambassador Kumars also emphasized the programme's roots in India’s history, noting that it was envisioned by India's first Prime Minister, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, as a means to share India’s expertise with friendly nations under South-South Cooperation. He elaborated on the positive impact of the programme, which continues to foster goodwill and knowledge exchange between India and Zimbabwe.

Additionally, Ambassador Kumars shared information about other opportunities available to Zimbabwean citizens. Over the past five years, 56 scholarships have been granted to Zimbabwean students for PhD and postgraduate courses in various fields through the India Council for Cultural Relations. The Ambassador praised the high utilization rate of these scholarships, which has been 100%, underscoring the growing academic and professional ties between the two countries. He also highlighted India’s support for Zimbabwe through specialized training programs, such as the 2020 Public Order Management and Riot Control course for Zimbabwean police officers, and the Solar Mama Programme, which has trained 11 rural women from Zimbabwe in solar energy technologies.

The event also provided a platform for the ITEC alumni to reflect on their experiences in India. Nyasha Patimwa, a representative from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, expressed her appreciation for the learning opportunity. “We learnt a lot of technological things from India, and we are going to implement them at our workplace,” she said, highlighting the practical benefits of the training.

Priscilla Handikatare, another ITEC alumna, shared her memorable visit to India, particularly her experience with the Taj Mahal. "I was struck by the sheer beauty and intricacy of the architecture," she said. "The love story behind this monument resonates deeply and brings up an emotional connection. The experience was enriched by a guided tour, which helped me understand the history and significance of the monument."

Handikatare reflected on the personal and historical aspects of the Taj Mahal, mentioning the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal, as well as the political intrigue that led to the emperor’s son, Aurangzeb, ascending to the throne. She noted how the peaceful surroundings of the Taj Mahal's gardens offered moments of reflection, while also emphasizing the cultural immersion she experienced in India, including local food, crafts, and traditions.

The event concluded with a sense of pride in the continued partnership between India and Zimbabwe. Through the ITEC programme, Zimbabwean students have gained valuable skills and cultural insights, contributing to the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations. The alumni's testimonials also underscored the lasting impact of the programme in fostering knowledge-sharing and international cooperation.