Mbabane – The High Commission of India in Mbabane hosted an orientation session on Thursday for this year’s Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship awardees, bringing together government ministers, parents and educators to celebrate the emaSwati students set to pursue higher studies in India.
The Education Attaché briefed the students on the pre-departure and post-departure formalities they must complete before taking up their placements at Indian universities.
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla attended as chief guest, joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu and Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo as guests of honour. The three encouraged the awardees to stay focused on their studies once they arrive in India. 
High Commissioner N. Ram Prasad congratulated the students on their selection and spoke about the role the scholarships play in strengthening ties between the two countries.
“Education transforms lives. It opens doors that once seemed closed, expands horizons, and gives young people the tools to turn aspiration into achievement,” he said. “When a young mind is educated, a family’s prospects improve, when many young minds are educated, a nation’s future is assured.”
Prasad said the scholarships represent India’s investment in people, describing them as more than an avenue for knowledge and skills. “These scholarships are not only opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills, they are bridges that bring two societies closer, foster cross-cultural understanding, and create lifelong networks of cooperation,” he said.
He linked the programme to the national vision set out by His Majesty King Mswati III, saying the learning the students receive in India would serve as a foundation for progress across public health, trade, technology, agriculture and cultural life back home.
Demand for the scholarships was high this year, with the High Commission receiving 426 applications, more than 10 for each available place. A three-member committee scrutinised every application and awarded all scholarships on merit. Of the 41 scholarships on offer, 12 went to Master’s studies and 29 to graduate studies. Girls once again outperformed boys, taking 24 of the awards against 17 for their male counterparts.
Prasad urged the recipients to approach their studies with curiosity and discipline, and to see their education as service to the nation. “Return as innovators, public servants, educators, entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors who multiply the benefit of your experience,” he said, calling on them to share knowledge with their communities and mentor others.
He said India stands ready as a partner in the students’ journey, pointing to faculty exchanges, vocational training, technology cooperation and cultural programmes that support the country’s priorities. “We believe in partnerships that respect your national ownership and respond to your needs,” he said.
Turning to the parents, educators and government officials present, the High Commissioner said their support had made the moment possible and called on them to create environments where graduates can put their skills to use through sound policy, job opportunities and platforms for civic engagement.
“Study well, represent your nation with pride, and return to build the Eswatini that your leaders envision and your people deserve,” he told the awardees.
