The Embassy of India in Harare hosted a special send-off ceremony for Zimbabwean students selected under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarship Programme, highlighting the enduring friendship between India and Zimbabwe through education, knowledge exchange and youth empowerment.
The ceremony brought together government officials, education stakeholders, embassy representatives and scholarship recipients to celebrate the achievements of young Zimbabweans who are set to pursue higher education in India.
Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Fanuel Tagwira, described the scholarship programme as an important investment in human capital development. He said educational partnerships play a critical role in equipping young people with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to national development.
"Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming societies. Opportunities such as these enable our young people to gain international exposure, acquire new skills and return home ready to contribute to Zimbabwe's development," Professor Tagwira said.
India's Ambassador to Zimbabwe, H.E. Mr. Bramha Kumar, congratulated the students on their selection and described the ICCR Scholarship Programme as a symbol of the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries. He noted that the programme has been a key pillar of India–Zimbabwe relations since Zimbabwe joined it in 2010.
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For the 2026–2027 academic year, India has expanded its support by increasing the Maitri Scholarship allocation to 20 fully funded places, alongside additional opportunities under the ICCR Quad STEM Scholarship Scheme and the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme.
"The ICCR Scholarship Programme is not only about academic advancement; it is about building bridges of friendship, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and strengthening the bonds between our peoples," Ambassador Kumar said.
He encouraged the students to pursue their studies with dedication, discipline and a sense of responsibility, reminding them that they would serve as representatives of Zimbabwe during their stay in India.
"You are not simply pursuing individual advancement. You are ambassadors of Zimbabwe, carrying the hopes of a nation and the responsibility of contributing to a prosperous and knowledge-driven future," he said.
Among the beneficiaries are Nokutenda Lesley Maradza, who will pursue a Bachelor of Technology in Robotics at Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi, and Ishmael Tyoka, who will study for a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology (Cyber Security) at Delhi Technological University. Their chosen fields reflect the growing importance of technology and innovation in addressing future development challenges.
The scholarships provide comprehensive support, including tuition fees, living allowances, accommodation assistance, travel support, medical insurance and other academic provisions, allowing students to concentrate fully on their studies.
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