Academic Bridge between India and South Africa

 Pictured (l-r) Mr. Sailesh Sampathy, HRH Princess Dlamini, High Commissioner Virendra Gupta, HRH Muzi Dlamini and Ms Vidya Bhandarkar

24 April 2014

The High Commissioner of India, Mr Virendra Gupta launched the “Academic Bridge” between India and South Africa at an event held in Laudium, Tshwane on April 17, 2014. The event was jointly hosted by Siva Sivani Institute of Management (SSIM) of Hyderabad, India and Ubuntu Institute of South Africa. Mr. Sailesh Sampathy, CEO, SSIM and a representative of HRH Prince Cedza Dlamini, CEO, Ubuntu Institute - HRH Muzi Dlamini were also present during the event.

Speaking at the launch of the project, Director Ms Vidya Bhandarkar explained that the partnership between SSIM, India and Ubuntu Institute, South Africa aimed to provide unemployed South African students with internships across Corporate India. To begin with, the key focus of this educational outreach programme would be on the hospitality and agriculture sectors, through the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid-Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Taj Group of India.

In his speech, High Commissioner Mr Virendra Gupta recalled the historical and cultural links between India and South Africa emphasising the vision and contributions of two great leaders, Mahatma Gandhi and Mr. Nelson Mandela.

Launching the educational outreach programme with the support of the High Commission of India, the High Commissioner Gupta underlined the importance of human resource development as an important aspect for the overall development of the people.

He added that this academic bridge would add another important dimension in the ever-growing, friendly relations between India and South Africa and to promote South-south co-operation.

HRH Muzi Dlamini and Mr Sailash Sampathy endorsed the value of the academic brigde and committed themselves to ensuring a successful pilot project