Liberian students studying in Greater Noida areas and Sharda University gathered on Monday, July 27, to commemorate the 179th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Liberia, althoigh the National Day falls on Sunday, 26 July.
Dressed in vibrant traditional attire reflecting national colors of Liberia, the students celebrated theiriberia’s history and values with enthusiasms and celebrations, above all in high spirit. Their Indian colleagues , staff and leadership of the International Division of the Sharda University participated in the celebration. Miss. Arthurlyne Johnson ( Cllr., Prof. Dr. Arthur Johnson’s daughter) serves as president of the Liberian student community in Greater Noida and Sharda University where she pursue studies in Law.
The Monday’s event uniquely took placed at the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium on the Sharda University world-class campus, located approximately 30 minutes from New Delhi, the capital of India. Liberian students came together from across the greater Noida areas to honor the spirit of patriotism, freedom, and unity that has characterized Liberia since its independence on July 26, 1847.
The celebrations included a parade of the Sharda University campus featuring students and a flag hoisting ceremony, reflecting a commitment to Liberia’s democratic principles, cultural heritage and legacy. Following the parade, the program transitioned indoors, concluding with outdoor activities that began with the singing of the Liberian National Anthem.
Throughout the event, the students expressed their connection to their roots and national identity, highlighting Liberia’s significant historical legacy as the first independent republic in Africa and the second Black state to gain independence worldwide.
The National Day celebration in India featured a keynote address by Honorable Numene T. H. Bartekwa Sr., Senator of Grand Kru County in the 55th Liberian Legislature and Chairman of both the Grand Kru County Legislative Caucus and the Senate Committee on Concessions and Investment.
Senator Bartekwa, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Liberia commended the leadership and members of the Liberian student community in Greater Noida, Sharda University, and other universities throughout India for their display of patriotism and unity during the National Day celebration.
In his address, Senator Bartekwa provided an analysis and historical context of Liberia since its independence on July 26, 1847, and conveyed messages of congratulations from President Joseph N. Boakai, the Senate Pro-tempore of the Liberian Senate and President of the University of Liberia, Prof. Dr. Layli Maparyan. He also recognized the Liberian students in India for their commitment to honoring the nation’s legacy, commitment for quality education and for being a good ambassadors of Liberia and their communities.
Senator Bartekwa presented a donation of US$1,000 to the Liberian students to support their refreshment needs and encouraged them to embody values of integrity, honesty, transparency, and professionalism, while also highlighting the positive developments occurring in Liberia.
He urged them to nature and protect the MoU existing between the University of Liberia and Sharda University, and praised the students for their outstanding performance in their various disciplines.
Senator Bartekwa expressed gratitude to the administration of Sharda University for creating a welcoming environment for Liberian students and emphasized the importance of utilizing their time in India to pursue advanced studies in various fields.
He reminded the students that Liberia’s progress and national development required collective efforts and contributions across all sectors to reshape the new positive direction of the country. He encouraged the studens and Liberians in the Republic of India to take advantage of their presence at the various universities particularly the Sharda University to gain advanced knowledge in various academic disciplines.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, President and the Administration of the University of Liberia, the Chair of the UL’s Board conveyed special gratitude to the administration, faculty and staff of Sarda University for being supportive of Lberian students quest for standard and quality education.
Dr. Ashok Daryani, President of International Relations at Sharda Group of Companies and Sharda University, delivered the welcome remarks, commending the Liberian students for their patriotism and their role as ambassadors for Liberia, and extended Sharda University gratulations to Liberians on their 179th Independence Anniversary.
Describing Liberia’s independence as historic, Dr. Daryani reflected on Liberia’s historical significance as the first independent country in Africa and a beacon of hope for the continent, extending congratulations to the government and people of Liberia on the occasion of the 179th anniversary of independence.
In his profound remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Josephus M. Gray currently the Doyen of Deans at the University of Liberia and Dean of the Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities, conveyed greetings from the President of the University of Liberia, Prof. Dr. Laylo Maparyan, as well as the faculty and staff commending Liberian students for their commitment to quality education and their role as representatives of Liberia across various colleges, departments, and classrooms at Sharda University in India. Dr. Gray who serves as Sharda University’s ambassador to the Republic of Liberia praised the MoU between UL and Sharda University. He described the partnership and collaboration as unique for both Liberia and India.
Dr. Gray expressed appreciation for the students’ dedication to national identity, historical roots, and the spirit of 1847 . He emphasized the importance of their connection to the country’s legacy and unique history, thanking them for their pride in being Liberians.
Additionally, the Sharda University community and Liberian students in Greater Noida, India honored Senator Bartekwa as an “Esteemed Guest,” presenting him with a special gift in recognition of his leadership as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Liberia and the Senate Committee on Concessions and Investment.
The students and administration also recognized and hknored Prof. Dr. Amb. Josephus M. Gray, acknowledging his leadership at the Amos C. Sawyer College, University of Liberia and his role as Sharda University’s Ambassador to Liberia. They indicated thT Dr. Gray’s presence in India is usually presents opportunity for them to interact with him, share their challenges and seeks his intervention in several aspects.
Dr. Gray is also an adjunct professor at the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Sharda School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Sharda University and previously served for three months October-December 2024 as a visiting professor based on UL-SU MoU.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday and Wednesday, Senator Bartekwa is scheduled to meet with Sharda University and Sharda Hospital authorities, including the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, President of the International Relations Division, Deans, Directors, and Managers of Sharda Healthcare.
The Senator’s itinerary includes tours of the multi-million-dollar Hospital, Sharda Launchpad, and various Centers of Excellence, including those focused on artificial intelligence, imaging, forensics, renewable energy, and online learning resources.
In 2022, both universities, UL and SU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing their partnership and promoting collaboration in various academic initiatives. These initiatives include joint investments in the private sector, faculty development, technological enhancement, and collaborative research and publication.
Presently, Sharda University hosts about 150 Liberian students, the second largest student group to Nigerian student group, whole Sharda University hosts students from about 97 countries across the world.
