L-R: High Commissioner Dr. Amit Telangand Premier Dr. Ellis Webster
In a recent meeting with Her Excellency, Governor Julia Crouch, and the Honourable Premier Dr. Ellis Webster, High Commissioner Dr. Amit Telang, the new Designated Council General of India, shared plans to bolster relations between India and Anguilla. Dr. Telang expressed enthusiasm about enhancing partnerships in education, trade, and commerce, aiming to deepen cooperation between the two nations.Speaking with The Anguillian, Dr. Telang further expanded on his initiatives such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Initiative (ITEC), offering fully-funded courses in various fields for professionals seeking to upgrade their skills. “We have two major programmes,” he said. “One of them is called the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Initiative. This particular initiative offers different courses. The courses could be short or longer in duration. They are basically meant for people who are already working and would like to upgrade their skills.”
“It could be managerial skills, engineering, health care or even journalism,” he continued. “All sorts of options are available. And these courses are fully funded by the Government of India. So, you can travel to very premier institutions in India who offer these courses. Everything is taken care of by the Government of India, which includes the air travel, your stay, accommodation, and everything.”
Dr. Telang further explained the qualifications which varies depending on the level of study. “For undergraduate courses, applicants should complete as we call, 12th grade. Once you have done that, you can apply for the undergraduate courses. But we have observed that most of the people who apply for these scholarships, apply either for masters or post-graduate. For the master courses, you should have a graduate degree in the concerned faculty. And for doctoral studies, of course, you should have the master’s or anything, one of the two criteria.”
Dr. Telang assured that efforts would be made to increase participation from Anguilla by simplifying application processes and expanding scholarship slots. He also discussed plans for community initiatives, including vocational training and skill development programmes to empower Anguilla’s youth. He emphasized the potential for initiatives like yoga classes and wellness therapies to contribute to Anguilla’s tourism-based economy.
Moreover, Dr. Telang expressed willingness to collaborate with Anguilla’s Minister for Education, Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, to promote educational opportunities and facilitate exchanges between institutions, providing avenues for skill development and cultural exchange.
Overall, Dr. Telang’s visit marks a promising start to a renewed partnership, with both nations poised to benefit from increased collaboration and exchange.
