Kyrgyzstan is one of the partners of ITEC, under which the Indian government provides grants for training foreign specialists in the country's educational institutions.
At the beginning of the event, a lamp was lit according to Indian custom, which is a traditional ritual for significant events in India. The fire symbolizes purity, luck, and strength, reflecting the philosophy that light represents knowledge, while darkness represents ignorance. The lamp, as a symbol of knowledge, emphasizes the importance of education as the primary wealth that paves the way to success.
The light of this lamp, which has illuminated the path for over 200,000 graduates from 160 countries for more than 60 years, has become a symbol of friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of Kyrgyzstan and India. The atmosphere in the hall, where more than a hundred people gathered, was filled with a spirit of camaraderie. Participants reminisced about their days in India, sharing vibrant videos they filmed during their studies, full of light and warmth.
The stories of personal and professional growth from alumni highlighted the significance of ITEC as a program that not only helps enhance qualifications but also provides an opportunity to learn about another country's culture, bringing peoples closer together. Program participants noted that ITEC fosters the strengthening of friendly ties and mutual understanding between Kyrgyzstan and India.
Nazgul Mambetalieva, one of the participants, shared: “Our countries are connected not only by economics but also by shared visions for the future. We, the youth, must build it together with our friends from India.”
Altynai Osmoeva, a multimedia artist, spoke about her training in traditional textiles: “We visited Varanasi, where the Ministry of External Affairs and the textile department organized an experience exchange for cultural figures. I saw how seriously India treats its culture.”
Safarbek Omorov, who trained 20 years ago, emphasized: “The ITEC program is important in today's world, where there is much misunderstanding. It unites peoples, and that is of great significance.”
Ray kyzy Rakhmat added: “In our group, there were 19 countries, and we maintain friendly relations with many after our studies.”
Ulan Aydarov, a communications engineer, noted: “Studying in India gave me knowledge that was relevant at the time. I was able to touch upon the culture and history, which was very valuable to me.”
The meeting also highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is actively developing the content of courses and improving conditions for ITEC students. In recent years, many qualification enhancement programs have been launched, helping participants immerse themselves in Indian culture.
The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of India to Kyrgyzstan, Birender Singh Yadav, emphasized that ITEC is one of the leading cooperation programs, providing young specialists from Kyrgyzstan with opportunities to receive scholarships in various fields. He noted that the number of graduates in Kyrgyzstan continues to grow, reflecting the strategic partnership between the countries.
The ambassador also added that citizens of partner countries can undergo internships in various specialties at leading universities in India, and the program is constantly updated to meet modern requirements.
Rajni Verma, responsible for culture and the ITEC program at the embassy, noted that for many participants, this is the first opportunity to visit India and get acquainted with its culture and people. ITEC is not only an educational program but also a means to strengthen ties between India and other countries.
The meeting, filled with memories and emotions, lasted longer than planned, accompanied by Indian music, dance, and songs, adding a special atmosphere to the event.
