In accordance with tradition, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of India to Kyrgyzstan, Birender Singh Yadav, and the Deputy Minister of Science, Higher Education, and Innovations of Kyrgyzstan, Durus Kozuev, lit a lamp, symbolizing respect for knowledge as the highest value in Indian culture.
As Ambassador Yadav noted in an interview with vb.kg before the meeting, the philosophy of ITEC is based on the principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which implies the unity of the entire world. The program focuses on developing the potential of partner countries, including Kyrgyzstan, and provides participants with the opportunity to study at 140 educational institutions in India, helping them adapt to a globalizing world and acquire professional skills.
Birender Singh Yadav also emphasized that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Kyrgyzstan, cooperation under the ITEC program has significantly strengthened. Currently, India offers 100 scholarships annually for Kyrgyz students, specifically tailored to the priority sectors of the country's economy.
In this academic year, more than forty participants from Kyrgyzstan have already completed training under the program, and the ambassador expressed hope that this event would raise awareness of the program among even more young professionals. The number of ITEC graduates in the republic exceeds 1,500, including both civilian and military specialists.
Deputy Minister Durus Kozuev noted that India is an important partner for Kyrgyzstan in the field of education. The ITEC program supports reforms aimed at improving public administration and developing the economy, serving as an important tool for enhancing the qualifications of civil servants by providing access to relevant knowledge in various fields. Graduates of the program actively participate in implementing reforms in the country. The interest of Indian students in studying in Kyrgyzstan also confirms the strength of educational cooperation: currently, more than 17,000 Indian students are studying in the republic.
ITEC graduate Abdulaziz Kyrgyzbekov, a chief legal specialist at the tax service of the Issyk-Ata district, shared his experience: “The ITEC program provided me with the opportunity to study the tax system of India in depth, one of the most advanced in the world, and to exchange experiences with colleagues from other countries. The taxation system is the foundation of any state, like the heart for a person or the engine for a machine.”
According to him, the training topic was "Innovations in Tax Administration – Prospects for the Future," where issues and solutions were discussed. The training took place at the National Academy of Taxes in Nagpur, the largest city in central India.
Abdulaziz believes that the ITEC program not only provides knowledge and introduces the latest technologies but also fosters friendship among the youth of different countries, which is also a valuable outcome.
At the end of the event, a vibrant cultural program featuring Indian dances and music took place.
