By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Indian High Commission in Sierra Leone celebrated the 76th Indian Republic Day on Sunday, January 26, 2025, with a well-attended event at Lagoonda in Freetown.
Republic Day marks one of the most significant milestones in India’s history as a sovereign nation. On this day in 1950, India adopted its Constitution, laying the foundation for the world’s largest democracy. The Indian Constitution is not just a legal document but a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. These values continue to guide the nation toward progress, peace, and prosperity.
Shri Baisnab Charan Pradhan, the High Commissioner of India to Sierra Leone, recounted India’s remarkable progress since gaining independence in 1947. “It established itself as the world’s largest democracy, adopted a visionary Constitution, and achieved self-sufficiency in food production. India also emerged as a major exporter of agricultural products through the Green Revolution and modernization and mechanization of agriculture. India has become a global leader in technology and space exploration, with milestones like successful missions to Mars and Moon,” Pradhan stated.
He highlighted India’s robust Information Technology sector, which drives global innovation, and advancements in healthcare and education that uplift millions. As the fifth-largest economy, India champions sustainable development, renewable energy, and digital transformation. India’s role in international diplomacy, peacekeeping, and initiatives like the International Solar Alliance underscores its commitment to global progress and cooperation.
The High Commissioner also commended successive governments of Sierra Leone for their sincere efforts to foster peace, prosperity, and growth since the devastating civil war more than two decades ago. He noted that the governments have prioritized peacebuilding, reconciliation, and reforms in governance and security. Economic recovery programs have focused on attracting foreign investment, revitalizing agriculture, developing infrastructure, improving healthcare and education, and addressing poverty and inequality.
Pradhan mentioned the invaluable contributions of the UN Peacekeeping Force, including the 4000-strong Indian contingent, whose intervention helped end the decade-long civil war in Sierra Leone. He added that the bilateral relationship between the countries has played a crucial role in Sierra Leone’s development, providing financial aid, technical expertise, and capacity-building support. India has also supported Sierra Leone in its fight against diseases like Ebola and promoted economic growth, trade, and investment, driving the nation’s progress towards stability and prosperity.
Francess Piagie Alghali, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, stated that in celebrating India’s national day, Sierra Leone is inspired by the tremendous sacrifices made by generations of Indians who fought for the cherished values enjoyed today by the people of India. She emphasized that India remains the world’s largest democracy and has been a steadfast and reliable partner for Sierra Leone.
Alghali noted that within the framework of South-South cooperation, India has been a tremendous partner in supporting the short and long-term capacity-building needs of Sierra Leone in various fields aligned with the country’s development priorities, such as healthcare, Information Technology, and education. “Through the many lines of credit, India has supported development projects in crucial sectors. Some of these include the ongoing construction of the University of Science and Technology in Koidu town, Kono district; irrigation development in Tomabum in 2019; expansion and rehabilitation of existing potable water facilities in four communities in 2019; modernization and expansion of network and infrastructure of the Sierratel project through ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) in 2011; and procurement of buses for university and tertiary institutions through EBID. And I must say that this list is by no means exhaustive,” Alghali stated.
She affirmed that both countries uphold the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, standing together to promote peace and security around the world.