A St. Maarten student can now study in the technical or economics field on a full scholarship to India. The Indian Government has extended a scholarship to the country. Student must be selected by St. Maarten by March.
The scholarship was announced at a reception for India Republic Day hosted by the Indian Merchants Association (IMA) in Belair Community Centre Saturday evening. India Republic Day was observed on January 26. Scholarship documents were formally presented to Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams by IMA Vice President Peter Mirpuri.
The IMA representative said he hopes the candidate selected will "benefit tremendously and bring back with him/her a wealth of knowledge and experience."
Mirpuri said the Indian community has become an integral part of the social fabric of St. Maarten. "We have adopted St. Maarten as our home and are involved in various organisations and contribute wholeheartedly …"
"We believe that together with courage, confidence and determination, we can and will build a strong and successful country St. Maarten," Mirpuri said. "Though India is our motherland, St. Maarten is our home."
Wescot-Williams said the government and people of St. Maarten are cognisant and recognise the contributions Indians have made to the country. St. Maarten is "a model of tolerance and acceptance."
The prime minister urged continued contribution and focus on nation building. She thanked the Indian Government, via IMA, for the scholarship.
For its direct contribution to the community, IMA gave the Parent-Teacher Foundation (PTF) of Ruby Labega Primary School US $1,000 to help with the needs of the children. PTF President Shanna Cornet received the cheque to help aid in the cleanup efforts from IMA Treasurer Deepu Budhrani and IMA Charity Committee Head Simran Bharwani.
Budhrani said this year IMA continues to focus on education and in this vein the school was selected.
Bharwani added that it is part of the rich Indian heritage and culture is the act of "Seva" or service.
Saturday’s reception had classical Indian Dance preformed by Aparna Samaga blended with a St. Maarten vibe from Imbali Centre for Creative Movement.