AYV News, August 19, 2025
Complementing President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s free education agenda in Sierra Leone, the Shri Gurudwara Sahib in Lumley, in collaboration with the Indian Diaspora in Sierra Leone has awarded the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship 2025 to one hundred and ninety-eight underprivileged children across Freetown.
The Scholarship package includes one full-year tuition feesfor 98% of the pupils, dozens of exercise books, physical cash for uniform, and sets of essential school materials.
Guest Speaker at the event, the India High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Shri Baisnab Charan Pradhan, spoke about the significance of the scholarship and its connection to India’s 79th Independence Day.
He said, “Education is more than a pathway to personal success; it is the foundation for prosperous communities and nations. Through this scholarship, young minds are empowered and barriers to education are removed. This initiative embodies the values of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, promoting equality, compassion and service to humanity. It is an investment not only in individual students but in the leaders, innovators and change-makers of tomorrow.”
He said the vibrant Indian community in Sierra Leone has played a vital role in strengthening the bonds between Sierra Leone and India, adding that their contribution to the socio-economic life of this beautiful country is a testament to the values of hard work, dedication, and community spirit that Indians uphold wherever they go.
He said, “It is a great honour to be here today as we not only celebrate India’s Independence Day, but also recognise the gift of education and the power of opportunity through the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship Package, offered by Shri Gurudwara Sahib Lumley. This initiative is inspired by the timeless teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, who championed equality, compassion, service to humanity, and the transformative strength of knowledge. The scholarship provides financial assistance, educational materials, and learning opportunities to deserving students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Sierra Leone — regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender. It seeks to break down barriers to education, empower young minds, and inspire academic excellence.
“By investing in education, the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship Package is helping to shape not only the future of individual students, but also the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow. It stands as a living tribute to Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s ideals and a shining example of service to humanity. Education is far more than a pathway to personal success — it is the bedrock of strong communities, prosperous nations, and a better world. It is the light that dispels ignorance, the key that opens doors, and the bridge that turns dreams into reality”.
He used the opportunity to salute the teachers, who, often in challenging circumstances, devote themselves to guiding and nurturing the next generation, stating, “You are the true beacons of hope for these young learners. To the parents and guardians, your sacrifices and encouragement make these successes possible. And to the students — you are at the heart of this celebration. The support you receive today is not just material aid, but a foundation for building your future”.
He further expressed his privilege to speak about an extraordinary individual whose generosity and service have touched countless lives in Sierra Leone — Mr. Mohinder Bir Singh, Chairman of the Jeety Group, affectionately known to all of us as Bituji.
He said beyond his remarkable achievements as an entrepreneur, Bituji has shown unwavering commitment to the welfare of the community. Through his personal efforts and the initiatives of the Jeety Group, he has supported programmes that provide free meals to the needy, deliver medical assistance, improve access to clean water, and help disadvantaged students pursue their education.
His contributions, he went on, are far more than acts of charity — they are expressions of genuine compassion, rooted in the values of humanity, inclusivity, and shared progress, adding that in times of crisis, he has always been among the first to step forward, offering help where it was needed most.
In honouring Bituji, the High Commissioner went on, “we also celebrate the inspiring example he sets — proving that true success is not measured solely by personal achievements, but by how much we contribute to the well-being of others. Bituji, on behalf of everyone gathered here, I thank you for your tireless service to the people of Sierra Leone. Your legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to inspire many for years to come. Thank you all, and I wish each of you every success in your journey of learning and in life”.
Head of the Scholarship, Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva, who also doubles as CEO of Jetty Trading Company, welcomed attendees, emphasising the life-changing nature of the program.
Pa Jetty said, “This is not an ordinary event; it could be life-changing for some of these children. It is not the amount of charity that matters, but the impact it creates. Before we kick start this program I as Mukh Sewadar of Shri Gurudwara sahib Lumley would like to welcome each and every one of you present here to witness this special event for a very noble cause. I am also pleased to welcome the devotees from Shri Gurudwara sahib who have been supporting and witnessing this event for the past 3 years. As we all know, today we are gathered here for the 4th Guru Nanak Baba Scholarship Program 2025.
“This event would not have been possible without the Support of our well-wishers and kind sponsors & devotees from Shri Gurudwara sahib and members of Indian Diaspora. I must say that Today’s event is not an ordinary event, but it could be a life changing event for some of the kids present here to get this scholarship. You know it’s not actually the amount of the Charity we give that matters, but the impact and effects of that Charity, how it can change someone’s life that does. As a result of this kind of event you can see how parents can get a sigh of relief when their kids got paid for the full year Academic fees. And also, the children who did not succeed and losses the hope to study again, how this program helps them to see their dreams and also trying hard to get them fulfil. I hope and request to the all my friends, my well-wishers and kind donors, devotees, and members of the Indian Diaspora that we could join hands in future to Continue to support and give success to this project in future too”.
Abdulai Bah, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, spoke on the level of transparency in the selections process for beneficiaries of the scholarship, adding that the program targets children from financially challenged households, including orphans, children from single-parents and those from struggling two-parent homes.
Mr Bah said, “We received over 200 applications this year and each child was carefully assessed”, while emphasising the importance of academic accountability. He encouraged parents and guardians to provide termly reports on their children’s progress and performance in school, stating, “Our priority is to support those most in need. Benefiting this year does not guarantee the same child will benefit next year, as we aim to assist as many deserving children as possible. We have set 70 percent as the threshold for academic performance, but we will evaluate children based on termly results”.
He admonished parents against attempting to manipulate the system by moving children to expensive schools urging sincerity and regular termly updates on academic progress.
In attendance were Members of Parliament, Hon. Princess Kadie Daramy and Hon. Mamoud Kamara.
Hon. Kadie Daramy spoke on the importance of parental involvement in education, advising parents to closely monitor their children’s academic progress, adding that education is the foundation of future success. She encouraged parents to be active participants in your children’s learning, which she said will help shape their future and ensure that these opportunities are fully utilised.
For his part, Hon. Mamoud Kamara (Nice Guy) reinforced the message, praising the initiative for promoting equal access to education regardless of background and expressed hope that such programs continue to bridge cultures and build lasting partnerships.
The event was climaxed with melodious performances and touching words of thanks and appreciation from parents and pupils.
