MONROVIA — Scores of Indian nationals residing in Liberia have honored and appreciated their country’s former Consul General, Mr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva, for his indelible sacrifices and humanitarian assistance rendered the Indian community and Liberia and its citizens.
Mr. Sachdeva, who is commonly known as “Jeety” in Liberia, was appointed Honorary Consul General of Indian to Liberia in 1998.
He is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Jeety Trading Corporation-a premier dealer of building and household materials in the country.
On February 5, 2021, the Indian Government, through its Embassy in La Cote D’Ivoire, with immediate effect replaced “Jeety” as its Honorary Consul General to Liberia.
But at a ceremony held at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County on Sunday, the Indians, in separate remarks, recounted the sacrificial and selfless roles played by Mr. Sachdeva towards their existence as a community and helping to improve their wellbeing and living conditions in a foreign nation.
They made specific reference to the hosting of scores of stranded and displaced Indian citizens during civil unrest in Liberia, guidance and support towards establishing their businesses, employment opportunities, among others as few of the mountainous contributions their kinsman, ‘Jeety’ has rendered since he came to Liberia nearly three decades ago.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Sachdeva attributed his prolong stay as Honorary Consul General of India to Liberia and his business success in the country to “hard work, education, commitment and honesty”.
He noted that past leaders and other Liberians and Indians who are residing or previously resided in the country also played separate pivotal roles in his ascendancy and success in life.
“I am grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey. I am Indeed, truly obliged for this great recognition given by you people,” the Indian businessman and humanitarian said. “I am grateful to everyone who has always been a part of my journey, from my family to friends, from boss to my team, and everyone”.
Mr. Sachdeva observed that though the population of Indian nationals in Liberia remains low, Indians contributions continue to reflect in almost, if not all, of the spheres and sectors in Liberia.
“We have a significant number of entrepreneurs, investors, successful traders, and qualified professionals, contributing to the development of virtually every sector of the Liberian economy”.
He urged his kinsmen not to relent on investing in Liberian-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to help improve the country’s economy and the living conditions of citizens.
According to him, SMEs remain the bedrock of any country’s economic prosperity and investing in them will boost investors’ confidence and promotes win-win and mutually beneficial cooperation for all.
Mr. Sachdeva further observed that Liberia remains a country endowed with lots of investment opportunities, and as such, Indians should take advantage of these opportunities to forge partnership with their Liberian counterparts.
This, he added, will help address the growing wave of unemployment and boost the country’s shattered economy.
He urged his fellow compatriots against engaging into dubious or unlawful practices in Liberia.
‘Jeety’ maintained that Indians should help build a stronger Liberian society that will incorporate everyone regardless of nationality or religion.
He furthered that Indians residing in Liberia should not only respect the rule of law of the country, but they should also uphold and abide by it.