The Consulate General of India in Durban, in partnership with Ward 73 councillor Daniel Logan Mea, successfully hosted a Scholarship Roadshow at the Shantik Foundation in Risecliff, Chatsworth, last Thursday, offering young South Africans valuable opportunities to study abroad in India.
The event drew community members, parents, leaders, and a strong turnout of young people eager to explore international education pathways. Attendees were introduced to a range of programmes designed to provide access to globally recognised qualifications, cultural exchange experiences, and career development opportunities.
Representatives from the Consulate engaged directly with attendees, providing detailed guidance on application processes, eligibility criteria, and various fields of study available in India.
Programmes presented included the ICCR Scholarship, which covers undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD studies; the Lata Mangeshkar Scholarship focused on dance and music; the Know India Programme (KIP), a cultural exchange initiative for youth; and the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) application process.
The event formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen educational and cultural ties between South Africa and India.
Speaking after the event, Mea said the initiative was about opening doors for the community. “This roadshow was about giving our young people access to opportunities they may not have considered before. Education abroad can be life-changing, and we want to ensure our community is informed and empowered to take those steps,” he said.
Head of Chancery known mononamously as Shubham added: “The event we are organising aims to disseminate information about the various schemes run by the Government of India. These programmes benefit not only the African diaspora but also foreign citizens. As part of our mandate, the Consulate is responsible for sharing information and assisting applicants throughout the process.
“With this in mind, the Consulate General of India has decided to hold this virtual session to increase participation from across the world. As seen in the presentations, we cover schemes such as OCI, the New India Programme, ICCR scholarships, and ITEC. While we already send many applicants from regions such as the Eastern Cape and Free State, we have the capacity to increase these numbers.
“The Government of India invests significantly in these initiatives, whether through scholarships, capacity-building programmes, or other India-focused initiatives. In South Africa, there is some awareness of these programmes, but we believe we can do more—sending more people to India will further strengthen the people-to-people aspect of our mission.”
