Monrovia, Liberia – India’s Ambassador to Liberia, Manoj Bihari Verma, inaugurated the first-ever Indian Corner at the Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA) National Public Library in Monrovia on Monday, marking a significant milestone in strengthening cultural and educational ties between India and Liberia.
The initiative, launched by the Government of India through its Embassy near Monrovia in collaboration with the CNDRA, introduces a dedicated Indian Book Corner at Liberia’s National Library aimed at promoting access to India’s rich cultural, historical, and developmental literature.
Speaking during the ceremony, Ambassador Verma described the inauguration of the Indian Corner bookshelf as a meaningful gift from India to Liberia, symbolizing the growing diplomatic and cultural relationship between the two countries.
He noted that the initiative forms part of India’s broader expansion of diplomatic presence across Africa, with Liberia being one of several countries that will benefit from enhanced cooperation.
“The collection may be small, but it is a meaningful gift from India to Liberia,” Ambassador Verma said.
According to him, the bookshelf is intended to provide readers with an opportunity to explore India’s rich heritage, culture, achievements, and developmental journey, as well as its contributions in Liberia, Africa, and the wider world.
Ambassador Verma emphasized that the initiative seeks to connect people through knowledge and further deepen bilateral relations between India and Liberia.
He also used the occasion to encourage the management of the National Archives to take advantage of scholarship opportunities offered by the Indian Government through its Embassy, noting that such fully funded scholarships could significantly strengthen the institution’s human resource capacity.
For his part, CNDRA Director General, D. Nelson Bearngar, expressed gratitude to the Indian Ambassador and the Government of India for the partnership and the opportunity extended to Liberians.
Director Bearngar said the establishment of the Indian Book Corner would greatly benefit students, researchers, and the general public by expanding access to diverse educational materials.
He further appealed for broader collaboration with India, particularly in the areas of staff scholarship opportunities and the establishment of libraries across Liberia’s fifteen counties.
Bearngar also stressed the urgent need for digitization and modernization of the National Archives, noting that it remains a major pillar of the institution’s five-year strategic plan.
Meanwhile, the Director of the National Library, Christ Jlatuh, welcomed the initiative and described the National Library as the intellectual heartbeat of Liberia.
According to him, the National Library remains a vital place for learning, growth, and knowledge where students seek answers and researchers uncover truth.
“The National Library is the public gateway to knowledge.
It is a place where cultures converse, where every voice is welcomed, and where traditions and civilizations are preserved,” Jlatuh stated.
The inauguration of the Indian Corner is expected to further strengthen educational exchange and cultural understanding between Liberia and India while enriching the National Public Library’s collection for generations to come.