GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): The Embassy of India in Guatemala City, concurrently accredited to Honduras and El Salvador, celebrated ITEC Day 2024 with its alumni across these countries. To ensure maximum participation, the Embassy organized three separate events: in Guatemala City on 28 November 2024, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on 3 December 2024, and in San Salvador, El Salvador, on 10 January 2025. This initiative aimed to acknowledge the growing popularity of ITEC courses in the region and to promote their benefits to a wider audience, including alumni, government officials, and key dignitaries.

ITEC courses have garnered significant appreciation in Central America for their role in capacity building, technical expertise, and fostering development partnerships. Since introduction of ITEC courses in the region in 2015, a total of 393 trainees from Guatemala (183), Honduras (122), and El Salvador (88) have so far participated in these programs. These courses have equipped participants with practical skills and technical knowledge that contribute directly to the socio-economic progress of their countries.

Celebrating ITEC Day in these countries provided an invaluable platform for alumni to share their experiences, connect with peers, and explore potential collaborations. These events fostered a strong sense of community among ITEC alumni, showcasing the program’s tangible benefits and encouraging greater participation from diverse sectors. Furthermore, the celebrations reinforced bilateral ties between India and the host countries by demonstrating India’s commitment to capacity building and development cooperation. The events featured keynote speeches, alumni testimonials, presentations on ITEC opportunities, and networking sessions, attended by prominent dignitaries and stakeholders. Cultural segments and exhibitions highlighting ITEC success stories further enriched the program. Through these initiatives, the Embassy aimed to enhance India’s engagement with Central America, cultivate new partnerships, and position India as a trusted partner in skill development and education.

Ambassador Manoj Kumar Mohapatra engaged with the alumni in Guatemala City on 28 November 2024. He expressed his gratitude for their continued support in strengthening India-Guatemala relations and emphasized the transformative impact of the ITEC program. He underscored its role in empowering individuals and fostering stronger bilateral ties between India and Guatemala. During his address, the Ambassador encouraged the alumni to act as bridges of collaboration and friendship, further deepening the partnership between the two countries. The event featured keynote speeches, alumni testimonials, and discussions on ITEC opportunities, offering insights into how the program continues to shape careers and strengthen diplomatic relations. The celebration also included cultural presentations and exhibitions, showcasing the diverse experiences of Guatemalan professionals who have benefited from training in India. The event not only reinforced the impact of the ITEC initiative but also strengthened India’s commitment to capacity-building and development cooperation in the region.

During the event in Tegucigalpa, Honduras on 3 December 2024, Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra engaged with ITEC alumni from Honduras, highlighting India’s leadership in global capacity-building initiatives and its commitment to fostering international partnerships. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Health Minister H.E. Carla Reyes of Ministry of Health of Honduras, who underscored the value of India’s ITEC program in enhancing skills and expertise in vital sectors. The gathering included ITEC alumni from her Ministry, who shared their experiences and insights on how the training programs in India have positively impacted their professional growth and contributed to institutional development. This interaction not only celebrated the success stories of the alumni but also reinforced the strong bilateral ties between India and Honduras.

During the event in San Salvador, El Salvador on 10 January 2025, Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra had the opportunity to engage with ITEC alumni from El Salvador, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and mutual appreciation. Ambassador highlighted the transformative impact of ITEC programs, which have provided professionals from El Salvador and across the globe with advanced training in diverse fields such as information technology, management, healthcare, and renewable energy. He pointed out that these programs are not only enhancing the skills and expertise of participants but also fostering knowledge-sharing and cross-cultural exchanges, contributing to sustainable development in partner countries. The interaction served as a platform to showcase India’s dedication to creating a more equitable and inclusive world through education, training, and technical collaboration, while reaffirming the importance of shared growth and cooperation in addressing global challenges.

ITEC program plays a crucial role in fostering capacity building and human resource development in partner countries. By offering specialized training across diverse fields such as information technology, management, healthcare, and engineering, ITEC equips professionals with essential skills that contribute to their national development. Through this initiative, India strengthens its global presence as a reliable partner in knowledge sharing and sustainable growth. The Embassy remains committed to expanding ITEC’s outreach, ensuring that more professionals from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador can benefit from these opportunities. Moving forward, the Embassy aims to introduce ITEC to a wider audience by engaging with government institutions, academia, and the private sector, further deepening India’s collaboration with the region.

(Based on a press release issued by Ramesh Khulbey)