Baba Guru Nanak Scholarships: Shri Gurudwara Sahib Lumley, Indian Diaspora Aid 198 Students
The Shri Gurudwara Sahib Lumley, in collaboration with the Indian diaspora in Sierra Leone, reaffirmed its commitment to education and community development by awarding the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship 2025 to underprivileged yet high-performing children across Freetown. The event, held on August 16, 2025, at the Sierra Palms Hotel Conference Hall in Aberdeen, West End of Freetown, brought together students, parents, local dignitaries, members of the Indian community and government officials to celebrate the transformative power of education. Launched in 2022 with 60 beneficiaries, the program has grown to support approximately 198 children, reflecting the success and sustainability of this initiative.
Philanthropist and founder of the scholarship, Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva, widely known as Pa Jetty and CEO of Jetty Trading Company, welcomed attendees with heartfelt remarks emphasizing the life-changing nature of the program. “This is not an ordinary event; it could be life-changing for some of these children,” he said. “It is not the amount of charity that matters, but the impact it creates. When parents see their children’s school fees fully covered for the year, it provides them relief and renewed hope. For children who might have lost hope of continuing their studies, this program gives them a reason to dream again and strive for excellence.” Pa Jetty also expressed gratitude to sponsors, devotees and the Indian community, urging them to continue their support so that more children can benefit in the coming years.
Abdulai Bah, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, further explained the rigorous and transparent process behind the scholarship awards. He noted that the program targets children from financially challenged households, including orphans, children from single-parent families and those from struggling two-parent homes. “We received over 200 applications this year and each child was carefully assessed,” he stated. Abdulai Bah emphasized the importance of academic accountability, noting that parents must provide termly reports on their children’s progress. “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 maintained. He further admonished parents against attempting to manipulate the system by moving children to expensive schools urging sincerity and regular termly updates on academic progress.
The scholarship program covers full-year tuition, school bags, books, water bottles and other essentials. This year, beneficiaries received NLe 400 in cash, an increase from NLe 250 in previous years, allowing parents to purchase uniforms and footwear. To maintain transparency, all school fees are paid directly to the institutions, with receipts and supplies presented to parents as confirmation of payment.
The ceremony was graced by India’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Shri Baisnab Charan Pradhan, who spoke about the significance of the scholarship and its connection to India’s 79th Independence Day. “Education is more than a pathway to personal success; it is the foundation for prosperous communities and nations,” he said. “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 also praised Pa Jetty for his consistent generosity and dedication to community development, highlighting his efforts in providing meals, medical aid, clean water and educational opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
Members of Parliament Hon. Princess Kadie Daramy and Hon. Mamoud Kamara echoed those sentiments, commending the Indian community for its ongoing contributions to Sierra Leone’s development. Hon. Kadie Daramy emphasized the importance of parental involvement in education, advising parents to closely monitor their children’s academic progress. “Education is the foundation of future success,” she said. “Parents, your active participation in your children’s learning will help shape their future and ensure that these opportunities are fully utilized.”
Hon. Mamoud Kamara 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 also featured cultural performances, including lively dance displays and the screening of a documentary highlighting Sikhism and the scholarship program.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of scholarship packages to the children, followed by expressions of gratitude from parents and beneficiaries who shared how the initiative had eased their financial burdens and rekindled hope for their children’s academic futures.
The Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship 2025 stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between the Indian community and Sierra Leone, bridging cultures, fostering friendship and empowering the next generation of learners. It reflects a shared vision that education is a vital tool for personal growth and community advancement and it continues to inspire hope and opportunity across Freetown.
