On the afternoon of Tuesday 9th April 2024, the Media, Youth, Sports and Culture Committee (MYSCC) led by Chairperson Hon. Wavel Woodcock, met with a group of young professionals from India. Accompanying the Chairperson was Vice-Chairperson Hon. Philip Arissol, Hon. Rachel Spiro, Hon. Flory Larue and Hon. Naddy Zialor. Assistance was provided by Committee Secretary Mr. Vincent Quatre and Assistant Committee Secretary Ms. Michelle Cupidon. The visiting group was comprised of Mr. Himadrish Suwan, Ms. Gouri Sureshreddy Kyatamwar, Mrs. Rakhi Chiranjeev, Mrs. Deborah Fanchette, Mrs. Janetta Ali, and Ms. Marie-May Larue, and CEO of SNYC Mr. Albert Duncan.
The meeting began with a strong call for the promotion of India-Seychelles cooperation, with particular emphasis on the similar demographics of both nations. The delegation highlighted the need for people-to-people cooperation, especially the youth who would most benefit from cultural exchanges. The delegation encouraged the participation and application of young Seychellois to study or pursue entrepreneurial ventures in India. The Head of the delegation Mr. Suwan noted the development of scholarship opportunities at Diploma Level for Seychellois between the ages of 15 to 30 years old.
Hon. Woodcock led a discussion on the importance of youth in today’s society, remarking that they are “crucial for the development of a nation”. The Committee explored topics such as Youth Volunteer Programs, investment startups, and university schemes on particular subject focuses such as international affairs, governance studies, and diplomacy, all of which would benefit the education and experience of young people in both India and Seychelles. The Chairperson also noted the importance of sports as a vital influence on national and cultural identity, remarking the need to continually invest and develop such enterprises.
Both delegations then exchanged tokens of appreciation, before the fruitful meeting came to a close.