Botswana (India): The Indian High Commissioner to Botswana, Bharath Kumar Kuthati, paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare, to discuss bilateral cooperation between India and Botswana in sports, arts and youth on Tuesday.
Minister Kuthati took over from his predecessor, Dr Rajesh Ranjan. He noted that the good working relationship between the two countries should be utilized for the benefit of the countries.
He noted that India has been showing support to Botswana through Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships, as well as Table tennis and cricket. He noted that the women’s cricket team went to India last year for two weeks for training.
He added that the cooperation should expand further, even in football, by allowing local football clubs to train in India.
For his part, Minister Rakgare welcomed the Commissioner and thanked him for the opportunities extended to Batswana. He appealed to the Commissioner for Indian companies to hire and empower the youth. He said the government will extend support to such companies to create opportunities for Botswana.
Deputy Permanent Secretary ( Library, Archives, Arts & Culture ), Tebogo Matebesi added that the local creatives need assistance in order to excel well at world class level.
Furthermore, Minister Kuthati said that achieving skills exchange is possible through drafting a memorandum of understanding.
Minister Rakgare alluded that they are looking forward to establishing the Filming Commission, in which he will present the bill in Parliament in due course.
Bharath Kumar Kuthati started his career as a diplomat in 2006. Last year, he graced the TSB Durga Puja cultural programme. He was the Chief Guest for the event because Durga Pooja is an Indian festival.
Botswana also invited the Mayor of the City of Gaborone, Austin Abraham. Both dignitaries thoroughly enjoyed the programme and had heaps of praise for the performances on that day.
: The Indian High Commissioner to Botswana, Bharath Kumar Kuthati, paid a courtesy call to the MYSC Tumiso Rakgare){kind=link}