Launch of ‘Bharatwallah Alumni Association’ in Nairobi

1.         Former Foreign Minister of Kenya Prof Sam Ongeri and High Commissioner of India Ms. Suchitra Durai launched ‘Bharatwallah Alumni Association’ (BAA) in Nairobi on 21 May 2016. ‘Bharatwallah Alumni Association’ is an alumni association of Kenyan students who had studied in India for the last over 50 years. The association was registered in Kenya on 5 August 2014.

2.         Acolourful function of the launch of the Association at Nairobi Club was attended by an ally of dignitaries and prominent alumni including Dr. Tabby Mungai, representative of Department of Education of Kenya; Mr. Philip Gitonga, former High Commissioner of Kenya to India(1978 – 1982), Senator Judy Sijeny, Hon. Waititu – MP Kikuyu; Lady Justice Jackie Kamau, Mr. Sammy Itemere – Principal Secretary, Department of ICT.

3.         Prof. Ongeri gave a nostalgic account of the first Kenyan alumni who had gone to India, in 1959, prior to Kenya’s independence. It was of significance that he and other Kenyans celebrated the attainment of Kenya’s independence in India. During a program of “Going Down Memory Lane”, Mr. Barry Ndegwanarrated his experience of the 1970’s alumni, Senator Sijeny and Lady Justice Kamau for the 1980’s and Ms. Loice W. MugweMatara and Dr. Kenneth Ombongi, Chairman of Kenya India Friendship association for the 1990’s. Ambassador Gitonga reminisced on his India days and his interaction with the Kenyan alumni. The dignitaries launched the BAA logo and a special website of the BAA.

4.         Chairperson of BAA, Mr. George Ndirango enumerated the steps leading to the formation of BAA, the official registration of the Association and the subsequent events and their interactions with the High Commission.Mr. Ndirangosaid that the main objective of BAA isto “Connect, Engage and Inspire” and BAA is determined to reach out to all the Indian alumni scattered across the country.

5.         The High Commissioner welcomed the formation of BAA and emphasized its great potential in enhancing the relations between the two countries. She pointed out that the role of BAA as the best ambassadors of India in Kenya and looked forward to closer interaction with the association.

6.         The programme of the event included oriental song and dance by the institute of Ms. Radhika Lee – CEO, Nairobi International School and live performance of Ms. AchiengObura, a prominent Kenyan singer. The event was ably emceed by Ms Rose Gichuki and El SammaNdegwa.The Secretary of BAA Mr. J. MungaiMiring’u passed a vote of thanks.

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