MONROVIA – Authorities of the Cuttington University have bestowed an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (L. H. D) on Indian businessman tycoon Dr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva for his lasting impacts and immeasurable contributions to humanity and struggling groups in Liberia.
Dr. Sachdeva, who is commonly known as ‘Jeety’ is the former Indian Honorary Consul General to Liberia. He served in the position from 1998 to 2021.
He is the owner of several businesses, including his trademark company Jeety Trading Corporation-the dealer of hardware and construction materials.
He received the degree at the 60th commencement convocation of the university held at the main campus in Suacoco, Bong County on Friday, June 17 along with Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor.
In a citation read at the ceremony, the university recounted the multiple and milestone efforts being applied by Dr. Sachdeva to combat against poverty and help improve the living conditions of less fortunate and abandoned Liberians.
“On his philanthropism, he is recognized across Liberia as a force in several humanitarian causes from feeding the homeless population, less fortunate and to donating to emergency situations”.
It maintained that as a result of his humanitarian works, ‘Jeety’ has received countless number of awards, including his 2009 award for the Best Philanthropist of the Year by the Federation of Liberian Muslim Scholars.
The CU added that Dr. Sachedeva holds several other awards and accomplishments within reason of imagination, noting that, “his accolades and recognitions have earned him a place on several Boards of Corporations including the University of Liberia (UL), Booker T. Washington Institute (BWI), and Cuttington University”.
It stated that “by no means and an exhaustive list of his appointments, memberships and awards”, ‘Jeety’ has made “lasting impact to several organizations with his immeasurable contributions”.
According to the university, Dr. Sachdeva “wears many hats” because; he has also presented papers and lectures-with some presentations taking him from Liberia to South Africa, India and Canada.
“His recognition in many quarters and discipline of life indicate how versatile he is as a businessman and scholar who believes in paying it forward but holds a firm belief in the upliftment of others, comity, and relationships”.
The university emphasized that ‘Jeety’ has been a ‘true friend of Liberia and the Liberian people”.
“Given all the foregoing accounts, Mr. Sachdeva has proven to be a caring man with faith in others, and accomplishments unblemished by wealth and worth. Recognizing all of his numerous contributions to society at large and the Liberian people, the Cuttington University Board of Trustees through Cuttington University is convinced, pleased and in a good place to honor Mr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva with an Honorary Degree”.
“Therefore, in recognition of the above referenced facts, likewise appreciation for your selfless services to humanity and Liberians, Board of Trustees and Faculty Senate of the Cuttington University now hereby confer upon you, Mr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva, the Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (L. H. D) with all the rights and privileges thereto appertaining”.
In a brief chat with Reporters shortly after bagging the degree, Dr. Sachdeva vowed to continue to serve humanity until his expiration on earth.
He pointed out that his immense and untiring contributions towards humanity are due to the high level of compassion he has for Liberia and its citizens.
He noted that despite being an Indian by nationality, Liberia and its citizens remain at the center of his heart, and as such, he will continue to help beef the efforts of government and others to combat against hunger in the nation.
Dr. Sachdeva admitted that he has accomplished a lot in the post-conflict nation, and as such, he will not relent to put smile on the faces of citizens as well as make meaningful and impactful contributions to deserving less fortunate and vulnerable groups in the country.
“I will not continue to give back to Liberia and its citizens through humanitarian works. I owe a lot to this country and people and so, I am always inspired to give back. What I do is in keeping with compassion and not to show that I have. As long as I remain in Liberia, I will not turn my back on those who are in dire need of help or assistance”.
He said others should see reason to also provide aid to needy Liberians and groups because, government alone cannot do all.
He emphasized that not everyone would have the opportunity to be at the same level at a time, and as such, those who are in better positions should always think about their fellow compatriots.
‘Jeety’ maintained that when this is done, less fortunate and vulnerable citizens will feel loved and cherished as a result of the compassion show them.
Dr. Sachdeva further pledged that through his multiple businesses in the country, he will continue to combat against unemployment by ensuring that citizens have the opportunity to put bread on the tables for them and their respective family members.
He also recognized the friendly and favorable environment for doing businesses in Liberia.
It can be recalled Dr. Sachdeva, launched his Home-Cooked Hot Meal Program in February 2017 to help alleviate the high rate of hunger and poverty in Liberia.
Since its inauguration, the program has provided meals to over 3M Liberians. It gained prominence during the first outbreak of the Coronavirus in Liberia in March 2020.
He has also been supplying food to inmates at the Monrovia and Kakata Central prisons.
‘Jeety’ recently ensured the supply of pipe borne water and donated a generator at the Monrovia Central Prison.
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