THE Embassy of India in Dakar has instituted an annual recognition certificate, known as ‘Bharatsen – The Sun from India,’ to commend the contributions made by Indian individuals, associations, or companies based in Senegal towards bolstering India Senegal relations. The certificate seeks to promote health and education, Indian business opportunities, India’s interests and culture in Senegal, and the welfare of both Indian and Senegalese communities.
The inaugural ‘Bharatsen – 2016’ certificate was presented on January 26, 2017, to Balbir S. Cheema, Chairman-cum-MD, CSL Senegal Sarl, who was selected by a special committee appointed by the Embassy of India in Dakar. The then Minister of Local Governance, Development, and Planning, Abdoulaye Diouf SARR, presented the award to Cheema in the presence of the Indian Ambassador to Senegal, Rajeev Kumar.
The second edition of ‘Bharatsen – The Sun from India’ was bestowed on representatives of Tata Motors and Tata International Unitech Senegal during the Republic Day reception on 26 January 2018.
On January 26, 2019, ‘Bharatsen – The Sun from India – 2018’ certificate was presented to Kirloskar Brothers in recognition of their contributions to enhancing the Indo-Senegalese relations.