Some 100 former students and members of the Cambodia-India Alumni Association gathered to share their experiences of studying in the sub-continent and their successes in life afterwards.

The gathering was held in Phnom Penh on Tuesday night to mark Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Foundation Day.

Dr Sao Chivoan, the secretary of state at the Rural Development Ministry and president of the Cambodia-India Alumni Association, told The Post on Tuesday that he had gained English language proficiency, globally accredited professional skills and positive life experiences from studying in India.

“Indians are similar to Cambodians because the Khmer and Indian civilisations and cultures are connected [historically], so how we think is similar. This makes studying in India easier than in any other country,” he said.

Chivoan, who studied agriculture from 1988 to 1992, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and went on to receive a scholarship for a Master’s in education and agricultural promotion and rural development from 1992 to 1994.

Dith Sochong, a former scholarship student on a three-year Master’s programme in computer application, said studying in India helped him adapt to other cultures and secure a decent job.

Sochong currently holds a good position at the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) after completing his studies in India last year.

“It is normal to face some difficulties when studying abroad. The food and lifestyle in other countries are not like in our native land, but it is not so challenging. We learn from overcoming difficulties and get wonderful life experiences,” he said.

Venerable Dr Khy Sovanratana, a former scholarship student and the acting rector of Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University, said India is a great country. Sovanratana who studied in India said he enjoyed living and travelling in that country.

“India is a country we think we might not want to visit, but if we did, we would not want to leave. And when we left, we would surely want to return. This is the reality,” the monk said.

He said many Cambodian students had studied in India on scholarships and there was no reason for others to fear to do likewise.

“I would like to encourage all of you, if there is the chance to obtain a scholarship to study in India, you should go. You really should go to study there because India is a great country. This observation is based on my own experiences,” he said.

Indian Ambassador Manika Jain said ICCR provided scholarships every year for foreign students, including those from Cambodia.

“The ICCR’s objectives are to actively participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes pertaining to Indian culture. It helps to foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries,” she said.

Jain said ICCR provided 25 scholarships a year for undergraduate and postgraduate studies and research.