By: Festus Conteh
Sierra Leonean journalist and digital influencer Sallu Kamuskay has received two Certificates of Appreciation and prizes from the High Commission of India in Freetown for his participation in activities organised to mark India’s 80th Independence Day.
The certificates and prizes were presented to Kamuskay today, 15 August 2026, during India’s Independence Day celebration held at the High Commission of India office in Sierra Leone.
One of the certificates recognised Kamuskay for his successful participation in the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz 2026, an initiative designed to test participants’ knowledge and understanding of India.
He also received another Certificate of Appreciation for his participation in the “India Through My Lens” photography competition, in which he won a prize. The competition provided participants with an opportunity to use photography to share their experiences, memories and perspectives of India.
Both certificates were issued by the High Commission of India in Freetown in recognition of his participation and dedication.
The awards were presented to Kamuskay by Neeraj Kumar Saini, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the High Commission of India in Freetown, as part of activities marking the Independence Day celebration.
Speaking to Salone Messenger after receiving the awards, Kamuskay expressed appreciation to the Indian High Commission for creating opportunities that allow Sierra Leoneans to learn more about India through educational and cultural activities.
“I am grateful to the Indian High Commission for creating opportunities such as the quiz and photography competition to test our knowledge and help us learn more about India. My perception about India changed when I visited the country in May last year. I had the opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, interact with Indians and have a good time during the tour.
“The quiz competition is also an opportunity to learn about India, its people, those who stood for the country’s independence, and its rich culture. I am grateful to the High Commission for bringing such an opportunity to our country,” Kamuskay said.
Kamuskay’s participation in the photography competition follows his visit to India last year, when he travelled to the country as part of an India Familiarization Tour involving digital influencers and content creators.
He was among five influencers from Sierra Leone selected for the tour, which brought together participants from different African countries to experience India, learn about its culture, history, development and people, and share those experiences with their audiences.
The programme was also joined by prominent African content creators, including Nigerian comedian and digital creator Mark Angel, alongside influencers from other African countries.
During the visit, participants travelled to different locations and experienced several aspects of Indian life and culture. For Kamuskay, the trip included a visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s best-known landmarks, as well as opportunities to interact with Indian people and experience the country’s culture firsthand.
He later used some of the photographs and experiences from the trip to participate in the India Through My Lens competition.
Receiving the two certificates and prizes during India’s Independence Day celebration further highlights the cultural and people-to-people connections created through the familiarisation programme between India, Sierra Leone and other African countries.
India celebrates its Independence Day every year on August 15, commemorating the country’s independence from British colonial rule in 1947.
