Says his humanitarian efforts have been “impactful”
Monrovia, Liberia – Business tycoon Upjit Singh Sachdeva has been recognized by the Monrovia Central Prison authorities for his persistent efforts “in catering to the needs of inmates at the facility.” For many years, Mr. Sachdeva, also referred to as Jeety, has been one of the prison’s most dependable partners, carrying out various projects that enhance the welfare of inmates.
Superintendent Roosevelt Varney thanked Mr. Jeety for his ongoing support during an honoring ceremony at the prison’s South Beach facility, pointing out that his interventions have had a big impact on the lives of the convicts. “Mr Jeety has been a dependable humanitarian partner whose contributions have had a meaningful and lasting impact on inmate welfare, particularly during periods of hardship,” stated Varney.
“The good news is that Mr Jeety is just a call away. He has always been there for us, so we are bestowing this certificate of appreciation on him to thank him for his continued support and sustained efforts in catering to the needs of inmates at the facility,” Mr Varney added.
Mr. Sachdeva has been a dependable partner in supplying the prison with hot-cooked meals, a variety of goods, and regular food supplies for the past ten or so years. Rehabilitating the prison water system by building poly tanks for water storage with a generator for delivery during power outages and launching a borehole project to alleviate the jail’s water crisis are only two of his actions.
According to experts, these resources have been essential in meeting the demands of inmates in a system that faces difficult circumstances, such as food scarcity, overcrowding, poor sanitation, and subpar medical care. The largest prison in the country, Monrovia Central Prison, has long struggled to meet its basic demands due to a lack of funding. As a result, it must rely significantly on outside assistance from charities and individual benefactors like Mr. Jeety to augment official services.
During the COVID-19 epidemic, when food insecurity plagued the majority of homes during lockdowns, Mr. Jeety’s food distribution program, which started in February 2017, became more active. Serving the needs of the most vulnerable members of society, the program has subsequently grown to be a regular staple.
In its 2021 human rights report, the US Department of State commended Mr. Jeety’s actions, emphasizing “his efforts in combating hunger among inmates through regular feeding programmes.”
Chandra Mohan, General Manager of Jeety Conglomerates, who accepted the certificate of honor on behalf of Mr. Jeety, stated that his boss believes that all people should be treated with respect and decency, regardless of their circumstances, and he pledged Mr. Jeety’s ongoing assistance to the institution.
“His commitment to the welfare of inmates and others reflects his deep compassion for vulnerable populations in Liberia,” stated Mohan. “This honor strengthens his will to carry on in any circumstance. Do not hesitate to contact Mr. Jeety if you need anything, since you are aware that he is only a phone call away.”
Mr. Jeety has won numerous honors and accolades for his humanitarian work and services to Liberia’s socioeconomic growth, including commendation from the prison administration. Liberia’s highest honor, the Knight Grand Commander of the Humane Order of African Redemption, was given to him in 2011 by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Additionally, in 2022, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity presented Mr. Jeety with its Alpha Award of Honour in recognition of his noteworthy humanitarian efforts, diplomacy, and contributions to Liberia. Through programs like feeding people and assisting communities, the fraternity recognized Mr. Jeety’s service and dedication to humanity.
In the same year, the prestigious Golden Image Award bestowed upon Mr Jeety its Humanitarian award for his unwavering contributions to humanity in post-conflict Liberia. The award was presented to him by President George Weah. In 2020, the Daily Observer, Liberia’s oldest daily newspaper, named him Person of the Year for his humanitarian effort to combat hunger among the poor during the peak of the COVID-19 lockdown in the country. The BBC and VOA followed suit with special interviews that highlighted the impacts of his humanitarian efforts.
Mr Jeety is also the first Indian ever to serve the prestigious position of Non-Statutory Member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Liberia and Booker Washington Institute. He has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Cuttington University (CU), and has once been honoured with India’s highest meritorious award to Non-Resident Indians, the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award, from the former President of India, Mrs Pratibha DeviSingh Patil.
Mr Jeety is also the first Indian ever to serve the prestigious position of Non-Statutory Member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Liberia and Booker Washington Institute. He has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Cuttington University (CU), and has once been honoured with India’s highest meritorious award to Non-Resident Indians, the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award, from the former President of India, Mrs Pratibha DeviSingh Patil.
At the conclusion of the honoring event, more than 3,000 people were fed at the Monrovia Central Prison and the nearby communities. Inmates and vulnerable populations in the capital received relief from the gesture, which has come to symbolize Mr. Jeety’s humanitarian actions during significant festivities and strengthened his resolve to fight hunger and food insecurity among Liberia’s most marginalized communities.
