A unique chapter has begun in the growing academic partnership between India and Liberia, signaling a transformative shift from past engagements to a future of impactful collaboration. This era of strengthened diplomatic and mutual ties now extends meaningfully into academia, where innovation, research, and knowledge-sharing form the foundation of a new alliance.
The University of Liberia (UL) and Sharda University, located in Knowledge Park, Greater Noida, India, have solidified their cooperation through a groundbreaking initiative: co-authoring a joint academic publication titled “India-Liberia’s Governance System: The Analysis.” This landmark book project marks the first co-publication between the two institutions, enhancing the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and setting the stage for deeper academic collaboration.
This analytical research endeavor is designed to offer critical insights into the governance systems of both India and Liberia. It will compare and evaluate democratic practices, rule of law, decision-making structures, transparency, accountability, and the influence of political leadership in the two countries. The book aims not only to analyze but also to propose a renewed and informed understanding of governance frameworks, tailored to the socio-political realities of India and Liberia.
The project brings together scholars, authors, and researchers from both universities. It is a collaboration between the Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities (UL) and the Sharda School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The joint effort aspires to create a scholarly work—or potentially a textbook—that reflects the combined expertise of faculty from both institutions.
The authors acknowledged the significance and challenge of the undertaking, stating, “We are fully aware of the pressures and expectations that come with this historic project. However, our combined expertise, qualifications, and experiences will enable us to overcome obstacles and produce a successful scholarly work.”
The book’s supervision is entrusted to the Deans of the two partner colleges: Prof. Dr. Josephus M. Gray, Dean and Professor of International Relations, Amos C. Sawyer College, UL and Prof. Dr. Anviti Gupta, Dean and Professor of Psychology, Sharda School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Joining them on the project are four assistant professors.
From UL: Assistant Prof. Richmond S. Anderson, Chair, Department of Political Science and Assistant Prof. Dr. Ambrues Monboe Nebo, adjunct faculty, Departments of Political Science and Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology. From Sharda University: Dr. Joshi Rukmani, Assistant Professor, School of Law and Dr. Arvind Shanker Shukla, Assistant Professor of Political Science. These selections reflect the scholars’ proven academic credentials, extensive research experience, and published contributions in their fields.
This collaboration stems from Dr. Gray’s recent three-month visiting professorship at Sharda University (October–December 2024), during which the groundwork for the book was laid. The partnership was formalized in December 2024, emphasizing mutual interests in governance reform, democratic practice, and institutional effectiveness.
The book will explore best practices in governance, analyze domestic and international political strategies, and evaluate power dynamics. It will serve as a critical resource on institutional processes, offering in-depth perspectives on how systems function in both nations. The publication also aims to spotlight challenges and opportunities for governance improvement in Liberia and India.
As part of the project, the two institutions will share research materials, manuscripts, and data to promote knowledge exchange and foster international academic cooperation. The collaboration is expected to enhance governance performance and inspire more evidence-based policy recommendations in both countries.
In a formal letter to Dr. Gray, Dr. Ashok Daryani, President of International Relations at Sharda Group, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative: “We are delighted that you had a rewarding experience during your visiting professorship and gained a deeper understanding of India’s education system and culture. Your commitment to international collaboration and human capital development is highly appreciated.”
The Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Agnes Reeves-Taylor has formally been informed about the amazing book project. Dr. Taylor has given her support while the President of the University of Liberia, Prof. Dr. Layli Maparyan has been informed about the joint book project, particularly UL-Sharda University ties.
Brief about Prof. (Dr.) Anviti Gupta
Prof. (Dr). Anviti Gupta is a renowned academic administrator and internationally acclaimed expert in Organizational Behavior and Psychological Counselling. She is the Dean and Professor of Psychology at the Sharda School of Humanities and Social Sciences. She is a visionary and has successfully established several new ventures at Sharda University. She was the first female Rector (Vice Chancellor) of Sharda University, Uzbekistan. Her recent endeavors at Sharda University, Greater Noida include- establishment of Abhivyakti Wellness Clinic, a Psychological Counselling and Assessment Clinic and Sharda-Samkalp, a center for UPSC competitive exams preparation. She is also the founder-director of Bharatiya Sanskriti Vaishvik Kendra, a center dedicated for the study of Indian heritage and culture. She is an accomplished academician, experienced Behavioral Trainer, Motivational Speaker, certified Psychological Counsellor and a certified Clinical Hypnotherapist with nearing to three decades of experience to her credit.
Her expertise extends in areas relating to juvenile and adolescent concerns like relationship issues, peer pressure, academic stress, absenteeism, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, Marital and parental Counselling. She is also involved in social service and philanthropy and extends her services to Jails, Juvenile Centers and Old age homes .She has a deep understanding of human behavior with good people skills and the ability to empathize. She has been a Gold Medalist in her Post Graduation as well as a proven coach, mentor and a results-oriented professional with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. She has been invited to esteemed organizations as an expert to deliver lectures and has also been involved in designing and conducting training programs at several government and private organizations. Dr. Anviti Gupta earned her Ph.D. in Applied Psychology from the University of Lucknow.
She has taught courses on Organizational Behavior, Abnormal and Clinical Psychology Counselling Psychology, Emotional Intelligence, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Organizational Change and Development, Psychology at Work Place, Social and Industrial Psychology, Managerial Counselling, Transactional Analysis and Emotional Intelligence to name a few. She has presented various papers at national and international conferences, and invited talks on topics like Women Empowerment, Curriculum Development, Gender Sensitization. Managing Interpersonal Relationships, Team building and Leadership to name a few. She has also authored a book “Lexicon of Counseling Psychology – An Essential Handbook”. Her research interests include (but not limited to) emotional intelligence, women empowerment, spiritual intelligence, gender issues, anxiety and depression, happiness and mindfulness.
Brief about Prof. (Dr.) Josephus M. Gray
Dr. Josephus M. Gray, Dean of Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Liberia recently serves a visiting Professor at Sharda University in Greater Norda, India, making him the first African to serve the post at the university in India. Professor Gray earned BA in Mass Communication, MA in International Relations and Ph.D. in International Relations and Diplomacy from Liberia and France. Besides, he also earned advanced Certificates and Diplomas in Modern Journalism from ICFJ, Washington, D.C. USA while in 2006 through the sponsorship of the American ICFJ, Dr. Gray took a brief attachment at New York Times, New York City, USA; Washington Post, Washington, D.C., USA and Associated Press, New York, USA and a month at Savannah Morning News, Savannah, Georgia, USA.
Besides, in 2009, Dr. Gray earned Diploma in Modern Diplomacy from Chinese Foreign Affairs University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Certificate in Practical Research, Bibliotheque International Library, Paris, France and Diploma in Digital Journalism, World Newspaper Editors Forum. Cape Town, South Africa and Diplomas in Journalism from Dakar, Senegal and Accra, Republic of Ghana, respectively.
At the public sector level, Dr. Gray has held other dedicated positions with visible and tangible records of achievements including: Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia, Assistant Foreign Minister for Public Affairs and Diplomacy; Political Counselor, Embassy of Liberia in Paris, France; and Minister Counsellor and Charge d’ Affairs, Liberia Permanent Mission to the Swiss Federation and the United Nations in Geneva and other International Organizations.
He has authored three books: The Paradigm of Oil Diplomacy in Africa, published 2020, Paris, France; The Effect of Diplomacy: Liberia, US, China’s Triangular Relations, published 2022 in USA and Liberia Emerging Democracy: The Role of the Media and Women in Democracy, published 2012 in Paris, France. Dr. Gray fourth book titled: Media and Conflict: The Ordeals of Liberia Press is due to be published by Amazon in November 2025. He has wildly written and published about over 300 per-reviewed articles in local and international journals. Dr. Gray has a unique history of service at the University of Liberia including: President of UL Student Press Club, Part-time Faculty, Instructor, Assistant Professor and Associate Professor and now professor. Besides the University of Liberia, Dr. Gray serves extends to institutions and organizations across the globe. He’s the Acting President of Grand Kru technical College and Co-chair, Board of Trustees of the College; member, Board of Directors, Amos C. Sawyer Educational Foundation and Council Member, international Confucian Association based in China.
Brief about Assistant Prof. Dr. Joshi Rukmani
Dr. Joshi Rukmani is an Assistant Professor at School of Law, Sharda University, Greater Noida. She has completed her PhD from Centre for the Study of Law and Governance, JNU, New Delhi. She has been recipient of Indian Council for Social Science Research Doctoral Fellowship for the year 2014-16. Over the years she has spent several research periods in the field and some of her papers have been selected for presentation in various universities across India and abroad.
She has published research papers, chapters in edited books, study material and e-content on variety of concepts and processes of political science for MHRD project EPathshala, Delhi University. She has worked as Project Co-director on a project titled “Assessment of Psycho-Social Impact of Natural Disaster: A Case-Study of Glacier Outburst in Chamoli, Uttarakhand” in 2021. She has been selected as an expert for framing questions for Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat program by AICTE, Ministry of Education, Government of India in 2021.
Brief about Assistant Prof. Richmond S. Anderson
Assistant Prof. Anderson is the Chairman of the Department of Political Science, University of Liberia. His latest book: Perspective on Analytical Writing: Feature and Editorial Writings is widely used by students of journalism as a reference source. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (Cum Laude) in Mass Communication and double Master’s degree in International Relations and Educational Administration and Supervision. For a little over a decade, Assistant Professor Anderson served as Director of University Relations at the University of Liberia and Recording Secretary to the UL’s Board of Trustees.
Also, he worked as a News Editor and Editor-In-Chief at the Liberia News Agency (LINA) and several local newspapers in Monrovia. Furthermore, he served two times as Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) and Director for Media and Outreach at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Fortunately, he is first Representative for District 12, Montserrado County in the 53rd National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia.
Brief about Assistant Prof. Dr. Ambrues Monboe Nebo Sr
Assistant Prof. Dr. Nebo serve as an Assistant Professor, Sociology and Criminology, University of Liberia. Dr. Nebo presently serve as a member of the International UN Mission in Southern Sudan. He worked with the Liberia National Police for 15 years of dedication and commitment with skills, expertise and experience in Training, Administration, and Law Enforcement.
He is created for publication of three books: Liberian Society in Focus: An Introduction to Sociology; Wave of Protests: Regimes Change In Africa: A Sociological Perspective and Introduction to Liberia Criminal justice System, respectively. He holds a rich academic credentials including BA, MA, Ph.D. from Liberia and abroad.
In addition, Dr. Neo 20 years of experience with the Liberia National Police has been enriched with Training, Administration and Operation. Currently, is seconded as a Police Advisor to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan responsible for leadership overnight in Yambio, capacity building and technical assistance to South Sudan National Police Service. Dr. Nebo is a Board Member of the Board of Trustees for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion University, and Chairman of the Governing Council of Hill City University of Science and Technology in Liberia. He also served as the Focal point for Liberia at the ECOWAS Police Standby Force in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Prior to his assignment in South Sudan as Police Advisor in 2024, Dr. Nebo served as the Single Person of Contact for the West Africa Police Information System -Liberia Program. Dr. Nebo is also a reviewer for the international Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation.
Brief about Assistant Professor Dr. Arvind Shanker Shukla
Dr. Arvind Shanker Shukla is an Assistant Professor of Political Science. He has obtained Ph. D from Centre for Political Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. Prior to this University, he has worked with Dr. Subhash C Kashyap (Constitution Expert) and Dr. V. A. Pai Panandiker (Founder Member Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi) on a project of Citizen Centric Good Governance and Democracy. He has also worked with ICSSR and Centre for Public Affairs, Noida. His current research work focuses on Urban Politics, Public Policy and Indian Politics.
This academic venture not only strengthens the bilateral relationship between UL and Sharda University but also reinforces over five decades of Liberia-India diplomatic ties. Since former Indian Foreign Minister Sardar Swaran Singh’s visit to Liberia in 1971, the two nations have enjoyed warm relations, including India’s support during Liberia’s civil war through peacekeeping and ongoing trade and development efforts. The book India-Liberia’s Governance System: The Analysis symbolizes a bold step forward. It embodies a fusion of diverse academic insights, offering students, researchers, and policymakers a comprehensive view of governance in both nations. More importantly, it cements a new era of collaboration between two institutions dedicated to global education, innovation, and democratic progress
