The week-long ‘Jashn-e-Dosti: Lind ek Moris – Lamitie pou touzour’ (Forever Friendship) was launched on Friday, December 2 at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC) in the presence of the Head of State His Excellency Prithivirajsing Roopun in the presence of several Government Ministers and dignitaries.
In her speech, Indian High Commission Her Excellency Nandini K Singla gave a peek of the underlying cultural and diplomatic ties between India and Mauritius, more than 188 years old where 36 craftsmen came under French colonial rule much before the coming of Indian indentured labourers in 1834.
She told: “It was one year after India obtained its freedom in 1948 that the Indian Commissioner came to Mauritius in August 1948 Dharam Yash Dev was a grand event where some 300,000 people came to welcome him, waving the Indian flag among which was Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR). The event lead to our official diplomatic relationship forged into the crucible where we were able to steer our destiny as a free country, thus symbolizing the success of India’s nationalism one year later.”
“The concept of free India was fresh and rural Mauritius of Indian origin felt pride about a Free Bharat. India’s commissioner as it was known at that time and not High Commissioner since Mauritius was still under British rule, Mr. Dharam Yash Dev and SSR were very good friends when the latter was President of the Indian Students movement and the former was a member where both worked closely to unite the flame of Indian Nationalism.”
Giving titbits on the close friendship between Commissioner Dharam Yash Dev and SSR, she told, “The flame of Mauritius nationalism was ignited and 75 years later as we celebrate the diplomatic relationship between India and Mauritius, it is important to remember that Mr. Yash Dev didn’t come as an ordinary commissioner but with a very powerful message to continue driving the relationship between both nations.”
The ambassador shared her pride about being the 27th Indian High Commissioner belonging to this proud lineage and celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations as the first woman Indian High commissioner. She further added that the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is coming after a span of four years when the last time the Prime Minister of Mauritius was Chief Guest with a huge and enthusiastic local crowd. “We are two countries but one People,” she added.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) convention is slated to take place from Jan 8-19 2023 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh based on the theme, “Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal.”
Speaking about the ‘Jashn-e-Dosti event, the Ambassador shared that following the launch logo at the CEPCA event in September by Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, the Indian side worked in collaboration with the Foreign Minister where discussions hovered on the fact that the event should take place following school holidays setting the tone for bigger participation. She added that India is eponymous with Food dinner and Bollywood while emphasizing, “We want to continue the tradition till August 15 next year where an Indian film festival will be showcased for free next year.
On the other hand, the Head of State His Excellency Prithivirajsing Roopun hailed the series of events with the participation in all events by local authorities at the highest level. He called India, “A prominent actor on the global stage where the Indian diaspora has beautifully blended across the global landscape. President Roopun hailed the declaration of PM Narendra Modi in Bali who told, ‘This is not an era of war, echoed across the world.”
He added, “My generation witnessed the support of India to Mauritius at all levels since the last decade where it is a committed partner at all levels of social development.
He further continued that today, the India-Friendship is being celebrated where this cultural mix is enjoyed in Mauritius with Indian classic and African mix with artists hailing from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Conservatoire National de Musique François-Mitterrand & Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture Trust Fund, Indo-Mauritius Musical Symphony performing on Day One.
