Port Louis/New Delhi, Mar 11 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the Indian diaspora in Port Louis on Tuesday evening spoke to them at length in Bhojpuri. PM Modi thanked the Prime Minister of Mauritius Navinchandra Ramgoolam for bestowing the nation’s highest civilian honour on him, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.
“I humbly accept this recognition with the utmost respect. It is an honour for the historical links between India and Mauritius,” he said.
PM Modi is only the fifth foreign personality to receive this honour, which includes anti-apartheid icon and Nobel prize winner Nelson Mandela.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, PM Modi said: “Ten years ago, on this same date, I visited Mauritius... At the time, the Holi festival had already taken place a week earlier, and I had brought with me the joy of Phagwa from India. This time, I will leave with the colors of Holi of Mauritius. And while talking about Holi, how can I forget about gujiya?” the PM said with a smile.
“There was a time when sugar was imported from Mauritius for making sweets in the west of India. It is perhaps for this reason that sugar is also called Moras in Gujarati. Over time, the sweetness of the relations between India and Mauritius continues to grow. In this spirit of harmony I convey my congratulations to the Mauritian people on the occasion of their National Day tomorrow,” the PM said to cheers.
In his address, PM Modi highlighted the importance of March 12 as a reflection of the shared history between the two nations. He noted that this date marks the beginning of Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March, a pivotal moment in the struggle against colonial rule. PM Modi also recalled the contribution of figures like Barrister Manilal Doctor, who played a key role in advocating for people's rights in Mauritius.
PM Modi also recalled the remarkable struggle against colonial rule led by Sir Seewosagur Ramgoolam, alongside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He mentioned that the statue of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna stands as a reminder of this legacy.
PM Modi said it was his honour to have been able to pay tribute to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam at his samadhi in Port Louis today, along with the Mauritian PM.
PM Modi recalled his visit to Mauritius in 1998 for the International Ramayan Conference when he was not holding any government position. “Look at the coincidence, at the time Navinji was the Prime Minister, and when I became the Prime Minister (in 2014) then Navinji came to India to attend my swearing in ceremony”.
PM Modi highlighted that the Maha Kumbh that has concluded in Uttar Pradesh had attracted more than 65-66 crore visitors including those from Mauritius, and said that he will offer Ganga Jal from the Kumbh in the Ganga Talao, since its waters were infused with the waters of Ganga.
He referred to Mauritius as a melting pot of cultures and that people were brought here from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other parts of India. In terms of language, cuisine, and traditions, Mauritius is like a "Mini India”, he remarked.
“Mauritius is like a mini India, in terms of the languages spoken and the food habits.”
“When Mauritius prospers, India is the first to celebrate. When Mauritius faces a crisis, India is the first to respond.
“When I come to Mauritius, I feel as though I am among my own people. There is a sense of belonging in the air and soil of Mauritius,” he added.
Referring to Bihar, he said that in the earlier times when many parts of the world were not in tune with education a global institute of higher learning like Nalanda existed in Bihar. He said his government has decided to revive Nalanda University and the Nalanda spirit.
He also said that Bihar's makhana (fox nuts) will soon become a part of snack menus across the world.
“Today the makhana of Bihar is very popular across India, and you will see that the day is not far off when Bihar’s makhana will become part of the snacks menu worldwide.”
He reiterated India's decision to issue OCI Cards to seventh generation of Mauritians of Indian origin.
PM also mentioned that he had handed over OCI cards to the Mauritian President, Prime Minister and their spouses.
PM Modi referred to India's efforts to preserve history and stories of diaspora from the Girmitiya community by creating a database of their origins, launching a university for research and explore organizing a World Girmitya Conference. He announced that Mauritius and India will work together to earmark indentured labor routes, like the Apravasi Ghat in Mauritius.
He mentioned that Mauritius is not just a partner but family. Also referred to Mauritius as a bridge to the Global South. The SAGAR Vision was announced by PM during his visit to Mauritius in 2015. It was the first African country with which India signed a trade Treaty. India has partnered in building critical infrastructure, building capacity, transforming industry and creating jobs.
PM reinforced India's role in the security of Mauritius against piracy, illegal fishing and crime. India has supported Mauritius as a first responder in times of crisis.
PM Modi highlighted that India partners with Mauritius in a spirit of friendship for the future through projects such as Rupay, UPI, Mauritian metro, solar power and electric buses.
"India wants Mauritius to grow as India grows. In that spirit, Mauritius was invited as a Guest Country during India's Presidency of the G20," he added.
UNI RN