Partha Roy, Kolkata: President of Mauritius Shri Prithvirajsing Roopun accorded civic reception by Kolkata citizenary at iconic Taj Bengal Hotel in Kolkata on 14th May 2023.
The Civic Reception was attended by Governor of West Bengal Shri C V Anand Bose, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harvansh Narayan Singh, Shri Sushil Modi Member of Parliament ( Rajya Sabha), Padma Bhushan Dr. Swapan Dasgupta former Member of Parliament and President of Khola Hawa, Smt. Rami Niranjan Desai of India Foundation, office bearers and members of various Business Chambers, top academics from different disciplines from across the West Bengal and other states of India, celebrities from different professions, diplomats including from neighbouring countries, top civil services officials and others.
Historical relationship between India and Mauritius began in 1850s when Indians landed to work in various labour intensive work functions.
Governor of West Bengal Shri C. V. Anand Bose spoke on historical cultural relationship between people of India and Mauritius and shared his several personal experiences. Shri Bose praised people of Indian origin in Mauritius for their efforts to upheld culture and traditions of the land of their ancestors in everyday life.
Mauritius has more than 68% citizens who are of Indian origin. President of Mauritius Shri Prithvirajsing Roopun in his address thanked Indian authorities and others including members of India Foundation for extending all support to make his trip successful.
Mauritius President said apart from Kolkata, Indian people from various states sailed & emigrated to Mauritius from various ports of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.
Indo-Mauritians as people of Indian origin in Mauritius are commonly known are deeply rooted to their ancestoral cultural heritage. President Roopun mentioned people speaks Bhojpuri, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil,Telegu alongwith Creole, English ,and French in every day life.
India – Mauritius is celebrating establishment of 75 years of diplomatic relationship since Mauritius become independent in1948. President Roopun added all major Hindu festivals are celebrated in Mauritius. Recently, a statue of Shivaji was installed and unveiled.
Shivaji Day is celebrated in Mauritius with great pride. Gita Mahautsav is being organised in grand way every year. Hindi,Marathi , Tamil, Telegu are taught in schools. Mauritius has Sanskrit speaking union also.
President Roopun mentioned it was proud moment for people of Mauritius when “Durga Puja” was given “Intangible Heritage of the World certification by UNESCO” two years ago as Durga Puja is celebrated in Mauritius as in Bengal and other parts of the world.
President Prithvirajsing Roopun said “We should embrace bigger aspects of Hindu civilization which our ancestors developed over millions of years” President Roopun mentioned visit to India is pilgrimage to his ancestoral land.
President Prithvirajsing Roopun and First Lady of Mauritius Smt. Sayukta Roopun were extended warm welcome by Trustees of famed Dakshineswar Kali temple.
President Prithvirajsing Roopun and First Lady of Mauritius Smt. Sayukta Roopun performed puja of Ma Bhavatarini Kali where President Roopun performed aarti of Goddess Ma Kali. First Lady of Mauritius Smt Sayukta Roopun offered puja to holy river Ganga.
President Prithvirajsing Roopun and First Lady of Mauritius Smt. Sayukta Roopun visited” Indentured Indian Labourers Memorial and Clock Tower Kolkata Port Trust, Kidderpore, Kolkata” to pay homage to all those Indians who left Indian shores for Mauritius and other far away lands.