The people of Rhesus and India will always maintain their strong ties of kinship and friendship - Anandiben Patel
Lucknow: November 3, 2019
Uttar Pradesh Governor Smt. Anandiben Patel said while representing India on the occasion of an international ceremony organized by the Government of Mauritius at the Pravasi Ghat in Port Louis yesterday to commemorate the 185th anniversary of the first arrival of indentured laborers from India in Mauritius. Located in Port Louis, the World Heritage Site 'Niwasi Ghat' has special significance.
This ghat reminds us of that colonialism era of untold suffering and exploitation, when our ancestors came here and lived a hard life and watered and flourished this earth with their blood and sweat. It is noteworthy that in the year 1834, on the same day of 2nd November, indentured laborers were sent from India for farming in Mauritius.
Addressing the people of India, the Governor said that the immigrant ghat is a memorial of the unbreakable bond of blood and sweat among our people. Millions of our ancestors were brought across the Indian Ocean through the steps of this ghat made of volcanic rock and their loved ones were left behind to live hard and painful lives. He said that this World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO is unique. It is truly a dedication to indomitable human spirit and eternal hope.
Recalling Mahatma Gandhi, he said that while returning to India from South Africa about 110 years ago, Gandhiji had also migrated to Mauritius for two weeks.
Mrs. Patel said that the arrival of indentured laborers brought from India thousands of kilometers away from India in the early 19th century marked an episode in the global history of colonial exploitation that left its mark on societies and economies around the world. This marked an era of intercontinental migration, in which people were placed in unknown lands to serve a colonial economy. But those great people contributed to the economic development of their adopted homeland by determination, hard work and commitment and keeping the memories of the land of their ancestors alive and changing the lives of their next generations.
The Governor said that Mauritius, since its independence, has presented a remarkable example of democracy not only in Africa but all over the world. The will of our people is regularly renewed through free and fair elections. The governor said that earlier this year, the world's largest electoral program was held in India in which over 650 million voters exercised their franchise. It was a huge election and a notable celebration of the celebration of democracy.
Both India and Mauritius are empowered by their vast diversity. He said that we are proud to work closely with the people and governments of Mauritius in our remarkable development journey. This partnership will continue to grow and flourish.
Mrs. Patel said that the commemoration being organized by the Government of Mauritius at the Pravasi Ghat is very important for our collective memory. He said that the younger generations should be able to know the past, their role and contribution in the development of society and economy and get lessons from them.
He said that the people of Mauritius and India will always maintain their strong ties of kinship and friendship. The Government of India will continue to work closely with the Government of Mauritius in strengthening its partnership and addressing each other's developmental challenges.
On this occasion the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Mr. Praveen Kumar Jagannath, Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Ivan Kolendevalo, Retired Honorable Minister Mentor Sir Anirudh Jagannath, Deputy Prime Minister Mrs. Fazila Durevo, Minister of Arts and Culture Mr. Prithviraj Singh Rupan, Leader of Opposition Mr. Xavier Duval, Chairman Immigrant Ghat A large number of people including Trust Fund Shri Dharma Yash Dev Dhuni, Member of Diplomatic Corps Pronounced citizens were present.
Earlier, Mrs. Anandiben Patel paid tribute to the ancestors at the 'Pravasi Ghat'.
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