Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the Indian diaspora in Mauritius, reflecting on his previous visit to the island nation a decade ago, which coincided with the Holi festival.
With just three days remaining for the festival of colours in India, PM Modi expressed his intention to bring the spirit of Holi back home. “I came to Mauritius 10 years ago on this date. It was a week after Holi, and I brought the joy of ‘Phagwa’ with me. This time, I will take the colours of Holi with me to India,” he said during his address.
Highlighting the strong historical ties between India and Mauritius, PM Modi emphasized the familial bond shared by the two nations. “Mauritius is not just a partner country. For us, Mauritius is family! This bond is deep and strong, rooted in history, heritage, and the human spirit. Mauritius is also a bridge connecting India to the wider Global South,” he added.
Recalling India’s support during challenging times, PM Modi underscored India’s unwavering commitment to Mauritius. “In times of crisis, India has always stood with Mauritius. During COVID-19, India was the first country to deliver one lakh vaccines and essential medicines. When Mauritius faces a crisis, India is the first respondent. When Mauritius prospers, India is the first to celebrate. After all, for us, Mauritius is family,” he said.
PM Modi also announced the extension of OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card eligibility to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius. “I had the privilege of presenting the OCI card to the President of Mauritius and his spouse. Likewise, I am delighted to extend the same honour to the Prime Minister of Mauritius and his spouse,” he added.
He further expressed gratitude to the people of Mauritius for their heartfelt celebration of the Pran Pratishtha of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. “When Pran Pratishtha was organised in Ayodhya, our 500-year wait ended. There was immense enthusiasm and celebration in India, and we witnessed an equally grand celebration here in Mauritius. Understanding your sentiments, Mauritius even declared a half-day holiday on the occasion,” PM Modi said.
Furthermore, Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam announced that PM Modi would be conferred with the country’s highest civilian award, The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the recognition, describing it as an honour for the historic ties between India and Mauritius. “The sweetness in the India-Mauritius relationship has increased,” he said.
During his visit, PM Modi attended a special lunch hosted by the President of Mauritius and paid homage to former Mauritius Prime Ministers Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and Anerood Jugnauth at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses.
PM Modi also presented the President and the first lady of Mauritius with OCI cards. Additionally, he gifted them holy Sangam water from Mahakumbh in a brass and copper pot, superfood Makhana, and a Banarasi saree in a Sadeli box for the first lady of Mauritius.
(Inputs from ANI)