PM Modi Reflects On Decade-Old Mauritius Visit; Carries Holi Spirit Back To India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the Indian diaspora in Mauritius. PM Modi reflected on his visit to the island nation a decade ago, which coincided with Holi celebrations.

With just three days left for Holi in India, PM Modi expressed his sentiment of carrying the festival’s spirit 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,” PM Modi stated.

“There is a feeling of belonging in the air here, in the soil here, in the water here,” the PM asserted.

PM Modi emphasized the unique bond between India and Mauritius, describing the relationship as familial rather than just diplomatic.

“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. A decade ago, in 2015, on my first as the PM, I announced India’s SAGAR vision. SAGAR means Security and growth for all in the region,” the Prime Minister noted.

“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 crisis, India is the first respondent. When Mauritius prospers, India is the first to celebrate. After all, for us Mauritius is family, as I said earlier,” PM Modi further added.

The Prime Minister also announced the extension of OCI card eligibility to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius.

“In Mauritius, a decision has been made to extend the OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card eligibility to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora. 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 honor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius and his spouse,” PM Modi said.

The PM acknowledged Mauritius’ enthusiastic celebrations of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Sri Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

“When Pran Pratishtha was organised in Ayodhya, our wait of 500 years ended, there was the same enthusiasm and celebration in India, we saw an equally big celebration here in Mauritius. Understanding your sentiments, Mauritius had then also declared half-day holiday. This relationship of faith between India and Mauritius is a major basis of our friendship,” PM Modi remarked.

Expressing gratitude to Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam for conferring upon him the nation’s highest civilian honor, PM Modi noted that he was the first Indian to receive it.

“The sweetness in the India and Mauritius relations has increased. My greetings to the citizens of Mauritius for their National Day. The Mauritius PM just announced that they would confer me with their highest civilian award. I want to accept your decision with humility. This is the honour of the historic ties of India and Mauritius,” Prime Minister Modi emphasized.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi attended a special lunch hosted by the Mauritius President.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to former Mauritius leaders Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and Anerood Jugnauth at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses.

As part of his visit, PM Modi presented OCI cards to the Mauritius President and First Lady.

The Prime Minister also gifted them holy Sangam water from Maha Kumbh in a Brass and Copper pot.

The PM also presented superfood Makhana and a Banarasi Saree in a Sadeli box.

PM Modi is in Mauritius from 11-12 March as the Chief Guest for the National Day celebrations, further strengthening the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.

Also Read: Mauritius Honors PM Narendra Modi With Highest Civilian Award