Africa-Press – Mauritius. The 101st birth anniversary of the former Prime Minister of India, late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was commemorated, yesterday at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Côte d’Or Technopole in the presence of the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, in collaboration with the High Commission of India, formed part of ongoing initiatives to honour the leadership and the longstanding contribution of late Atal Bihari Vajpayee to public service and democratic governance. As part of the programme, a screening of the film ‘Main Atal Hoon’ was held, depicting the life and political journey of the former Indian leader.
The Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, Mr Lutchmanah Pentiah, Ministers, Junior Ministers, Members of the National Assembly, the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, and other distinguished personalities were among the attendees.
In his address, Prime Minister Ramgoolam recalled Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s warm and enduring relationship with Mauritius, noting that Mr Vajpayee consistently recognised the country as a close and trusted partner of India. He pointed out the former Indian Prime Minister’s lasting influence as a statesman who championed dialogue, cooperation, and principled leadership. “Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee embodied humility and strength, and believed in progress driven by compassion, constructive engagement, and the defence of democratic values,” he added.
The Prime Minister also reflected on the former Indian leader’s steadfast commitment to peace and his conviction that nations should devote their efforts to addressing unemployment, poverty, and inequality. According to him, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation stands as a tangible symbol of these values, reflecting a shared vision of governance rooted in service and capacity building. Dr Ramgoolam further remarked that commemorating Vajpayee’s legacy offers an opportunity to inspire future generations, especially young people, to value public service and uphold principles that foster stability, cooperation, and ethical leadership.
For his part, Minister Pentiah outlined Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision of public service as a dedicated and disciplined endeavour, rooted in unity, integrity, and the welfare of all citizens. He underscored the late Prime Minister of India’s foresight in promoting innovation, modernisation, and inclusive progress, as well as his emphasis on leadership through consensus, consultation, and attentive listening. Mr Pentiah recalled that service to the nation, as Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee taught, is a commitment to others rather than a pursuit of power.
The High Commissioner of India, on the other hand, explained how Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee consistently combined restraint with strategic foresight during pivotal moments, demonstrating that strength and diplomacy can and must coexist. He underscored the former Indian Prime Minister’s enduring influence on India’s global standing, noting his ability to advance the nation’s voice on the international stage while upholding dialogue, ethical conduct, and respect for adversaries.
Mr Srivastava also spoke about Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s deep and lasting connection with Mauritius, recalling the warmth, humour, and personal rapport that earned him the genuine admiration of the Mauritian community.
