What You Need to Know
A delegation from Bihar met with Mauritius' Minister of Arts and Culture to discuss collaboration on cultural heritage. Key topics included manuscript preservation and the promotion of Madhubani painting, with plans for online training sessions for Mauritian students. Both sides aim for sustained cultural enrichment.
Africa-Press – Mauritius. A delegation from the Government of Bihar, led by the Secretary of the Department of Art and Culture, Mr Pranav Kumar, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Mahendra Gondeea, on Friday 20 March 2026 in Port Louis.
In a statement following the meeting, Mr Kumar indicated that discussions centred on potential areas of collaboration between Mauritius and the Indian State of Bihar, particularly in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. He highlighted ongoing initiatives in both regions in the field of manuscript preservation and digitisation, and noted that India has established a National Manuscript Mission. He further emphasised that cooperation in this area could be strengthened through continued engagement.
Mr Kumar further stated that the talks addressed the promotion of ‘Madhubani’ painting, a traditional art form from Bihar. The possibility of Mauritian students benefiting from the guidance and expertise of artists from Bihar was also discussed. In this regard, both sides agreed on the possibility of organising online training sessions to facilitate knowledge sharing, he added.
He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration would contribute to the cultural enrichment and mutually benefit both sides.
Cultural exchanges between regions can significantly enhance mutual understanding and appreciation of heritage. The collaboration between Mauritius and Bihar reflects a growing trend where states seek to preserve and promote their unique cultural identities through partnerships. Such initiatives often lead to innovative programs that benefit both communities, fostering a deeper connection through shared artistic practices and educational opportunities. The focus on traditional art forms like Madhubani painting showcases the importance of preserving cultural legacies in a globalized world.
