Africa-Press – Mauritius. Our ethnic unity and solidarity are the foundation for preserving the multicultural heritage of Mauritius with its different traditions and religions and the youth of Mauritius must strive to follow the path of our ancestors to preserve this unity.
This was the gist of the message of the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun, this morning, at the launching of the documentary film “Living Together in Mauritius”, at MCine in Trianon.
The Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Mr Avinash Teeluck, the General Manager (GM) of the Mauritius Film Development Corporation (MFDC), Mr Sachin Jootun, members of the Council of Religions, and other personalities were present on the occasion.
The documentary film, produced by the Council of Religions (CoR) in collaboration with the MFDC, reflects the desire to join forces for a better country for the Mauritian population and for future generations. The President underlined that living together comprises several aspects, notably as a family, in the neighbourhood and in the community.
In this context, he pointed out that it is imperative to develop solidarity, respect for the culture and religion of others, promote tolerance, and be guided by the values of mutual aid, sharing and compassion.
Furthermore, he appealed to the youths to discourage intolerance and misunderstandings that may jeopardise our social harmony and our progress as a country, in particular at a time when we face enormous health, social, economic and ecological challenges.
The President also lauded the collaboration of the CoR as regards the documentary film and urged them to collaborate further in promoting intercultural dialogue and consolidating national unity.
He pointed out that as religious representatives, the Council has a crucial role to play to ensure that social cohesion always prevails. On this score, he reiterated his commitment as President to continue to support them in their endeavours.
For his part, Minister Teeluck highlighted that the unity prevailing among the population has tremendously contributed to the socio-economic development of the country.
He stressed that Government will continue to support the MFDC, the civil society and other organisations in the promotion of an exemplary nation with all its diversity and values.
Speaking about the film, Mr Teeluck emphasised that it is highly encouraging that such films are being made which are a symbol of the unity that binds the Mauritian youth and the population in general.
He lauded the initiative and support that the MFDC has given to the CoR to produce this documentary film in order to transmit a peaceful message to the population, in particular the youth, and encouraged them to maintain the diversity that will lead to the progress of Mauritius for the coming years.
As for the GM of the MFDC, Mr Jootun, he stressed that there will always be people who discriminate in every religion and community in the world but insisted on the need to follow the path of our founding fathers who taught us to combat same through our national unity.
‘Where we stand today is the testimony of the great maturity showed by our ancestors before and after independence by not falling into the trap of violence and division and this has laid the foundation of an inclusive and equitable nation where people of different religions and cultural beliefs live in unity’, he underlined.
In addition, Mr Jootun stated that in Mauritius, faith and religions play a vital role in the cultures of most people adding that spiritual leaders have a significant role in shaping attitudes, behaviours and opinions of people, in particular that of the young generation they regularly meet.
On this score, he appealed to the CoR as well as the youths to continue to make of Mauritius a perfect example of a country where there exists a deeply rooted sense of social harmony.
Mr Harry Ragoo, who delivered the message of the President of the CoR, Mr Philippe Goupille, recalled that the CoR is an NGO that fosters understanding in our multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society and aims to promote harmony among the population.
He reiterated the commitment of members of the CoR in contributing to the strengthening of the social development and stability of Mauritius and underscored the need to safeguard the peaceful co-existence of different religions, cultures and opinions.
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