The Ashok Stambh (Ashoka Pillar), the national emblem of India, was unveiled, today, during an official ceremony held at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC), Phoenix, to mark the commencement of the two-year long celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of India. An exhibition on the Pillars of Ashoka was also held on this occasion.
The President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun, the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Mrs K. Nandini Singla, the Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Mr Avinash Teeluck, were present.
In his address, President Roopun underlined that the Ashoka Stambh is well suited to be placed at the IGCIC since it will add to the grandeur of the centre and will help to further strengthen cultural links between Mauritius and India. The Pillar of Ashoka, he said, will inspire visitors to embrace principles of peace, tolerance and justice.
He commended India’s contribution to humanity especially in the fields of science technology, medicine, biotechnology, business and trade, cinema and arts and Indian diaspora amongst others. India, he stated, over the last 50 years has proven to be an active partner both bilaterally and internationally thereby providing assistance to several countries to strengthen their economic growth and infrastructural development.
He spoke of the deep bond between Mauritius and India while highlighting that the rich and vibrant Indian culture will be preserved in the country in the form of activities and programmes to be held during the two-year long celebrations.
The Indian High Commissioner, indicated that India has transformed, over the years, to become one of the top global and power economy as well as the world’s biggest democracy.
The Ashoka pillar, Mrs Singla observed, created by the renowned Indian king Ashoka encapsulates the vision of India to promote peace, prosperity and universal brotherhood.
She recalled that the Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav launched by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, on 12 March coincides with the National Day of Mauritius, which she said, is symbolical of the fraternal and long-lasting relations between the two countries. The two-year long celebration, she added, begins 75 weeks before the celebration of the 75th Independence Day in 2022 and will continue till 15 August 2023.
For his part, Minister Teeluck expressed gratitude to the Government of India for its unwavering support in several major developmental projects. He also spoke of the assistance of India to Mauritius in limiting the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and kickstarting the national vaccination campaign.
The Ministry, he stated, will fully collaborate with the High Commission of India to make of the two-year long celebrations, a major success in Mauritius.
He also expressed gratitude to the Government of India for the tribute paid to late Sir Anerood Jugnauth, former President and Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, which he said, is indeed commendable as it shows the emotional connection and bond existing between the two countries.