The High Commission of India in association with the Indo-Mauritius Friendship Society organised Gandhi Jayanti celebrations at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC), Phoenix. The President of the Republic of Mauritius Her Excellency Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In his address on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, High Commissioner of India, H.E Shri. Abhay Thakur, spoke about how Ganghiji had devoted his entire life for uplifting the weak and oppressed. The High Commissioner also spoke on various initiatives taken by the Government of India particularly the Swachh Bharat mission. In her address President Gurib-Fakim spoke about how Ganghiji's fundamental message of peace and non-violence is as relevant today as it had been decades ago. In a separate message to the local press, President Gurib-Fakim said that Mauritius too needs to emulate the Indian example and start a cleanliness drive for cleaning the public beaches of Mauritius.

Following the speeches, a dance performance on the Swachh Bharat theme was presented by Mauritian artists. This was followed by a rendition of a couple of Bapuji's favourite bhajans.

After the cultural segment, the live webcast of the inaugural ceremony of the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra (PBK) in Delhi was organised. President Gurib-Fakim expressed her pleasure on knowing that Ms. Preshikha Kistoo, a Mauritian participant in the 'Bharat Ko Janiye' Quiz and one of the 17 finalists for the competition, was also present at the inaugural ceremony of the PBK. In addition, President Gurib-Fakim was also apprised that 5 participants from Mauritius who had been selected for the 36th Know India Programme (KIP) were also invited to the inauguration of the PBK.

A photo exhibition on the life and times of the Mahatma was organised in the Foyer of the IGCIC. 48 exhibits from the Gandhi Museum have been displayed and the exhibition will be open to visitors till 9 October 2016.

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