Maharashtra Day
Shivaji Day Celebrations
1 May 2019

Hon. Prime Minister of Mauritius H.E. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth

Hon. Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Ivan Leslie Collendavelloo

Hon. Minister of Technology, Communication and Innovation Mr. Yogida Sawmynaden

Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Public Infrastructure and Land Transport, Mr. Nandcoomar Bodha

Hon. Minister of Education Mrs. Leela Devi Dookun

Hon. Minister of Tourism Mr. Anil Kumarsingh Gayan

Hon. Minister of Arts & Culture Mr. Prithvirajsing Roopun

Hon. Minister of Civil Service & Administrative Reforms Mr. Marie Cyril Eddy Boissezon

Heads and members of the

Mauritius Marathi Mandali Federation, Marathi Cultural Trust, and the

Marathi Speaking Union and other Socio-Cultural Associations,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies & Gentlemen,

My greetings and best wishes to all of you on this special occasion as we commemorate Maharashtra Day and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Day in Mauritius.

This celebration is a reflection of the abiding links between people of Mauritius and India.

Both India and Mauritius are proud of our diverse yet collective heritage. Both our countries are blessed to have so many different cultures, ethnicities, religions, languages, cuisines enriching our national identities. We draw our strength from this diversity.

In case of Mauritius we witness the strength through this diversity in its close links with three very different continents - Asia, Africa and Europe.

The Marathi community both in India and Mauritius represent a very vibrant and dynamic force within this mega diversity. The community brings with them a language and cultural tradition that are rooted in the past but remain very alive and creative today.

While the Marathi culture goes back centuries, the modern state of Maharashtra in independent India came into being on this day six decades ago.

The capital of Maharashtra State Mumbai is a truly global city. It is the financial hub of India, which is today the fastest growing large economy.

My first exposure to this city was more than three decades ago when I lived there for six months for one semester of training as an engineer in a textile mill.

My second visit to Mumbai was only earlier this year, when we had the privilege of hosting Hon. Prime Minister Jugnauth as the Chief Guest during the ceremonial parade marking India’s Republic Day on 26 January that showcased some of the recent achievements and progress being made in Maharashtra.

Hon. Prime Minister formally inaugurated the branch of the wholly owned subsidiary of the State Bank of Mauritius in Mumbai. All the three major Chambers of Commerce of India – CII, FICCI and ASSSOCHAM along with the EDB of Mauritius hosted a useful business session where the Hon’ble Commerce Minister of India Shri Suresh Prabhu also participated. During the visit, Hon. Prime Minister also rang the closing bell at the Bombay Stock Exchange. Mumbai also hosts a Consulate of Mauritius besides an office of Air Mauritius, reflecting the close engagement.

Besides being a financial hub, Mumbai is also the entertainment capital of India with global renown. All of us are aware of the special fondness that Bollywood has long had for Mauritius.

During the meeting between the Hon. Prime Minister Jugnauth and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, two of the issues discussed were how to intensify our academic linkages as also links between entertainment and hospitality industry.

The state of Maharashtra has many centres of excellence in various academic and cultural fields and is also an industrial hub. Maharashtra also hosts several national scientific institutions of international repute including in the fields of nuclear science, fundamental research and radio telescopy. The list of classical and popular artistes who are among the leaders in their fields from Maharashtra is a long one. Mumbai also has a long tradition of nurturing talented sportspersons, and not only in cricket !

Maharashtra is the land of Ajanta and Ellora, the beautiful and magnificent sites of world heritage.

It is the land of freedom fighters as also leaders of social reform like Dr. Ambedkar, Mahatma Phule, and Ranade. It is the land of inspirational saints, like Sant Jnaneshwar, Namdeo, Tukaram and Samartha Ramdass, who shaped the personality of Shivaji.

Chhatrapati Shivaji is not only a Maratha icon but a national icon in India.

All of us grew up listening to and reading about the numerous heroic exploits of Chhatrapati Shivaji. The stories of his valour are well-known. He was not simply a fearless fighter but a Leader of men. He was not only known for the unconventional tactics on land but also for developing a naval force. He commanded great respect among supporters and adversaries alike.

He was an able administrator who applied many concepts that were ahead of his time. He was a man of vision and had an intellect to turn that vision into reality.

Most of all he is remembered as someone who could achieve what would appear impossible.

It is this spirit of leadership, of working for the welfare of all and accomplishing great things against all odds that continues to inspire modern generation.

May I, in conclusion, thank the Mauritius Marathi Mandali Federation, Mauritius Marathi Cultural Centre Trust and the Marathi Speaking Union for organizing this event and the wonderful cultural performances that have been arranged.

I thank you for inviting me to join you and wish all of you the very best.

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