50 years of Independence : down memory lane by Events Plus, Radio Plus and the Défi Media Group

In the context of the 50th Independence celebration, Events Plus, Radio Plus and Le Défi Media Group are organizing a fair on the theme “Mauritius my Country, (Moris mo pei).” It will be held as from 2nd March till 4th March at the Swami Vivekananda Center in Pailles. The fair will be officially declared open on 2nd March by the Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.

During a press conference this week, Bruno La Charmante, Group Communication Manager of Défi Media Group, unveiled the details of the most awaited event. “The main objective of this fair is to allow the public to discover the Mauritius of yesterday and the future through various exhibitions across the atrium. At the fair, the older generation will go down memory lane while the younger generation will make amazing discoveries.” 

Special Magazine and documentary films

During the fair, a magazine will be launched by the Défi Media Group to mark this celebration. A documentary entitled “An island, a miracle, a destiny”, lasting for 52 minutes, will be screened during the event, and will showcase the interview of different persons such as Phillipe Gentil and Georges Prosper, who both wrote and composed the national anthem. It will also feature political figures revealing various anecdotes.

Discovery

In the atrium, visitors can discover how the famous Place d’Armes looked like years before. Besides, there will be a space dedicated to different forgotten or in the way of extinction jobs such as tinplate, quilting and hairdressing. There will be also an old Chinese shop. Visitors will also find a Food Market to discover the flavours of culinary traditions. Moreover, there will be an exhibition of around 400 photos tracing our socio-economic pathway since Independence.

Debate and Forum

Nawaz Noorbux, director of information for Radio Plus, also present at this press conference, explained that the fair will have a pedagogical dimension. Radio Plus is organising a Grand Debate on Friday 2nd March as from 17:00 hours to 19:00 hours at the Swami Vivekananda Center with a panel of six guests. The theme chosen for this Grand Debate is “Mauritius 50 years, Assessment and Prospects.” The debate will be broadcasted live on Radio Plus, TelePlus and the Facebook Page of Défi Media Group.

According to Nawaz Noorbux, the idea is to make an assessment of the country 50 years after its Independence on the political, economic, social, democratic and ecological arena, among others. “We will also reflect on the future of the country in these different sectors. The public can participate in this debate. We can accommodate up to 400 people in the debate room,” he declared.

He also revealed that five other discussions will be organised during these days as follows:

• Sustainable development: Friday, March 2nd at 11 a.m.

• The role and contribution of the media in the advancement of democracy: Saturday, March 3rd at 11 a.m.

• What economic model for our country after 50 years? On Saturday, March 3rd at 14:00.

• What political and constitutional reforms half a century after independence? On Sunday, March 4th at 11 a.m.

• Nation Building: Sunday, March 4th at 14:00.

50 persons will be awarded 

To add more colours to the celebrations, the Défi Media Group has decided to award 50 persons who have excelled in various fields over the past 50 years. The winners will be announced on Saturday, March 3rd at an awards ceremony at the Swami Vivekananda Center, in Pailles, at 19:00 pm. “It is a way to pay tribute to those men and women who have worked for the advancement of the country or who have brought honour to the nation internationally,” remarks Nawaz Noorbux.

They were selected by a jury panel composed of seven persons and chaired by Suresh Seeballuck, former head of the public service and former secretary to the Cabinet. The other members of the jury are Gaëtan Siew, Malenn Oodiah, Shafiq Osman, Manisha Dookhony, Alain Laridon and Vivian Gungaram.

There will be a total of ten categories and there will be five winners per category:

• Fight for big causes

• Economic development

• Education

• Social

• Modernization /Innovation / Research

• Democracy / Media

• Environment

• Culture

• Professionals

• Sports

Local artists will embellish the night with their performances. This event will be broadcast live on Radio Plus, TelePlus, Défi Media Group Facebook Page.