India Independence celebrations

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of India’s Independence, a flag hoisting ceremony was held on Tuesday at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture, Phoenix. High Commissioner of India Shri Abhay Thakur unfurled the National Flag of India, and read out the message from the President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind. Nearly 1,000 Indian nationals and Mauritian friends of India in Mauritius attended the event.

In his special message on the occasion, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, said that India is “one of the economic powerhouses of the global economy” and “an example to the world.” He stated that “India has been for Mauritius an inspiration, a staunch friend and partner state.” A documentary film on the liberalised Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card scheme, as a special carve out for Mauritius, was released on the occasion.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Message

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 70th anniversary of the country's independence from British colonial rule with a speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi. He reiterated calls to end mob violence in the country, which has been directed against India's lower castes and religious minorities. "Sometimes in the name of faith, some people due to lack of patience end up destroying the social fabric," he said on Tuesday. "The country is governed by peace, harmony and unity. The poison of casteism and communalism can never benefit the country."

Modi used the annual speech to ask Indians to work together and build a "New India.” “If each one of us, irrespective of where he belongs to, strives with a new resolve, a new energy, a new strength, we can change the face of the country with our combined strength in the 75th year of our independence in 2022.”

He further added that “we now have five years before we reach the 75th year of our independence. Our united resolve, strength and determination to work hard remembering the memory of our great patriots will help us to build an India of their dreams by 2022. Therefore, we have to take the country forward with a pledge to build a New India.”

National Day Reception

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of India’s Independence, High Commissioner of India, Shri Abhay Thakur, hosted a National Day Reception at the Le Meridien Hotel. H.E. Dr. (Mrs) Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of the Republic of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, Cabinet Ministers, Leader of the Opposition, leaders of various political parties, senior officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and many other eminent personalities from various walks of life attended the Reception.

In the context of the ongoing Government of India assisted projects in diverse areas in Mauritius such as transport, construction, housing, ports and education, the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India was highlighted on the occasion.