Droupadi Murmu visits Mahatma Gandhi Institute, pays floral tribute to the statue of 'Father of the Nation'

"President Murmu paid floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi located on the campus of the Institute, which was established in 1970 as a joint initiative of the Governments of India and Mauritius. MGI is a leading institution promoting and propagating Indian arts, culture and languages in Mauritius," read the statement.

Addressing an enthusiastic gathering at the Institute,  Murmu said that the remarkable strides made by Indian diaspora in Mauritius is a matter of pride not only for us in India, but an example worth emulating for Indians around the world.

She added that our decades-long development partnership is a shining example of India’s commitment to contribute towards the developmental journey of Mauritius, and to enhance the quality of life for common people in Mauritius.

The President encouraged the Mahatma Gandhi Institute to provide more avenues for the Mauritian youth to engage with India - not only culturally and linguistically, but also by providing them with educational and business opportunities.

The President announced the extension of eligibility of Overseas Indian Citizenship for Indian-origin Mauritians of the 7th generation, which will allow more young Mauritians to reconnect with the land of their ancestors.

During her visit to MGI, President Murmu also viewed some of the rare archival records preserved at the Institute, which document the arrival of the first Indian indentured laborers in the country.