When PM Modi Visited Mauritius In 1998 For Ramayana Conference; Throwback Photos Emerge
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed with garland, posters, and flags amid ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ chants in Port Louis, pictures emerged showcasing his 1998 visit to Mauritius. Prime Minister Modi had visited Mauritius in October 1998 when he was the National General Secretary of the BJP.
Sharing images of PM Modi’s 1998 Mauritius visit, X handle ‘Modi Archive’ said that the nation holds a special connection with India as a vast chunk of its population is of Indian-origin.
It shared images of PM Modi, the handle said, “Then serving as BJP National General Secretary, he spoke about Lord Ram’s universal values and how the Ramayana serves as a bridge uniting India and Mauritius in an eternal civilisational embrace.”
PM Modi’s visit was not limited to official meetings, but he also visited Ganga Talao and paid homage to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the Father of the Nation, at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden, the post added.
Recalling the connection between India and Mauritius, PM Modi at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015 said, “If there is one place that unites all of Mauritius, it is Ganga Sagar. The pond was created by the residents of Mauritius, but they brought water from the Ganga and poured it into the pond. Though the quantity of water may be small, the emotions and devotion associated with it have given it a different dimension.”
“To the people, it is a representation of the Ganga, and even today, the Shivratri Mela is organized on its banks and brings together the entire population of Indian origin. Far from India, a pond bearing the name of the Ganga continues to inspire Mauritius to awaken its cultural heritage,” he added.
PM Modi Begins 2-Day State Visit
PM Modi arrived in Mauritius on Tuesday on a two-day state visit. Mauritius PM Navin Ramgoolam received him at the airport along with 200 other dignitaries.
During PM Modi’s 2-day visit, he will attend the island nation’s national day celebrations as the chief guest. He will also hold meetings with the country’s top leadership.
Before leaving for Mauritius, Modi Monday said that his visit would open a “new and bright” chapter in the ties between the two nations. The two countries are also expected to sign several pacts providing for cooperation in the areas of capacity building, trade and tackling cross-border financial crimes.
