Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the hopes and promises of independence have become brighter with each passing day in Mauritius, and added that the country stands out as a bright beacon of democracy.
"There are many countries that have seen the joys of freedom fade into the gloom of lost direction. In Mauritius, though, the hopes and promises of independence have become brighter by the passing day. Mauritius has stood as a bright beacon of democracy," Prime Minister Modi said, while addressing the National Assembly of Mauritius.
"It is always a great honour to speak to a National Assembly. But, it is truly special to do so in the assembly of a people with which we share the deepest bonds of history and culture and of a nation that we are proud to call a friend and a partner. To be here with you in this Assembly on your National Day is a blessed moment for me," he said.
"On Independence Day, we not only celebrate liberty, but also remember the struggles and sacrifices that gave birth to freedom. Today is also a special day in the history of India's freedom struggle. On this day, in 1930, Mahatma Gandhi began his Dandi March and India took a great step forward to Independence. Your National Day honours Mahatma Gandhi. And, it forms a deep bond of emotion between our two countries," he added.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister paid homage to Seewoosagur Ramgoolam for leading Mauritius to freedom.
"Today, I also pay homage to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam for leading Mauritius to freedom, and for his vision and leadership in building our partnership. I stand here today not just in celebration of our relationship, but also in admiration of your achievements," said Prime Minister Modi.
"This is a nation of a little over a million people of huge diversity living in great harmony. It is a nation that has lived up to the words of its national anthem - one nation, one people, in peace, justice and liberty. It is a nation moving firmly on the path of prosperity," he said.
More From This Section
"I have always admired how Mauritius has made smart choices; and encouraged hard work and enterprise. It has gone from an agricultural economy to a middle income and diversified economy, tapping the opportunities in textile and tourism and now to offshore finance and information technology," he added.
He also said that Mauritius pulsates with the beauty of their preserved beliefs and culture.
"Generations ago, people from India charted an unknown course to an uncertain new life in an unfamiliar world. As they built their lives, they lived on the memories of Himalaya and Ganga; through the rituals of Shivratri and Kavedee; the colours of Holi and the joy of Eid; through songs that welcomed the rains and dances that celebrated the harvest," the Prime Minister said.
"Today, they are proud citizens of Mauritius; thriving in the dynamism of their country; contributing to its success. The island pulsates with the beauty of their preserved beliefs and culture. Yet, they blend easily into a way of life that has been formed by the winds and waves from different parts of the world," he said.
"This morning I went to Ganga Talao. I felt a personal connection that comes from the banks of Ganga in my parliamentary constituency - Benaras. And, I understood the powerful links of heart that have endured time and distance in this magnificent land. Today, these links form the firmest foundation of our relationship. They have created goodwill and warmth rarely seen in international relations. They have built an unbreakable chain of trust between us," he added.
The Prime Minister further said that India and Mauritius relate to each other from the comfort of our shared democratic values.
"Today, we are equally proud to have a relationship that speaks to the needs of our times. We relate to each other from the comfort of our shared democratic values. We are partners in our economic progress. We shoulder our shared responsibility to advance security in the Indian Ocean. We speak in one voice in the cause of the developing world and the future of our planet," said Prime Minister Modi.
"I see Mauritius as a leader in the Indian Ocean Community and as a bridge to Africa. Your leadership is helping promote Hindi in the world. India thanks you for hosting the World Hindi Secretariat. This is the wealth of our inheritance. This is the richness of our partnership," he said.
"Last year, we had democratic transition in both countries. There are two things that are similar to both. After a long time a single party won absolute majority in both countries. We know that democratic changes make no difference to the strength of our relationship. What we now have, though, in both nations is a stable platform to speed up economic development," he added.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi applauded Mauritius for its immense contribution towards Hindi literature, and said that when a man speaks in his native language, the words do not come out of his mouth, but his heart, while addressing a gathering at the World Hindi Secretariat Building site in Phoenix.
Prime Minister Modi, who was accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival in Port Louis yesterday, will also be the chief guest at the National Day celebrations of Mauritius.
On Wednesday, India and Mauritius signed five agreements to give new momentum to bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
The MoUs were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and his Mauritian counterpart Sir Anerood Jugnuth.
