GIS- 13 August 2025: The Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, shared his vision to chart a new pathway for Mauritius so that the Nation rises even higher on the strength of its people, the power of knowledge and wisdom of shared heritage.
He was speaking at the official ceremony celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute Secondary School (MGISS), this morning, in Moka.
The spouse of the Prime Minister, Mrs Veena Ramgoolam; the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, Dr Kaviraj Sharma Sukon; the Minister of Education and Human Resource, Dr Mahend Gungapersad and the High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Mauritius, Mr Anurag Srivastava, also graced the event.
In his keynote address Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam paid tribute to the remarkable journey of the MGISS, pointing to its prestigious track record of 50 laureates over its 50 years of existence, which he emphasised, is testimony of the excellent quality of education being provided to its students.
He lauded MGISS as being an institution representing Mauritius’ pluralism, intercultural harmony, interfaith collaboration and being a symbol of how shared heritage can become a versatile instrument of diplomacy, understanding and peace.
The Prime Minister recalled that the school was jointly inaugurated in 1976 by Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and Mrs Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, and underlined the support of India in the setting up of the institution.
He moreover dwelt on Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam’s foresight about the country’s wealth being its people and the power of education. “Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam saw education not only as a means to foster economic development but also to preserve people’s dignity and nurture their creative genius”, said the Prime Minister.
Highlighting that the quality of education must go hand in hand with the aspirations and hopes of the population, Mr Ramgoolam recalled Government’s commitment to rethink and revamp the education system so that students can fulfil their various roles in the social, political and economic spheres.
“The ongoing review of the secondary school curriculum aims at putting the child at the centre of learning and to respond to the changing needs of the job market”, he stated. According to Dr Ramgoolam, the new education system will help unleash the creative and innovative potential of all children, by providing opportunities for the development of artistic, social and moral capabilities.
On his part, Minister Mahend Gungapersad reminisced about his time spent at the MGISS as a former student and later on as an educator. He evoked Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam’s concept of education, which he defined as primarily broadening the mind alongside the acquisition of knowledge.
On that score, the Minister underlined his resolve to provide a holistic education where excellence is nurtured and the needs of students with learning difficulties are catered for. He urged for the support of students, parents, teachers in addressing issues plaguing the school environment namely bullying, violence and drug abuse.
Describing all young students as the future and stars of the Nation, Dr Gungapersad pledged to respond to their needs and aspirations.
Various activities were organised to mark the milestone achievement of the MGISS, namely: a tree planting ceremony; the unveiling of a commemorative plaque; launching of a commemorative school magazine; and an exhibition.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: https://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov
