GIS – 02 November 2025: The Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, urged the population to draw inspiration from the courage, dignity, and perseverance of the indentured labourers who arrived in Mauritius 191 years ago. He also highlighted the unity, mutual respect, and patriotism that defined their spirit, urging the population to embrace these enduring values.
The Prime Minister was speaking, this morning, at the commemorative ceremony marking the 191st anniversary of the arrival of indentured labourers in Mauritius. The event, organised by the Ministry of Arts and Culture and the Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund, was held at the Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site in Port-Louis.
Several eminent personalities were present including the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Dharambeer Gokhool; the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Paul Raymond Bérenger; the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Mahendra Gondeea; and the High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Mauritius, Mr Anurag Srivastava, among others.
During the ceremony, a cheque of USD 25 M was remitted by the Indian High Commissioner to the Prime Minister as budget support under the Special Economic Package 2025.
In his address for the occasion, the Prime Minister reminisced about the hard work and courage of the indentured labourers who were confronted to harsh working and living conditions. He hailed their patience and resilience inspired by their spiritual beliefs. “Their rich values and principles, and inclination towards community bonding, the way they cherished their liberty, dignity and rights, have to be remembered and passed down to future generations,” he said.
Recalling that the Aapravasi Ghat is inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) List of World Heritage Sites, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam pointed to its significance as a key global symbol of indentured migration. He reiterated Government’s commitment to conserve and protect the cultural heritage of the country and leverage it as a key pillar of the tourism sector.
The Prime Minister also made a plea for the vibrant continuity of pluralism blending into one unified Nation that marches together towards a common destiny.
For his part, Mr Mahendra Gondeea rejoiced that the memory of the indentured labourers whose footsteps changed the destiny of the country, has been safeguarded and preserved. He particularly highlighted the recognition of the Aapravasi Ghat by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. He stressed the importance of valuing the ancestors’ journey and of transmitting this cultural heritage and legacy across generations.
On that note, the Minister announced that Government has made acquisition of the Cerné Docks for the extension of the Beekrumsing Ramlallah Interpretation Centre which retraces the experience of indentured labourers.
As for Mr Anurag Srivastava, he described the Aapravasi Ghat as essentially a landmark symbol of eternal hope that laid the foundation of a great Nation. He lauded the hard work, tolerance, perseverance, and pluralism of the Indian indentured labourers who landed in Mauritius.
Moreover, he underlined that the ties between Mauritius and India rest on shared heritage and values as well as the common vision of the respective Government to work for a bright future for their population. As regards the remittance of the USD 25 M by the Government of India to Mauritius under the Special Economic Package 2025, the High Commissioner stated that it is not only assistance but also an investment in the countries’ shared future.
Wreath laying ceremony and exhibition
As part of the commemorative activities, wreaths were laid at the Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site by the President of the Republic of Mauritius; the Prime Minister; the Deputy Prime Minister; the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Georges Pierre Lesjongard; the Minister of Arts and Culture; the High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to Mauritius, Dr Hlamalani Nelly Manzini; the High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Mauritius; the Lord Mayor of the City Council of Port-Louis, Mr Aslam Adam Hosenally; and the Chairperson of the Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund, Mr Sukhend Ramdass.
The exhibition ‘Threads of Memory, Bonds of Belonging’, inspired by the living intangible heritage of indentured labourers in Mauritius, was also inaugurated by the Prime Minister.
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
