Republic of Mauritius- International Gita Mahotsav focuses on the Bhagavad Gita, a treasure of righteousness and wisdom

Several personalities were present among whom the Acting President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory, the Minister Mentor, Minister of Defence, Minister for Rodrigues, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun, and the Chief Minister of Haryana, India, Mr Manohar Lal.

In his keynote address, Sir Anerood Jugnauth spoke about how the International Gita Mahotsav bears testimony to the special nature of the relationship that exists between Mauritius and India.  He praised the bonds of kinship along with the religious and cultural values that unite the two countries while acknowledging that Mauritius is proud of its multiethnic and multilingual society.

The Minister Mentor also shed light on the significance of the Bhagavad Gita and emphasised that it remains the ultimate guide to humanity. It is a universal lighthouse leading to the best spiritual endowment, he stated.  Furthermore, he indicated that it is a historical fact that the Bhagavad Gita has in so many ways shaped the historical and social fabric of the Mauritian society.

Sir Anerood Jugnauth expressed interest in the philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita and advised one and all to be guided by its principles namely: talk truthfully, walk dutifully and act righteously.  He urged the younger generation to read and respect the values of the Bhagavad Gita and to apply them in their daily lives.  Those teachings, he pointed out, will definitely empower young people with new energy to continuously fight evils on a personal and patriotic level.

For his part, Minister Roopun stated that together, Mauritius and India, have laid the first step towards a global recognition of the Bhagavad Gita by organising the International Gita Mahotsav. The first International Gita Mahotsav, he further recalled, has been held for the first time outside of India. 

The International Gita Mahotsav

The event, spread from 13 to 15 February 2019, was a joint initiative of the India-Mauritius Trade and Cultural Friendship Forum, the State Government of Kurukshetra, the Kurukshetra Development Board of Haryana, the State Government of Tripura and socio-cultural organisations in Mauritius.

A series of activities including an exhibition on Bhagavad Gita, a two-day seminar on the theme Gita as an epitome of peace, brotherhood and humanity and a Mahayajna were scheduled. Some 300 delegates from overseas attended the International Gita Mahotsav and the side-events.