Republic of Mauritius- Youth Rally at the State House marks National Day Celebrations 2019

This statement was made today by the Acting President of the Republic, Mr Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory, at the State House in Le Réduit. He was speaking at a Youth Rally organised by the Committee for the Promotion of National Unity which operates under the aegis of the Office of the President, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in the context of National Day Celebrations 2019.  The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research, Mr Ravi Meetook, and other personalities were also present.

In his address, the Acting President, expressed satisfaction that students have successfully showcased the cultural diversity and unity of Mauritius during the Rally. He urged the youth to be grateful for having a Motherland that provides them with a welfare state that is endowed with free healthcare, free education up to university level, free transport and social housing for the needy; a beautiful landscape with an overall good climate; a rich and multicultural population; and a flourishing economy.

Furthermore, Mr Vyapoory outlined the tremendous economic progress Mauritius has made since Independence in 1968, and expressed gratitude to the elders for their hard work, dedication and sacrifice which have enabled the present and future generation to enjoy a good standard of living and a better quality of life.

Referring to the scourge of drug addiction which is rampant among teenagers, the Acting President highlighted that teenagers are becoming increasingly dependent on drugs to the extent that they are becoming thieves and criminals. This, he deplored, results in them leading miserable lives and ending up in jail. He thus encouraged them to indulge in extracurricular activities such as music and sports.

For his part, Mr Meetook highlighted that even if Mauritius has attained great levels of economic development, technical advancement, as well as social and cultural achievements, it can never be prosperous without peace and unity. Hence, maintaining peace and unity in diversity is a must for harmony, he stated.

The Permanent Secretary also underscored that tourists find Mauritius as a favourable destination as they are enthralled by the peace and unity that prevails in such a small and culturally diversified island.  He appealed to the youth to maintain this peace and unity and to consider it a sacred duty to constantly promote it whether at home, at school or in the society.

Speaking about the future of the country, Mr Meetook urged the youth to ponder on their role as citizens and what kind of country they intend to build for themselves and for the future generations.  In addition, he encouraged them to take their studies seriously and to participate in various activities so as to develop positive and personal skills that would lead them to success.

The Youth Rally

The Rally started with a parade, which was the flagship event, and was led by the Police Band and cheerleaders from the Queen Elizabeth College.  Around 1 000 youth from secondary schools across Mauritius and some athletes of the forthcoming Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) carrying the national flag as well as banners participated.

The programme of the Rally consisted of several cultural and dance shows as well as a musical sketch entitled “Nou pei nou fierté”. The mascot of IOIG 2019, ‘Krouink’, was also present.