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Divali Celebrations by the Vaish Community: A Call for Unity

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Divali Celebrations by the Vaish Community: A Call for Unity
Image source: Le Mauricien

At a Divali celebration held yesterday in Réduit, Navin Ramgoolam, leader of the Mauritian Labour Party (PTr) and the Alliance du Changement, emphasized the importance of unity among the diverse communities of Mauritius. “Unity is our strength. We are a rainbow nation. This is a great advantage. Every sacred book emphasizes this. We are all, without exception, children of God,” he stated.

Ramgoolam highlighted that despite differences in backgrounds and origins, dignity is a shared value among all Mauritians.

He pledged to revive the National Initiative for Community Engagement (NICE) program, aiming to instill discipline, civic sense, and respect in the youth. He expressed outrage at recent leaks from Missie Moustass concerning phone tapping incidents that revealed insults directed at a particular religion.

He insisted that it is crucial to prevent racial conflict in the country. “A Prime Minister must work for all Mauritians,” he asserted, promising that if his alliance comes to power, “no community will be marginalized.”

He recalled how Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam’s implementation of free education was designed to benefit all communities in the country.

Reflecting on the challenges he has faced over the past decade, and even during his law studies in London, Ramgoolam mentioned the support he received from friends of different faiths and communities, specifically noting Paul Bérenger, leader of the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM).

Paul Bérenger began his speech by asserting, “There are truths that deserve to be repeated. We all come from diverse backgrounds—from India, Mozambique, La Réunion, Madagascar, and France—to build our nation. This diversity enriches us but also presents challenges.”

He referred to the communal struggles during Mauritius’ transition to independence as a little-known chapter in the nation’s history that young people should be aware of.

In establishing the MMM, Bérenger vowed that the country would never again endure such divisions.

He stressed the importance of respect and harmonious coexistence within diversity.

“Disrespect towards communities is the greatest crime against unity,” he stated, adding, “We must even respect our opponents.”

Bérenger criticized the ruling Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) for failing to include a Sino-Mauritian candidate on its list, which he called a “crime.”

Defending the concept of Mauritian identity, Bérenger expressed his belonging to all the communities that make up the Mauritian nation.

His presence at the Vaish community’s Diwali celebrations, he said, reflects his commitment to the broader Hindu family, whose ancestors migrated from various regions of India, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal, to build Mauritius.

“We do not want any segment of the Hindu community to feel belittled or excluded,” Bérenger told the attendees.

He concluded by asking for “a helping hand” from the audience to ensure the continuation of their campaign with the utmost respect and cooperation.

Source: Le Mauricien

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