“Bharat ko mein mata manta hoon” – Mauritius President

Mauritian Prez accorded status of `Mahamana’

VARANASI: It was a felicitation that could be remembered for a long time, as President of Mauritius Anerood Jugnauth was accorded the status of `Mahamana’ even before he made his way to the land of Mahamana Pt Madan Mohan Malviya at Banaras Hindu University on Sunday.

While it was another feather in the cap for the Mauritius President, who had been earlier bestowed with a number of felicitations, including doctor of civil law, knighted commander and great commander of the order of the star and key of the Indian Ocean in different countries, the status of Mahamana definitely surpassed them all, besides reviving nostalgic feelings.

The felicitation ceremony (near the famous Harischandra Ghat) not only garnered the attention, a special connection and bondage with Bhojpuri land also came to light when the President delivered his speech. “Is dharati se mera khoon ka rishta hai aur bharat ko mein mata manta hoon (I have blood relation with the Bhojpuri land and I consider India as my mother),” said the President in Hindi. He was overwhelmed by the love and affection showered on him during the ceremony.

On the occasion, he stressed on the relationship between India and Mauritius. “Nearly 70 per cent of the Mauritius population had migrated from India in the past. Therefore, a strong sense of brotherhood and fraternity still prevail among the two countries.” He said India had the potential to become a super power and it must be realised soon to create a balanced world order while extending his gratitude to the dignitaries present on the occasion. Few dignitaries present were: Shree Yamunacharyaji Maharaj (Satua Babaji); Mahant Rameshwarpuriji Maharaj; president, Kashi Vishwanath Trust, Dr Ram Kamal Das Vedantiji; Harihar Nath Kripalu; Prof Ram Yatan Shukla of Kashi Vidwat Parishad and vice-chancellor, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Prof Awadh Ram.

Earlier, the president was traditionally welcomed amidst chanting of mantras and lighting of lamp. Floral tribute and garlanding of dignitaries including Sarojini, the First lady of Mauritius and Mukteshwar Chunni, Amabassador of Mauritius in India, too attended the ceremony.

It is to be mentioned that Satua Baba Ashram, Matribhoomi Sewa Mission (Kurushetra) and Sai Maa Vishnu Shakti Trust had jointly organised the felicitation programme.

The Mauritius President also inaugurated a seminar organised by Bhojpuri Study Centre, BHU. He also attended the special felicitation function and Bhojpuri literature and art exhibition. In the evening, Jugnauth participated in the Ganga Aarti held at Dashshwamedh Ghat.