President Dharambeer Gokhool conferred the highest Civilian Award of Mauritius on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the island nation’s National Day celebrations.
GUWAHATI, March 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday bestowed with the highest civilian award of Mauritius, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (G.C.S.K) award. He thus became the first Indian leader to be conferred with the honour.
Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool conferred the highest Civilian Award of Mauritius on Prime Minister Modi during the latter’s two-day visit to the East African nation.
Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the award on the sidelines of the 57th National Day celebrations of Mauritius which he attended as the Chief Guest.
“Humbled to receive the Highest National Award of Mauritius. I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India and the centuries-old friendship between our nations,” Prime Minister Modi stated in a post on ‘X’, formerly Twitter.
“It is an acknowledgment of our shared commitment to regional peace, progress, security and sustainable development. And, it is a symbol of the shared hopes and aspirations of the Global South,” Prime Minister Modi said.
“It is an acknowledgment of our shared commitment to regional peace, progress, security and sustainable development. And, it is a symbol of the shared hopes and aspirations of the Global South,” he added.
Prime Minister Modi and his Mauritian counterpart Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam also jointly inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation which, Prime Minister Modi hoped, would serve as “a hub for learning, research and public service, fostering new ideas and leadership for the future” besides also strengthening “our shared commitment to progress and development”.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi wished the people of Mauritius on their National Day saying it was an honour to attend the celebrations.
“Honoured to attend the National Day celebrations of Mauritius! Wishing the people of Mauritius continued prosperity and success as we also strengthen the deep-rooted ties between our countries,” he wrote on ‘X’.
During the National Day celebrations, an Indian Navy marching contingent participated in the parade. An Indian Naval Ship also made a Port Call to coincide with the National Day celebrations.
Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi met Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool on the first day of his visit during which he presented a Banarasi silk saree in a Sadeli box to Mauritius First Lady Vrinda Gokhool.
He also gifted makhana, a traditional food from Bihar, to Mauritius President Gokhool.
“Had a great meeting with His Excellency Mr. Dharambeer Gokhool, President of Mauritius. He is well acquainted with India and Indian culture. Expressed gratitude for inviting me to be a part of the National Day celebrations of Mauritius. We discussed how to further boost bilateral ties across diverse sectors,” PM Modi wrote on ‘X’.
Prime Minister Modi also attended a community programme in Mauritius which was also attended by his counterpart Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam and wife Mrs. Veena Ramgoolam.
“The presence of my friend, Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam and Mrs. Veena Ramgoolam made today’s community programme in Mauritius even more special. I also handed over OCI cards to them, illustrating the importance he attaches to India-Mauritius friendship,” Prime Minister Modi further wrote.
“The two leaders exchanged views on deepening the special and close bilateral ties between India and Mauritius. In this context, they recalled the shared history between the two countries and the existence of strong people-to-people linkages,” a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs stated.
“In a special gesture Prime Minister handed over OCI cards to President Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Gokhool,” the statement further stated.
