Modi in Mauritius: As PM commends ‘Geet-Gawai’ in ‘mini India’, MEA briefs in Bhojpuri | Video

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged and commended the Indian diaspora’s performance of ‘Geet-Gawai’ on Tuesday, as he was welcomed to Mauritius for his official visit.

After his grand welcome by dignitaries and the Indian diaspora in the country, the Ministry of External Affairs gave a briefing in the Bhojpuri language, making it the first time the foreign ministry has briefed in a language other than English.

“Memorable welcome in Mauritius. One of the highlights was the deep rooted cultural connect, seen in the Geet-Gawai performance. It’s commendable how the great Bhojpuri language thrives in the culture of Mauritius,” PM Modi said.

‘Geet-Gawai’ is a traditional Bihari cultural performance sung in Bhojpuri that embodies the rich cultural heritage brought to Mauritius by women from the Bhojpuri belt of India. In recognition of its cultural significance, Geet Gawai was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2016.

More from World

PM Modi throws his weight behind Mauritius as it negotiates Chagos deal with UK 'Our partnership reaching new heights': PM Modi hails India-Mauritius ties at banquet hosted by PM Ramgoolam

MEA’s Bhojpuri briefing

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal gave a briefing in Bhojpuri, where he said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed in Mauritius with grandeur. He was received by Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and other dignitaries at the airport.

Ramgoolam was joined by the Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Justice of Mauritius, Speaker of the National Assembly, Leader of the Opposition, Foreign Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Chairperson of Grand Port District Council and many others.

There were a total of 200 dignitaries present to welcome Modi.

Modi will call on the president of Mauritius, meet the prime minister, and hold meetings with senior dignitaries and leaders of political parties in the island nation.

‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’

PM Modi planted a tree at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Mauritius as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative.

This marks the second time PM Modi has taken part in the initiative overseas, having previously planted a tree during his visit to Guyana.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

‘The cries of this widow will echo’: In first public remarks, Erika Kirk warns Charlie’s killers they’ve ‘unleashed a fire’

Trump urges Nato to back sanctions on Russia, calls for 50–100% tariffs on China

Under his leadership, the initiative has led to the plantation of over 1 billion trees in India, while its impact has extended globally. So far, more than 27,500 trees have been planted in 136 countries, with PM Modi personally participating in tree plantation efforts in two nations.