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Editor-in-Chief : Ambassador (Retd.) J K Tripathi
IMFF is registered with government of India and Republic of Mauritius. Front cover: Kathakali Dance. Photo courtesy: Rejil Rajan India Office : A86/B,2nd Floor, School Block, Chander Vihar ,New Delhi-110092 Ph: +(91) 99999016674 Mauritius Office : Dussoye Lane,9th Mile ,Triolet, Mauritius. +(230) 59105990 Visit IMFF on the web at - www.imff.co.in , For Advertisement : [email protected] Contact us: [email protected] / [email protected] IMFF2019-2020
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FROM EDITOR’S DESK
lived in. But they did not forget the ancient land their forefathers had migrated from nor did they leave their religious beliefs and practices. They also maintained a steady relationship with the land of their forefathers despite climbing the social and political ladders in the countries they reside. They did not live or work as foreigners but acted hand in hand with the indigenous community as the “Partners in jktrik progress”. It is this thread that this magazine strives to emphasise. Our advise to the persons of Indian origin settled Ambassador (Retd.) J K TRIPATHI world over is “don’t forget the land and Editor -in -Chief beliefs of your ancestors but at the same time, have your primary responsibility to It is a matter of great pleasure for me to the land you live because it is this land that present this inaugural issue of ‘IMFF’, the has given your bread and butter, security flagship souvenir magazine of the Indo- and progress in life”. The Indian settlers Mauritius Friendship Foundation, to the abroad have significantly contributed to readers. the development of India as well-for example, Mauritius has emerged as the Here, one may question the need of one largest investor in India leaving many more magazine in this vast ocean of western countries far behind and India is periodicals and newspapers catering to the certainly proud of this trend. persons of Indian origin settled outside India and the question is very much valid. Though this magazine is published by the The need is felt due to the difference that Indio-Mauritius Friendship Foundation, it we want to make in this field and the will try to cover every corner of the world difference lies in the approach of ‘IMFF’ to where persons of Indian origin reside. the persons of Indian origin abroad. “IMFF” represents the sprouting of an idea Centuries ago, millions of Indians had and cooperation from readers is required to migrated from India to the places unknown nurture it, to enable it to become a soothing in search of better prospects voluntarily or tree. This inaugural issue is in your hands forcibly. They fought adverse conditions in and we will welcome your regular their new countries of residence through comments, advices, feedback and ideas for their sheer hard work and toiled a meaningful improvement. I believe that relentlessly to develop the lands they this magazine will not only be associated settled on. Their vivacity and a strong belief with India or Mauritius, but with the in the ancient Indian motto “Vasudhaiv homes of all those of Indian origin who kutumbkam” (the whole earth is a family) have settled in different countries across made them not only develop materially but the world. We wish a very happy and also assimilate in the local society they satisfying year ahead to our readers !
Ambassador J.K. Tripathi is a retired officer of Indian Foreign Service with 33 years of experience in Diplomacy. He had served in various capacities in Indian missions in Zambia, Maldives, Hungary, Sweden, Venezuela and Oman before taking up the important post of Consul General of India in Sao Paulo, Brazil, India’s only trade office in South America. Ambassador Tripathi retired in 2014 after serving as Ambassador of India to Zimbabwe. IMFF 2019-2020
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THIS EDITION’S CONTRIBUTORS INCLUDE
Chundraprakash Prof Pradeep Mathur Vinay Dussoye is a veteran journalist President of GOPIO & & former HOD, IIMC, IMFF is a JNU, New Delhi multifaceted personality
Dr Savita Mehta is Sarvesh Tiwari the vice president communications of is a Port louis/Delhi the Amity Education based senior Group journalist & director of IMFF
Premchand Boojhawon is the Devianee Ramdin is the vice president News Editor of the GOPIO (Mauritius) Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) & Member IMFF
Padmaja Dr K C Naithani is the High is the global head for Commissioner of India health initiatives, IMFF to Fiji
President Managing Editor/ Director CEO Chundraprakash Vinay Dussoye Sarvesh Tiwari Rahul Thagele
IMFF'S CORE TEAM
Premchand Boojhawon MSK, CSK Umesh Kumar Tripti Tiwari Manoranjan Mohanty Anudut (Rajen) Dussoye Dr K C Naithani
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Message High commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius to India
I am deeply honoured to associate myself with the publication of the Special Anniversary Journal of the Indo-Mauritius Friendship Foundation (IMFF).
I wish to congratulate the Indo-Mauritius Friendship Foundation (IMFF) for its laudable initiatives in strengthening the relationship and cultural exchange between Mauritius and India in areas of shared interest like Yoga, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, amongst others. Ayurveda and Yoga blend our modern lifestyle and health-oriented habits with the ancient wisdom of natural healing to help us lead a healthy, happy, disease-free and stress-free life which is very much required in modern days.
AYUSH, the combined Indian system of medicine is deeply rooted in the Mauritian culture. Through these traditional medicines and practices, way of life, physical, mental and emotional health can be significantly improved in the current COVID 19 pandemic.
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I commend India for its initiative in promoting AYUSH as an alternative and preventive medicine. Mauritius is very much inspired and looks forward to becoming a regional hub to promote AYUSH.
As the High Commissioner of Mauritius in India, the promotion of AYUSH in Mauritius and in the region is high on my agenda and I look forward to the Indian collaboration towards that end.
I hope that the Indo-Mauritius Friendship Foundation (IMFF) will continue to work closely to further strengthen the ties between our two countries.
I seize this opportunity to wish the member of the Indo-Mauritius Friendship Foundation (IMFF) all success in their future endeavours.
H.E. Mrs. Santi Bai Hanoomanjee, G.C.S.K. High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius to India
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Message High commissioner of India to the Republic of Fiji
This is to congratulate the IMFF and GOPIO for the success of their joint efforts. The efforts and resolve of the IMFF are appreciable because such efforts have resulted in the resuscitation of Indian culture in the people having Indian origin around the globe.
Presently, to tackle the pandemic both community as well as personal efforts are important. The efforts of IMFF both on the cultural and the health front are promising and will inspire the Indian diaspora.
With Best Wishes,
Ms Padmaja High Commissioner of India ( T0 Fiji, Cook Island, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu)
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Message High commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius to Malaysia
It gave me great pleasure when I was made aware that the Indo Mauritius Friendship Foundation (IMFF) is releasing a special Journal about Indo Mauritius Relationship & Foreign Policy. Mauritians of Indian origin have kept a very strong attachment to their Indian heritage. Although, in some cases, we have lost the spoken language, yet we keep strong attachment to the cultural and religious aspects of our heritage. Diplomatic relations between India and Mauritius were established in 1948. Mauritius maintained contacts with India through successive Dutch, French and British occupation. From 1820s, Indian workers started coming to Mauritius to work on sugar plantations. From 1834, when slavery was abolished by the British Parliament, large numbers of Indian workers began to be brought to Mauritius as indentured labourers. November 2, 1834 marks the day when the ship ‘Atlas’ docked in Mauritius carrying the first batch of Indian indentured labourers. This day is now observed in Mauritius as ‘Aapravasi Day’. In all, about half a million Indian indentured labourers are estimated to have been brought into Mauritius between 1834 and the early decades of the 20th century, out of whom about two-thirds settled permanently in Mauritius. At present, around 68% of the Mauritian population is of Indian descent. A brief stopover by Mahatma Gandhi en route to India from South Africa (October 29 to November 15, 1901), while awaiting departure of his ship SS Nowshera, is still etched in the consciousness of Mauritius. Barrister Manillal Doctor, who came to Mauritius in 1907 on the suggestion of Gandhiji, helped the Mauritian Indian community to organise themselves and laid the foundation for their struggle for political and social rights. As a tribute to Gandhiji and the Indian freedom struggle, the National Day of Mauritius is celebrated on March 12 (the date of launch of Dandi Salt March). In Mauritius there are many active organisations who have their roots in India and are promoting the Indian culture. The Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC) at Phoenix is one of the largest centres of ICCR, which from March 2000, has emerged as an important venue for promotion of Indian cultural activities in Mauritius.
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The IGCIC holds classes in disciplines of Hindustani music, Kathak, Tabla and Yoga for Mauritian students. A Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) (2010-2013) was signed in July 2010.The Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) was established in 1970 as a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Mauritius for the promotion of Indian culture and education. The Rabindranath Tagore Institute was established with the assistance of the Government of India in 2000 as a Centre of Studies on Indian culture and traditions. India is one of the biggest trading partners of Mauritius. High level visits have been the highlights of the bilateral relations, with H.E. the president of the Republic of Mauritius visiting India from 06 to 09 December 2015. The Hon. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visited Mauritius from 11 to 13 March 2015, as the Chief Guest at the National Day celebrations. During the visit, Shri Modi commissioned the OPV Barracuda. IMFF has been doing a good job towards the cultural exchange program and has also provided various medical, health care and preventive facilities such an organising health and awareness programmes across both the countries. Wish them all the best.
Jagdishwar Goburdhun, GOSK High commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius to Malaysia Kuala Lumpur
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Message Law and Justice Minister , Government of Uttar Pradesh, India
India has maintained cordial relations with most countries and has always been active in global forums since Independence. India has never allowed its position to weaken strategically and always impressed the world on economic front while contributing to the world peace as much as possible. Indians and those living outside India have always followed the motto of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. It is heartening to know that the IMFF, which is working among expatriate Indians, is going to publish a special magazine on the relations between Mauritius and India. Mauritius is the only nation in the world that India has given preference for OCI card. The bond between India and Mauritius is quite old and deep rooted, people of Indian origin have a special place in the relationship between the two countries. Owing to its bonded Indian laborers, Mauritius is a vibrant, democratic, multi-cultural and multi-racial nation like India. People from many states of India migrated to Mauritius for work. The largest number of immigrants are from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In view of the close emotional bond that Uttar Pradesh shares with Mauritius, it was decided to set up a cultural center in Varanasi district under the joint aegis of Mauritius and India. The holy Ganga and various pilgrimage places of India is as respected by the people of Mauritius as done by Indians. People of Indian origin play a key role in the bi-lateral relations between the two countries. Mauritius is steadily moving towards consistent growth and making its presence felt on the world map as a developed nation. Many immigrants from Uttar Pradesh have made a distinct identity in the development and strengthening of Mauritius. After the formation of the government of Honorable Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh, several policy decisions have been taken to make the investment process smooth and attractive in the state. There is immense potential for tourism in Uttar Pradesh. India and Mauritius have a multifaceted relationship that is linked to a common past, and its lively present continues to throb pointing towards a glorious future. The spirit and sound of India is omnipresent and resonating well in Mauritius which is associated with history, culture, democratic values, and close ties of ancestors.
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From the immigrant ghats (where more than 180 years ago the first batch of indentured laborers from India came to work in sugarcane plantations) to the glittering cyber tower of Port Louis, Mauritius as a modern, confident and resurgent Travel and Transformation is basically associated with the story of Indians and India. Of the 1.296 million population in Mauritius, 68% are of Indian origin. This began on November 2, 1834, when the first group of Indian laborers arrived on this island country riding on the MV Atlas to work in the sugarcane plantations. Mauritius now celebrates November 2 every year as 'Immigrant Day'. The world heritage site, ‘the Aapravasi Ghat’ is today an everlasting monument to the invaluable human spirit of conquering all odds and the amazing human ability to change its destiny. The Indo Mauritius Friendship Foundation (IMFF) is the torchbearer of Indian culture and deep spiritual ties between the two countries. Its role in the field of social, cultural, education and health are commendable. My best wishes for the successful publication of the magazine. Hopefully it will prove useful for the people of both the countries.
Brajesh Pathak
Law and Justice Minister Government of Uttar Pradesh
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MAURITIUS
Message President, GOPIO (Mauritius)
This gives us immense pleasure to be associated with the publication of a souvenir magazine of Indo-Mauritius Friendship Foundation on its 2nd anniversary celebration.
Gopio (Mauritius) welcomes the objective of Indo-Mauritius Friendship Foundation to promote activities which boost socio-cultural integrity between India and Mauritius and work on Youth development and family welfare activities in India , Mauritius and neighbouring countries. Gopio (Mauritius) also praised the laudable initiative of Indo-Mauritius Friendship Foundation for the promotion and propagation of the teaching of Mother India ie Human Values and Universal Brotherhood. We seize this opportunity to thank Mother India for the blessings, Guidance and usual support. Gopio (Mauritius) will always support Indo- Mauritius Friendship Foundation and is looking forward to work together for Global Peace. We congratulate and wish every success to Indo-Mauritius Friendship Foundation
Chundraprakash Vinay Dussoye President, GOPIO (Mauritius)
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IMFF aims to strengthen and expand Mauritius- India relationship – Dussoye
Chundraprakash Vinay Dussoye, The President of organization for Diaspora - GOPIO (Mauritius) and IMFF, is expected to visit India next year. His visit will include formal meetings with prominent people in the government and political arena and he will also chair an important meeting of the IMFF in Delhi. Here are the excerpts from our conversation with him:
When and how was IMFF established? IMFF was established in 2019. However, work in this direction started in 2018 itself. Some of our friends and well-wishers of Indianness often called for the formation of such an organization during our various meetings in Mauritius and India. Being the President of GOPIO, I too felt the need for the same and with the blessings and support of the people, this organization was formed in Mauritius, which was registered in both the countries.
What is the purpose of establishing IMFF and is it limited to only two countries? It is a charitable institution. The purpose of which is to provide a platform to the world's PIOs. Which emphasizes on enriching human values with love, brotherhood, and mutual co- operation. In a family environment, it facilitates friendly collaboration in the field of education, health, arts, culture, language, and business. Importantly, it strives with its tireless efforts to keep the new generation connected with our identity, civilization, and culture. The IMFF is trying to help people across the world where people of Indian origin are living by connecting with them and help them realize their vision of India. We have also started work in Fiji and the Netherlands. We are in touch with all the countries where our ancestors, after moving from India, have made those countries beautiful with their sheer hard work. The IMFF will open its branch in all those countries. It is also planning several activities in collaboration with local social institutions. There will be events in Holland and South Africa soon.
Why is Mauritius called Mini India? Our history shares a strong bond of friendship between India and Mauritius. From 1834 to 1925, bonded laborers were brought in Mauritius to convert jungles into agricultural fields. Some returned after a certain time, but many of them preferred to settle here under extreme. The unique quality in Indians is that they convert their habitation into India. The term ‘Mini India’ started from here. IMFF2019-2020
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When did Mauritius become an independent nation? Mahatma Gandhi's mass movement had a major impact on the world. The African continent was also not untouched by this. Inspired by India's independence story, many African countries reaped the benefits of their struggle. Successive countries became independent nations. Mauritius became an independent nation on 12 March 1968. Due to the hard work of our forefathers, Mauritius became a beautiful garden from the forest it used to be and earned the tag of STAR of the Indian Ocean. India has always supported this long struggle in the history of Mauritius. Our relationship with India is of blood, heart, mother, and grandmother. The role of IMFF is to expand this relationship by making it stronger in every possible way.
In the present context, what is the importance of Indianness and its relevance? If the answer to this question is to be given in one sentence, it is - Today the world needs Indian civilization, culture and its thinking more than ever before. The reason is very simple. The whole world is finding the path to peace today. But in the journey of finding peace, they are spreading unrest also. Despite this, all of them are living in the era of advanced technology. This is because the method of discovery of peace is not correct. The only solution to this is affection, belonging, cooperation, and brotherhood which is nothing but Indianness. There is no doubt that the Indianness is the only narrow way through which we can slowly make our world into a fragrant garden. Indianness is the only civilization in the world whose motto of living is ‘Vasudeva Kutumbakam’. It is only Indian civilization and culture that teaches the whole world to be one family and living with this spirit. We must spread this lesson among all the countries of the world.
What message would you like to give to expatriate Indians and people of both countries? The dream of all the elders of Mauritius is that in their lifetime they should at least once visit the land of their ancestors i.e. Bharatmata. It shows their love for India and their will power to stay connected with the roots. I believe this is also the dream of people of Indian origin across the world . Our effort is to keep this dream alive in the new generation as well.
Chundraprakash Vinay Dussoye President of IMFF & GOPIO is a multifaceted personality. A leader, social worker, writer, actor and director all in one. Vinay is people's person and has been keenly interested and participated in various social activities across organizations.
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The mantra behind 'Humanity First'
Premchand Boojhawon MSK, CSK Vice President, GOPIO ( Mauritius)
A sense of pure brotherhood is essential for The IMFF, along with GOPIO, has done the welfare of the world. The whole world is tremendous work in the last one year in the one family and it is the biggest identity of field of education and health. In these our culture. The happiness one gets from turbulent times of COVID-19, it has helped supporting someone with people strengthen their one's own good deeds belief in fighting the cannot be described. The pandemic through its service performed in a various awareness selfless manner makes the campaigns and camps in obstacles in life a pleasant Mauritius and India as well experience. This is also the as in the Netherlands. objective of IMFF. And this is the very lesson we preach During difficult times when to all our volunteers, who everyone was stuck in their believe in international homes because of lock-down goodwill, irrespective of and members of many their different thinking, families were stranded in religion, language, or another state or country, the nationality. volunteers of IMFF came out with all possible help. Where it was not possible to Internationalism is a thought which tells a reach, they ensured that proper person that he is not only a member of his information is made available to the people state but also a citizen of the world. Though through phone and ease their discomfort. there are people with different colour, In the true sense, this is the essence of creed, caste living across nations around 'Humanity First' which is also the basic the world, there human soul is still one. The mantra of IMFF. only difference is that we are called Africans or Mauritians living in Africa or I have always believed that any Mauritius and Americans if we are living in organization which is motivated by the America. The reality is that the entire ideal of service and self-sacrifice, will human race is one and the world is also a always grow in strength. But to be truly single entity. The nurturing of effective, a combination of sanctity of goal international collaboration is necessary to with pure and true knowledge is necessary cherish the value of unity. Only then can any organization or foundation succeed in along with renunciation. Such sacrifice, achieving its objective. which lacks these two things, has proved disastrous for the society. I am happy to say
17 that IMFF is following this thought IMFF in the new year for its regular process. activities. They will not only prove to be helpful in our work at the local level but will There is a multifaceted relationship also play a critical role in the development between India and Mauritius which is of culture and world welfare in countries linked to a common past. But it is with people of Indian origin. The important that it continues in the present involvement of youth is prominent in this times and that points to a glorious future. engagement. It is our mission to be the IMFF is now trying to establish a strong voice of people of Indian origin in all dialogue between Mauritius, Fiji and all continents and to overcome the obstacles those countries where people of Indian in their development. This task is not easy. origin are living. So that there will be 24 Looking at the joint efforts of GOPIO - hours exchange of ideas between all the IMFF and seeing this family continuously people. The first step in this direction is to gaining strength, we can surely say this is not impossible. open a radio station. Hopefully, we will continue to succeed in our objectives in I want to take this opportunity to thank to future also with the help of all your all members, trustees, volunteers and well- suggestions and cooperation. wishers of IMFF who have helped make IMFF into the influential organization that Post the pandemic crisis, I would like to see it is today. more and more new volunteers joining
Premchand Boojhawon has wide experience with government of Mauritius and a senior administrator and former president GOPIO. He is a decorated citizen with MSK and CS. A self-motivated leader also lovingly known as "Munshi" have a deep interest in social work for marginalized people.
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To Take Everyone Along is Indian
Sarvesh Tiwari
“ I have travelled length and breadth of India and I have not seen one person who is beggar, who is thief. Such a wealth I have seen, such a high moral values, people of such caliber that I do not think we would ever conquer this country unless we break the very backbone of this nation ”
- Lord Macaulay in British Parliament on 2nd February, 1835
thousand years because of the richness and other reasons of this country.
Everyone was welcomed here. Greek, Hun, Kushan, Mongol, Turk, Mughal Muslims, Zoroastrians are prominent among them. These people, along with their civilization and culture, adopted the civilization and culture here and got involved in it. The constant mutual interaction among all led to the development of a mixed civilization and culture. This is called Indianness. It is also called the mainstream which is the confluence of many streams. Apart from the mainstream, there were many who wanted to maintain their identity and One of the biggest challenges before all the prefer to be called minorities, they were countries in the present era is mutual also accepted. There was no discrimination brotherhood and peace. The good thing is with them either. that all countries are now realizing its need. There is now an attempt to resolve the Indian culture is believed to be as ancient conversation if at all there are any as the cultures of Greece, Rome, Egypt, differences- inside or outside. This is how it Sumer and China. Many Indian scholars should be. An educated and civilized consider Indian culture to be the oldest society is the one that believes in culture in the world. One wing of South- inclusiveness. East Asia or 'Suvarna Bhoomi' was Brahma or Burma, where Indian culture had seeped ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ has been the in during the ancient times itself. India's motto of India and its people believed in it connect with Burma increased even before from the beginning. The foundation of the beginning of AD. Majority of traders Indian culture, tradition, and the mixed from Kalinga region used to go there for civilization dates back to more than 5000 business. years. Majority of people came from outside and settled here over these
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the eighth century by following the traditional rituals and rules of Hinduism. The 'Vishnu Temple of Angkorwat' was built here in the 12th century by the ruler 'Suryavarman'. The modern Malaya island was called 'Swarnadweep' in ancient times and it had many islands which became centers of Indian art and culture like Java, Sumatra, Bali, Borneo etc. Mostly Brahmins lived Emperor Ashoka sent a Buddhist here, whose missionary there for preaching Buddhism. ancestors migrated to Malaya from India. In 450 AD, 'Acharya Buddhaghosha' from Later Buddhism was propagated here. Various sources suggest that two of these islands were ruled by Hindu rulers Java too Sri Lanka went there and founded had become a colony of Indians by the first Hinayana Sect. The statue of Vishnu has century AD. 'Rajkumar Vijay' from Gujarat been found in Burma, which proves that was the first ruler to establish an Indian Hinduism was popular in that country. The colony in this country. Java was then called Hindu and Buddhist relics from the Gupta 'Yavadweep'. Credit of this was given to era have been found in various places like Vyaghra, Pand and Parashar. The people Pegu, Prom etc. from the present-day Orissa and ancient Kalinga came here first. Several Hindu In Thailand, a Hindu kingdom called states were established in Java between the 'Amravati' was established. This spread fourth and eighth centuries. rapidly and established its influence over the entire country. Buddhism had already Like Borneo, there are many Indians in Bali developed in its neighboring country too. The island is named after King Bali of 'Cambodia'. Indian culture and art have the famous 'Patal Desh' from the special effects visible in this country. The mythological literature. This island was language, art, literature, and social also a prominent colony under the Hindu institutions of the Siamese are greatly rule in ancient history. Buddhism was influenced by the Hindu Buddhist religious completely propagated here in the sixth literature and art. century. Chinese accounts show that Hindu Kings of 'Kaundinya dynasty' ruled here in On the same lines Cambodia was called the sixth century and Hindu kings 'Kambuj' in ancient times. Another Hindu 'Ugrasena' and 'Kesari' ruled in the tenth state called ‘Kambuj’ was established in the century. The rulers here had political valley of the 'Mekong River'. This state connect with China. Around two crore flourished to greater heights because of the people of Indian origin live worldwide. constant toil and efforts of Indians. The Most of these people left India in the historical records available here prove that nineteenth century for economic reasons. this state reached the epitome of culture in The movement of people started with
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Africa, South Tata, Birla, now East Asia, Fiji Ambani and Adani and the are giving new Caribbean direction to islands. country’s
Where the development in all English needed areas. The Adani cheap labour for Group is doing their colonies. excellent work in During the more than twenty twentieth sectors which century, Indians includes renewable turned to energy generation, Western ports and countries and terminals, solar PV Gulf countries, manufacturing, real but the reason estate, airports, was the same - natural resources the quest for a etc. The Chairman better life. of the Adani Group, Today there is Gautam Adani, hardly any part attributes this of the world success to his where Indians do not live. Most Indians company philosophy that is - 'Nation live in the Gulf countries. Building' driven by 'Growth with Goodness'. This is the key reason that has Since independence government and non- helped the company in holding the Indian governmental organizations have done a flag high across many countries apart from lot of work in India. Apart from the well- Australia and Indonesia. known industrial houses of the country -
Sarvesh Tiwari is a Port Louis /Delhi based senior journalist & director IMFF
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COVID -19 CRISIS Maintaining Motivation
Dr K C Naithani
The world got a severe blow a year ago, this time of medical emergency, the general when in December 2019, the first cases of morale dies before the virus even affects the the now infamously widespread person. Now, communication of such hard coronavirus, termed COVID-19 by the hitting information is certainly important, and it’s important to be aware that the pandemic has left our future dubious. How we manage to deal with all this influx of such information, keeping our spirits high and coping with our decreasing physio- mental health, is a major concern that needs to be brought to the light.
At the IMFF, it has been observed within the organization as well as outside among the public in India and Mauritius. That while the pandemic has undoubtedly been catastrophic the fear and uncertainty of the virus among the yet unaffected people. The growing restlessness among the masses as the manifestation of the contamination of public spaces through this virus continues WHO, were detected in the Wuhan to heighten that has been paramount in not province of China. Since then, there has not just leading to people being unstable in just been a downfall in people’s general general, but also, the levels of stress rising health, chaos in the healthcare institutions, has contributed to the dwindling of the media, the executive personnel but immunity, which is in turn actually making also; with the implementation of lockdown more people vulnerable to diseases. and massive number of fatalities, the spirit of us Earthlings to live, shivered a little. For the general public, the stress is still a Uncertainty struck, as the cases began to third-person experience as mostly they pile up and the spread of this pandemic have been quarantined, but for Healthcare started to affect millions across the world, Workers (HCW’s), the experience is even even in countries having the best more graphic and vulnerable as even in the healthcare systems. best of healthcare facilities, they have been working strenuously day and night in close The physical impact can be clearly seen proximity with suffering patients, whose when the number of cases and fatalities numbers have been on the rise. exponentially rise, and when the news outlets show that a lack of ventilators or PPE kits among other tools of aid during IMFF2019-2020
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To nurture the swiftly, and it has psychological been ever well-being of changing and both, steps being updated need to be till date. The taken to spread CEO has factual established an awareness as open face-to-face well as show communication unconditional through regular moral support dialog sessions to keep the will so as to solve any to be alive, query and erase healthy and any compassionate misinformation up high. from the minds of the staff. The The IMFF has smooth flow of taken information numerous ensures the initiatives to HCW’s feel safeguard and secure and nurture the overall morale and keep the empowered as they are constantly kept motivation levels of its hard-working and within the loop and are confident of the dedicated staff and workers, as well as its recent developments in medical patients. The HCW’s at IMFF believe in the procedures, like the usage of customized following four duties :- 1. Duty to mankind PPE’s for different patients. Alongwith this 2. Duty to family 3. Duty to the fellow staff institution-wise temperature monitoring, 4. And of course, Duty to SELF sufficient PPE’s, stockpiles (which are set aside adequately for frontline workers), In the pandemic, taking care of one self additional showering and resting places while taking care of the patients and taking among various other Environmental all safety measures is paramount for a changes have been implemented so as to smooth workflow. Right from the pre- make sure the HCW’s well-being is not pandemic stage, the organization has been lacked by any means. Of course, the food carefully monitoring the growth of the supplies, consisting of various healthy virus worldwide and anticipating its impact drinks, fruits and snacks for quick breaks in India and Mauritius, which, in the form and full meals have been taken care of at of daily emails and frequent verbal the hospitals and the ED’s, some of which communication from the Medical Board, were very kindly donated from various Chairman and the CEO, was spread to organizations and the public themselves. make each and every staff aware and ever ready to strategize for the ad-hoc measures The public has also shown support in the needed to battle the upcoming medical form of gifts, messages and cards through danger. online and offline modes which further boost the morale and the motivation of the Communication has been smooth both frontline workers. Religious leaders even ways, top-to-bottom and bottom-top, have stepped in to show support to these update channels have been up on track to selfless strenuously hard working people. quickly send any new information All of these may seem small steps at first regarding the mutilation or the but collectively they contribute to the well- development on the virus and its symptoms being and morale of the HCW’s big time, on people, which led to us creating solid and make them realize that their efforts in criteria for isolation to the Fever Management Area or Isolation Bays IMFF2019-2020
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the most important to spread awareness to about the pandemic and the measures that need to be taken for keeping themselves
and their families safe….and distributed multiple-layered masks and shields and emphasized on the crucial necessity of sanitization and lockdowns to avoid the rapid spread of this virus.
As the saying goes, we this uncertain time bring so much comfort need to beat the system, while being in to the near and dear ones of the patients. it….and we hope, that in this immensely hard and crucial time, everyone remains Not to forget the general public, IMFF has safe from the ongoing spread of the virus joined hands with various schools in India, virus as much as they are able to, and thereby beat it and naturally progress to a and is also planning to do the same in safer, healthier time for everyone. Mauritius, to carry out exercises for the kids, who are most vulnerable and hence,
Dr K C Naithani is the global head for health initiatives, IMFF. He is exceptional professional and philanthropist. He has been actively involved in social work in India and equally active in Mauritius as well.
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The role of media in the development of Indian languages in Mauritius
Devianee Ramdin
Since its independence in March 1968, reason why many Mauritians proudly call Mauritius, a former French and British themselves trilingual, if not quadrilingual. colony emerged as a bilingual nation, where both English and It is a common belief that language one French became the can easily speak is a part of official languages of its them and could shape National Assembly and their lifestyle and their government personality. Likewise, the administration, while the influence of these Indian lingua Franca continued languages has always been to be the French based felt in the religious, social Mauritian Creole which and culinary practices, had developed in the 18th education, music and art century through African of the Indo-Mauritian slaves. However, above society. and beyond these official Indeed, people of Indian languages, the small origin on the island have island of Mauritius invariably displayed a treasures myriads of unique devotion-cum-affection towards informal Indian dialects - a legacy of their culture and languages that reflect hundreds and thousands of Indian their identity, so much so that it made them immigrants who landed on the Mauritian relentlessly feel the necessity to preserve soil, between 1842 to 1910. them as the legacy of their ancestors. As They are Bhojpuri, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, most Indian immigrants hailed from the Telugu, Gujurati and Urdu. They are the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Bhojpuri and Hindi
25 emerged as the dominant dialects broadly spoken around the island. All of these Indian languages made their way straightaway into the school are still opted as a third language alongside Samachar desk and French Desk English and French which are compulsory. Journalists Interviewing the Vice But apart from schools and other President Of Mauritius educational establishments, what is the their existence till date. Besides Hindi, role played or how far efforts have been put ‘Tejamu News’ - a Telugu monthly, by the Mauritian media to further promote Vannakam - a Tamil monthly and Sada-é- this linguistic heritage? If media is a Urdu - an Urdu monthly are hard copy powerful tool to inform, educate and publications that still make their way to revolutionize the mind and heart of people, their respective readers. language is the core channel that fuels that process. Mass media in Mauritius is limited Moreover, in this technological age, online by its small population size but there exist publications in Indian languages are trying a number of major media outlets, including to reach their audiences in Mauritius. print newspapers, ‘Hindi Prachaarak’ - the first online Mauritius newspaper in Hindi is one radios and a national television station significant example and there might be which still promote Indian languages more to follow. amongst the younger generations. The oldest print media recorded in an Indian Rita Mae Brown once said that ‘Language is language in Mauritius is ‘Hindustani’ the roadmap of a culture. It tells you where newspaper, published in Hindi in 1909. its people come from and where they are going’. Nowadays there exist numerous Since then, several publications featured in written and spoken media platforms in Hindi like ‘Janvanee’, ‘Sunday Vani’, Mauritius that express through the various ‘Zamana’ which later, gradually faded away Indian languages. As far as promoting from the landscape of the Mauritian media. Indian languages on radio and TV are However, some publications like concerned, the Mauritius Broadcasting Aryodaye(monthly), Corporation (MBC), sole national public Indradhanush(quarterly), and broadcaster in Mauritius, has been playing Darpan(monthly), are wilfully maintaining a major role since its foundation in June 1964. IMFF20219-20
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Other local private radio stations like Top been presenting and producing radio FM, Radio Plus, Radio One and Wazaa FM programmes in Hindi and bhojpuri for do have slots in the Hindustani language thirty-six years, and according to her, the but they do not broadcast programmes Hindustani radio department has seen which are hundred percent Hindustani considerable positive transformation over neither they make use of other Indian the years. dialects like MBC’s three radio channels do She says, “Radio Mauritius was the only - Radio Mauritius, Best FM, and Taal FM Hindi medium radio from the 80ies until radio. the launch of Sugar FM in 1995 which was MBC is both a Radio and Television later rebranded into Taal FM, thus broadcaster. It has a Hindustani section in expanding the language to 13, including 7 Indian languages adapted to meet the demand of people of Indian origin in Mauritius. In 2010, Best FM, a Hindi-cum-Hinglish medium station was launched. So, these major transformations were brought to reach people of all ages who could relate to their ancestral languages and learn something new through each programme as well as Samachar Journalist reading flash news interact on debate shows, dramas and on the hour dedication programmes.” On the other the News department that caters for news hand, Radio Jockey Vedita Purryag has in Hindustani which is delivered every been animating various radio programmes hour on Best FM and Radio Mauritius. for more than 15 years in MBC. She Since its launching, Radio Mauritius interacts mainly in Hindi but also in delivers programmes in Hindi language Bhojpuri and English. “Today we receive a whether it is religious, cultural, musical or storm of messages from our listeners, not entertainment. Besides, news journalists only via SMS but through WhatsApp and also pick up topics to interact in Hindi or our official Facebook page which was not Bhojpuri with the guests and participating the case a few years back. audiences. While Taal FM offers an So we keep innovating to reach the amalgam of Indian language programmes maximum audiences and by so doing, we such as Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu, Gujurati, have been able to retain Mauritians living Hindi, Urdu and abroad. We receive messages from U.K, Marathi that are targeted to entertain the France, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, so different Indo-Mauritian communities. forth almost every day and it feels like Mauritians are still attached Mrs Shashi Dookhun, now the Head of the IMFF2019-2010 Hindustani Radio Section of MBC, has
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MBC headquarters in Moka, Mauritius a practice which was limited until 2010 and which has since, stimulated many people to
speak Indian languages and express to their roots and the language is no themselves confidently. Senior News stranger to them despite the distance. Editor Geeta Soonarane who has more than 20 years’ service in Samachar Desk talks In addition, the Samachar section of MBC about the Hindi documentaries presented News department, presents a daily news by few journalists in Samachar. “Apart bulletin of 30 minutes live in Hindi which from preparing news reports and bulletin is unique nationwide because apart from in Hindi, we have presented documentaries them, there is no other media that has a in Hindi like ‘Saaptahik Patrika’, ‘Yojna- news broadcasted in the Hindustani Pariyojna’ and the ongoing one today is language in Mauritius. ‘’When I had started ‘Charcha’ documentary whereby talks presenting the samachar bulletin in 1975, about various developments in every sector we were only four and the bulletin’s of Mauritius are discussed in Hindi and duration was at first 5 minutes, then Bhojpuri to inform people.” gradually increased to 10 minutes, 15 minutes and 24 minutes respectively over On January 2013, through its digitalization the years,” explains Saoud Gunnoo, the process, MBC launched the Bhojpuri longest serving journalist in the MBC Channel in an attempt to reinstate and Samachar section who retired last uplift the bhojpuri language, and inspire December 2019. “Another interesting thing the younger generation to speak the to note is that in 1982, Samachar was being language. Dharam Nunka, presenter and presented in Bhojpuri as per the policy of Bhojpuri channel in-charge at the MBC the government at that time, and it lasted says, ‘Nowadays, we have educational, almost two years only.” informative and entertaining programmes on this channel which were a dream years Presently, Samachar section has 12 back. journalists on permanent basis and 3 freelance journalists. When on coverage, This channel has given chances to local the journalists of this desk encourage artists to grow and innovate. Bhojpuri people to give interviews in Hindi or IMFF2019-2020 bhojpuri in addition to Creole and French -
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Union, Telugu Speaking Union, Sanskrit Speaking Union, Urdu and Hindi Speaking Unions, as well as as lovers of these languages are relentlessly working for the advancement of these languages in collaboration with the MBC and other media, in order to sustain their Longest Serving Journalist Nr Saoud linguistic Gunnoo heritage and identity. channel also offers the opportunity to May be one greater force that ignites these witness not only the fusion of cultures and efforts are the sacrifice of the Indian music through this language but also big immigrants to preserve their languages and debates on social, financial and cultural identity despite the adversities they had to topics. Years back, Bhojpuri was a dialect face at that time. of the older generation in our country, Though the landscape of media is today with the Bhojpuri channel it has reshaping itself with the digitalization become a language of all ages.” process, Indian languages are not behind in Today with a fast growing online media this development. They have made their industry, there is more hope and scope for entry online worldwide, and hence, there is the survival of Indian languages in a hope and a vision that like the Dainik Mauritius. Various socio-cultural Jagran, Dina Thanthi, Lokmat, Sakshi, associations and educational Sandesh, BBC Hindi, BBC Urdu, DW Hindi establishments like Arya Sabha Mauritius, and many more, one day Mauritius will Hindi Pracharini Sabha, Mahatma Gandhi also have more professional online Institute, etc. and different speaking newspapers and channels in various Indian unions like the Bhojpuri Speaking Union, languages that will keep Indo-Mauritians Tamil Speaking Union, Marathi Speaking connected to their roots in the new era.
Devianee Ramdin is the News Editor of the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)
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BANK OF THE FUTURE
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Magical Mauritius
The Republic of Mauritius consists of the island of Mauritius and Rodrigues. Saint Brandon and Agalega, plus a few other islands whose sovereignty is in dispute, such as Diego Garcia and Tromelin. Rodrigues is the largest of these islands and politically. It counts as one of the regional constituencies of Mauritius. Rodriguans elect two representative to the National Assembly in Port-Louis, one of whom is nominated as the Minister in Charge of Rodriguan Affairs. They have a certain amount of autonomy with their own 18 member elected regional assembly, based on the model of Trinidad and Tobago.
The island of Mauritius was apparently coral reefs. Around the plateau, the original uninhabited until 1638. It was then that the crater can still be distinguished from Dutch, under the Dutch East India several other mountains. Company, made their first attempt to colonize the land, named after the prince of The island of Mauritius, where the Denmark, Maurice of Nassau. The people overwhelming majority of the people live, of Mauritius are descendants of European lies 500 miles (805 kilometers) east of (mostly French) settlers, the Franco- Madagascar and 2,500 miles (4,023 Mauritians; African slaves and creoles, the kilometers) southwest of India. Mauritius Afro-Mauritians; Chinese traders, the was formed by volcanic activity that left a Sino-Maurtians; and Indian laborers, the plateau in the middle of the island rising Indo-Mauritians. Such cultural diversity 2,200 feet (671 meters) above sea level. and geographic isolation have led to a This plateau slopes downward to the north nationalized sense of pride. There is unity until it reaches the sea. In the south and in being a Mauritian despite not having a west the plateau drops sharply to the coast. shared language and customs. For this The driest part of the island in is the reason Mauritius is often considered a southwest, which receives about 35 inches global example of successful cultural (89 centimeters) per year. The center can integration. receive up to 200 inches (508 centimeters) a year. The capital is Port Louis, on the Location and Geography The island of northwestern roast of the island of Mauritius is sixty-five kilometers long and Mauritius. The current population is forty-five kilometers wide at its widest approximately 1.2 million. The majority point and has a total land area of 1,865 live in the capital and largest city, Port square kilometers. The island itself is Louis. The population density is one of the formed around a central plateau which is highest in the world. Immigration came in about 600 meters above sea level, with successive and dramatic waves. about three hundred and fifty kilometers of IMFF2019-2020 coast which is protected almost entirely by
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This is demonstrated through the official Port Louis is the largest city in Mauritius. census, first published in 1846. In that year Port Louis is surrounded by a mountain the total population was 158,462. The range, called the Port Louis Moka Range white and colored population was 102,217, which makes it worth watching. and the Indian population was 56,245. In 1861 the total population reached 310,050. Mauritius Capital Port Louis Port Louis has The white and colored population conserved many historic and colonial increased to 115,864. buildings through the years. One of them is a fortification named Fort Adelaide or La The Indian population more than tripled, Citadelle, built by the British in 1835. to 192,634, to become the majority, and the Chinese population first registered at 1,552. The latter dominates the city. The main In 1921 the white and colored population tourist attractions in Port Louis include the decreased to 104,216, the Indian Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis Bazaar, population increased to 335,327, and the Police Barracks, the Mauritian Chinatown Chinese increased to 6,745, in a total and the old Port Louis theatre. The capital population of has also three museums which are: the Blue 376,485. The Penny next census was Museum, the in 1952, which Mauritius showed the Natural History total Museum and population at the Mauritius 501,415. Whites Stamp and coloreds Museum. Also, were 148,238; the biggest and Indians once oldest post again office in increased, to Mauritius is 335,327; and found in Port the Chinese Louis near the moved to Caudan 17,850. In 1962 Waterfront. At the census combined the whites and the city center there are number of French coloreds to become the "general styled buildings, which enhances the population" and separated the Indians into charm of Port Louis. Port Louis is definitely Hindus and Muslims. In 1983 the census a must place to see and visit during your stopped ethnic comparisons altogether in visit to Mauritius. Grand Bassin, known favor of religious groupings. This was part also as Ganga Talao is a lake situated in a of a government-based objective to de- secluded mountain area in the district of emphasize ethnic differences. Results from Savanne, deep in the heart of Mauritius. the 1990 census are as follows: 535,028 It is about 600 meters above sea level.The Hindus, 172,047 Muslims, and 343,395 Grand Bassin is a holy lake for Mauritian of Christians, with 6,190 listed as Other. Hindu faith. It is said that the water inside Port Louis is the capital city and main port the lake communicates with the waters of of Mauritius, Port Louis was constructed in the holy Ganges of India. The Hindus of the year 1735 by the noted French IMFF2019-2020 governor, Mahede Labourdonnais. Today
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Mauritius declared the Grand Bassin as a Major exports include industrial products Holy lake. and sugar. Agricultural products also exported are tea, peanuts, tobacco, The Hindu community performs there a potatoes, tomatoes, and bananas. Exports pilgrimage every year on the Maha tend to be centered on the United Sivaratri/“Siva’s Great Night”, on this day Kingdom, France, and the United States. In they honor the Lord Siva. Beside the lake 1997 the net export value was $1.616 billion there a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and (U.S.) and net imports $2.264 billion other Gods including Hanuman and (U.S.), for a trade deficient of $648 million Lakshmi. Also, overlooking the lake is the (U.S.). statue of Mangal Mahadev (Shiva statue) which is of 33 meters, making it the highest Traditionally, urban industrialization used statue in Mauritius mostly the creole women as the workforce. Rural industrialization has brought more With one of the of the Indian highest population, who population live in higher densities in the numbers in the world, Mauritius countryside, into places a high the factories. The premium on boom in industry housing. has opened skilled-labor Hindus and positions to all Muslims tend to ethnicities in invest their life Mauritius, savings in real leading to very estate. Many low creoles rent in unemployment urban areas. rates. Their unique architecture is Since known for sharp independence in roofs, long 1968, Mauritius balconies, and has undergone a canopies. Many of remarkable the traditional creole houses have been economic transformation from a low- replaced in places by newer materials and income, agriculturally-based economy to a designs. The government, in recognition of diversified, upper middle-income economy the heritage of the older houses, has with growing industrial, financial, and campaigned to save their designs. tourist sectors. Mauritius has achieved steady growth over the last several decades, Because of the relatively small size of the resulting in more equitable income island and scarcity of natural resources, distribution, increased life expectancy, Mauritius must import huge amounts of lowered infant mortality, and a much- goods from countries such as France, South improved infrastructure. Africa, and India. Major imports included textiles, petroleum, machinery, metals, and IMFF2019-2020 food.
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The economy currently depends on sugar, Mauritius International Financial Center is tourism, textiles and apparel, and financial under scrutiny by international bodies services, but is expanding into fish processing, information and promoting fair tax competition and communications technology, education, Mauritius has been cooperating with the and hospitality and property development. European Union and the United states in Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the the automatic exchange of account cultivated land area but sugar makes up information. Mauritius is also a member of only around 3-4% of national GDP. the OECD/G20’s Inclusive Framework on Authorities plan to emphasize services and Base Erosion and Profit Shifting and is innovation in the coming years. After under pressure to review its Double several years of slow growth, government Taxation Avoidance Agreements. The policies now seek to stimulate economic offshore sector is vulnerable to changes in growth in five areas: serving as a gateway the tax framework and authorities have for international investment into Africa; been working on a Financial Services Sector Blueprint to enable Mauritius to transition to a jurisdiction of higher value added. Mauritius’ textile sector has taken advantage of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, a preferential trade program that allows duty free access to the US market, with Mauritian exports to the US growing by 35.6 % from 2000 to 2014.
While the south-east trade wind blows the whole year through and actually is a harmless and even pleasant event, in case of the cyclones the situation gets serious.
They are also winds that are originated by the strong sun radiation, but they are increasing the use of renewable energy; tremendously more fiercely developing smart cities; growing the ocean and destructive. Cyclones are originated economy; and upgrading and modernizing during the months January up to March, infrastructure, including public when the sun is already returning from the transportation, the port, and the airport. southern tropic in direction to the northern tropic; While the sun is positioned for a Mauritius has attracted more than 32,000 short time vertically in the sky above the offshore entities, many aimed at commerce equator, thus only passes it briefly, in India, South Africa, and China. The IMFF2019-2020
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it spends more time in the area of the rainfalls than usual, the wind blows fiercely tropics, as the sun gets there, turns around and the sea breaks some massive waves and slowly returns . The consequence is against the coral reefs and/or the edge of that the air and water temperatures the island. strongly increase. Storm warnings are made public on TV and According to statistics, Mauritius is in the radio. On the free call 96 you will be able to centre of a cyclone only every 5 years. Still, receive the latest news and helpful every year the island is hit by the remnants information in several languages.The of 3 to 5 storms. Most frequently, cyclones cyclone warning system in Mauritius is form on the Tropic of Cancer and the structured in 4 classes. Class I: Issued 36 to Tropic of Capricorn where the body of 48 hours before Mauritius or Rodrigues is water heats up to 26°C for longer periods of likely to be affected by gusts reaching 120 time. km/h. Class II: Issued so as to allow, as far as practicable, 12 hours of daylight before During the period of the cyclone the water the occurrence of gusts of 120 kilometers temperature and on the surface evaporates much quicker than the water in underlying layers. High cloud towers build and are put into motion by the rotation of the earth. These clouds bring storm and heavy rainfalls.
If such a cyclone approaches the island, one should immediately look for a shelter. The rural inhabitants that live in some instable huts, search for shelter in public office buildings or churches. Hotels have to bring into safety everything (km) per hour. Class III: Issued so as to what is not cast-iron. On the sea, metres- allow, as far as practicable, 6 hours of high waves are formed, torrential rainfalls daylight before the occurrence of gusts of descend on the island, the wind takes the 120 kilometers(km) per hour. Class IV: roofs and the trees with it. The spectacle Issued when gusts of 120 km per hour have only takes a few hours, then the weather been recorded and are expected to continue calms down again and the extent of the to occur. Issued when there is no longer any destruction gets visible. appreciable danger of gusts exceeding 120 km per hour. The Franco-Mauritians have There are only extremely destructions if the had land and ownership privileges that the cyclone straight passes over the island, thus other ethnic groups have not, and they with its eye. But also when a cyclone passes form a small, privileged high class. The Mauritius at a distance of a few hundred Indians and Chinese form subgroups in kilometres, the consequences are noticeable on the island: there are stronger IMFF2019-2020
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will be greeted with some familiar and some downright peculiar dishes.
Chinese mostly own the restaurants in the cities, and they combine different ethnic foods on the same menu. Street food also is quite common for snacks and includes samosas, roti, curried rolls, soups, and noodles. At home, rice is the relation to language, religious branches, most common staple. This is usually and regional origins. Hindi is considered combined with fish, fowl, or red meat and more prestigious among the Indian copious spices to form a type of stew. Local population, but northern Indian dialects vegetables are eaten readily and include are more commonly used in the chokos, red pumpkins, squash, and greens. countryside. Mauritian curries are in a league of their Public and private hospitals are on the own in terms of flavor, but what makes island. The private hospitals are generally them particularly exciting is the array of considered to be of better quality and are accompaniments and sides: achard, more expensive than the public hospitals. mazavaroo (Chilli paste), lentils, rice, Both are adequate, if a little below Western farata (roti), mine frite (fried noodles), and standards. Malaria is very rare and exists even dumplings. If you are feeling only in the rural areas. Hepatitis A is fairly adventurous, try the hot Creole curry or common. The more severe hepatitis B and head to Chez Rosy in Souillac for octopus C are rare. curry (they are also known for their fresh English is the official language. French is lobster). extensively used and Creole is widely A traditional seafood dish that is spoken. Asian languages also form part of fantastically flavorful and one of the most the linguistic mosaic. The majority of the famous dishes of Mauritius. Although the population can converse in French and seafood ingredients can vary it is usually a English, with Creole being the mainstream decadent dish of fried, pickled fish in a every-day language among locals. tangy onion, , mustard seeds, garlic, and Mauritius forms part of the Mascarene ginger sauce. islands, which include Reunion Island and Rodrigues. Rodrigues is a territory of Dholl Puri- The national dish of Mauritius Mauritius. that locals and travellers alike go gaga over. Dholl puri is a yellow split-pea pancake that Over the years, Chinese, French, European, is griddled on a tawa and filled with cari and African migrants settled on the island gros pois (bean curry) and Mauritius’ of Mauritius and brought with them the famous rougaille (a spicy sauce of sweet flavors of their homelands. Wander tomatoes, thyme, garlic, and ginger). through the streets of Port Louis and you IMFF2019-2020
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Sides include achard (pickled vegetables) unusual dishes. Salad leaves and some kind and coriander satini (chutney). of seafood (usually smoked marlin) are tossed together with a delicious dressing Salade Palmiste - Also known as and served with the sliced, raw heart of a ‘millionaire’s salad’, this is a Mauritian palm tree. A dream dish for seafood lovers delicacy and definitely one of the more and salad savants.
Courtesy : Mauritius Indian culture and media
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My Rich and Rewarding IMFF’ Journey
Ashok BEEHARRY
I was travel bound from Mauritius to When tests results came, Sarvesh Ji made Gurgaon where my late wife was to undergo arrangements for a second opinion. We medical tests. Two family friends told us went to Noida hospital. Dr Keshav Naithani that a sister organisation is run by a friend extended a warm welcome. Knowing my there. As we were heading for an unknown state of mind, he was very reassuring. A destination and least expected medic medical check up was even scheduled for reports, this was good news. me and some issues were sorted.
Any expectation was brushed aside when We had lunch together. There, my these unwelcome words came: ‘’There are membership procedures were initiated. very good shopping malls there.’’ You do Thereafter, our discussions revolved over not visit shopping malls future projects and with a patient barely able increase in membership to stand. base to cater for people to people needs. A housing I was in two minds. Would facility was in the pipeline we be able to make the at that time in Delhi. return journey with a cancer patient already A strong bonding was thus having chills? Then Mr established. I met Sarvesh Vinay, President of the Ji's daughter and we spoke Indo Mauritius Friendship about our respective family Foundation (IMFF) , members. On his visit to assured me of IMFF’s Mauritius, he came to meet Sarvesh Ji’s unconditional my late wife. When news of help and support from my wife's demise reached Delhi. Soon after I reached him, he even came to offer Gurgaon, contacts were established. We his deepest condolences to my family and had regular phone conversations . Sri he attended the funeral rites as well. Sarvesh was very re-assuring. Lonely as I was in those difficult times at the clinic, I This is how close knit relationships can be got a compassionate friend on whom to built through the aegis of the association, rely. Neither distance, not time was a among people of the diaspora spread barrier between us. Sarvesh Ji responded around the world. When need arises, we to my late night phone calls when I was in can support each other. We have to nurture distress. The day following my late wife got this relationships to beat the barriers of dischargfrom the clinic, she was in a very distance and to feel at ease wherever we bad condition. I called Sarvesh Ji. There he have people of Indian origin amongst us. was at the end of the phone, calm and reassuring, he gave me his advice to rush back to the hospital.
Ashok BEEHARRY (Retired education officer) is a senior member of the IMFF & GOPIO . S Bose Rd, Creve Coeur. Pieter Both Mountain area in Mauritius
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News Tips: Submit story ideas and press releases to [email protected]
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Bula! Welcome to Fiji Island of Attractions & Activities
Anudut (Rajen) Dussoye
Fiji is a small island state in the middle of the Pacific. It has a multiracial population of 800,000 comprising of 42 per cent Indians, 51 per cent native Fijians and 7 per cent mixed races.
The Indians in Fiji are the third and fourth the second largest (44 per cent as per 1996 generation descendants of the British census) ethnic group in Fiji. Despite crown colony. India’s relations with maintaining minimal contacts with India, Fiji commenced in 1879 when Indian the ethnic Indian community here has labourers were taken there under retained their religion, culture, tradition indentured system to work on sugarcane and language. plantations.
The first ship load of 498 labourers arrived They speak Fiji Hindi (a mixture of Awadhi in Fiji on May 14, 1879. Between 1879 and and Bhojpuri). Hindustani is recognised as 1916 (when this system was abolished) one of the three official languages (besides around 60,000 Indians were brought to English and Fijian) as per 1997 Fiji. In popular parlance, indenture was Constitution. Owing to 1987 and 2000 known as ‘Girmit’ – a distortion of coups, over one lakh Fijians of Indian agreement and those taken under it the IMFF2019-2020 ‘Girmityas’. Their descendents now form
40 origin have emigrated from Fiji between Minister after the new constitution was 1987 and April 2004, mainly to Australia, formed in 1997. Fiji is the quintessential New Zealand, US and Canada. South Pacific paradise. With more than 300 islands to choose from, you'll find Fiji has a small but growing Indian plenty of tropical attractions and rewarding expatriate things to do. Suva, on the largest island Viti (around 400) population. These are mostly Levu, is the capital. Nadi, on the western professionals such as doctors, IT side of the island, is Fiji's main specialists, accountants, sales and international gateway and lies near the marketing executives, teachers, etc. large resorts of the Coral A number of them are working in the Coast and Denarau Island. Not far from University of South Pacific. Several Indian here, you can stroll along sand dunes to doctors have also been employed by the ancient archeological sites, soak in Government Hospitals here. Most of the therapeutic mud pools and hot springs,
expatriates are working in local companies dive with sharks in Beqa Lagoon, and raft owned by Gujarati businessmen. the Upper Navua River through pristine rainforests. Mahendra Chaudhry became the first ethnic Indian to become Fiji’s Prime IMFF2019-2020
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Further afield, the outer islands have their and the world's fourth largest barrier reef. own alluring natural attractions. The Fijians also love children, so this is a great Mamanuca Islands are home to one of destination for families. the world's top surf breaks, and in other island groups, you'll find mystical caves, Fiji's only UNESCO World Heritage Site,
Anudut (Rajen) Dussoye is one of the most familiar faces in the field of Mauritian theatre. He is a social worker and has participated in national campaign against illicit drugs and corruption.
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Slow Food as a response to Fast Food?
Tripti Tiwari Here are some of the reasons why I choose to follow a SLOW food diet and why you should consider becoming part of the slow food nation too. good, clean, and proper but also good in taste Are you trying to avoid fast food? And thinking with health benefits. Not only this, the working how to change it? It is very easy and that too condition during the production of this crop has without leaving anything. You just need to also been good. One of its important campaign include some things that are good for health and is Biodiversity, which has transformed this task easy to make. That means proper use of of storing rich flavors with an effort to conserve traditional green vegetables and Indian spices. all the unique varieties of food items. There are many units of slow food around the world Majority of people think that Slow Food came called- ‘Convivia’ and they conduct regular into existence as an opposition to fast food. In meetings. There are many groups in the fact, the purpose of the organization is quite organization who undertakes tasting which is broad. It is also a fact that done primarily under test in principle, the members education. As part of this of Slow Food are against program, anyone can taste fast food. Slow food is the cuisine that Slow Food basically against the works hard to conserve and mechanical life due to have a firsthand view of its rapid industrialization taste. which is also responsible for bringing unique Slow food is very easy to traditions and varieties of make. You can make all foods to the brink of these items at home like extinction. The 'Slow Dosa, Idli, Poha, Saag Food' campaign started in Paratha, Pasta, Dhokla, Italy some twenty years Porridge etc. It can be ago to demand the right to prepared according to your taste and protest own region and taste. If tampering of taste. The Momo is being made at campaign, which Started home in the eastern states, it will taste better in response to fast food, has so far spread to 45 than the market. One can also prepare a salad countries across five continents of the world with a combination of green vegetables and and has over eighty thousand members fruits. But the proportion of spices is of critical worldwide. importance while preparing this cuisine. As we know, spices have its benefits as well as harms. Every country can boast of a unique identity in Therefore, the right amount of spices should be its Food culture and every village has its own added. special cuisine and recipes, while fast food is responsible for standardizing food culture of the The uniqueness of Indian cuisine which has world. While fast food serves a common taste given it fame worldwide is the wide variety of of food all over the world, slow food serves the spices used in preparation. These spices also cuisine in its original form. Put simply, Slow brought many foreign forces to India. The food means that we make food made from crops spices of India find its mention in the writings grown without use of chemicals. This kind of of 629 AD by Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang and food can be eaten by people without worrying the works of Marco Polo of 1298. From the about diabetes, high blood pressure or north of the India, many tribes, tourists, and cholesterol. Slow food found its origin with the traders entered India through Khyber Pass and production of such foods, which are not only brought with them their special art of cooking,
43 which greatly influenced and left a mark on the cuisine is being appreciated globally. When so Indian food and cuisine. The Mughals, who many types of dishes are made in India, one can ruled India for many centuries, also entered only guess how many forms of Indian cuisine India through the Khyber Pass. Mughal dishes must have taken out of India. All over the are still relished all over the world including world, Indian food is being made in a new and India. It is the spices of Indian cuisine, different way. Besides being made at home, irrespective of the region of origin which Indian food is now available in super-markets provides savory color, taste, and aroma. The use across Europe, America, Canada, Australia, of spices is also an art, which makes Indian Africa, and many other countries. cuisine stand out. In today's world, Indian
Tip: Domestic method of increasing the body's immunity during the Corona period
Make a fine powder by mixing basil leaves, turmeric, dry ginger, black pepper, long pepper, bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves in equal quantities. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of this powder in tea, milk, green tea or 1 cup of warm water and drink in the morning and evening. Instead of sugar, jaggery can be added in small quantity. It is beneficial for common cold and should be taken four times a day. This powder can be also be mixed in the house with frankincense or camphor and can be inhaled.
Tripti Tiwari has been associated with brands like NDTV and Dainik Bhaskar. She has a keen interest in child education with special focus on underprivileged and students with learning disabilities.
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(1) Fiji’s performance culture embodies Story, energy, and grace. Fiji – the first one to Open its eyes, (5) Welcoming the rays of the rising sun The Indian diaspora, an Surrounded by azure ocean, Integral colour in the rainbow of Fiji, A pristine artwork of the heavens. A 140-year-old historical chapter Encompassing 330 islands Turned into a futuristic legacy. With 110 inhabited, Allured by British colonisers Fiji, like a shiny pearl, Under the Labour Agreement, Floats on the tranquil Pacific. Sixty thousand Indians brought to Fiji, Deceitfully; (2) Leaving home and family far behind Fiji celebrates multiracialism, boasts Embracing Fiji with Of Kaiwitis, the aboriginals, Heart, soul and mind. Of i-Taukei, their language, Millions of dreams shattered, Welcoming one and all with ‘Ni Sa Bula’ Toiling hard as labourers, And their smiles capturing joy. Devastated and destined Their wavy tresses, dark and lustrous, To suffer from unbearable pain. Flowers look grateful to sit Behind their ears, (6) Rugby and football they play, Then came Circa 1920, Earning their identity Time for many to return home, The unique Fijian way. To go back to India. The Labour Agreement was wiped out (3) The road to India seemed chalked out, Inimitable, the island of Beqa, and Yet thousands chose Fiji as home Its people’s gift of controlling fire, Rest bade a teary goodbye, Firewalkers treading on live coal, To their reality, a poetic palindrome. Healing others’ burns with their touch, Fiji accepted them Creating a divine barrier Lovingly, with open arms; Between fire and flesh. Two cultures amalgamated (4) Mirroring traditions, creating new realities. From drinking Yaqona, (7) The gently crushed roots, To enjoying the ancient Fiji then witnessed Fijian nose flutes; The oceanic depths The Meke dance, Of Sanatan philosophy, A celebration ritual of the place, IMFF2019-2020
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(11) The Vedas, the Arya Samajis Sugarcane, cinnamon, sandal, coconut, And the Ramakrishna Mission, the ultimate Plantations of pineapple, Indo-Fijian spiritual syntheses. With bountiful cultivation, Echoes of Guru Nanak’s preachings Roro, coconut, Kasava, seafood, Together with Jesus Christ’s teachings, Fiji is a foodie’s haven. A devout Muslim league (12) And TISI and Tamil Sangam’s reaching. Waves here seem gentle, Fiji Sevashram Sangh, Originating from none other than The sect of Saint Kabir, The Pacific, but the The Brahma Kumaris, Wrath of nature could awaken and destroy, All sharing God’s love in holy service. With a force mighty and terrific. (8) (13) Indianness and plurality resides in Fiji, Thundering clouds, roaring oceans, From offering flags to Lord Hanuman, Disastrous waves, and And love to Lord Murugan, Boisterous laugh of monstrous storms To devotees of Radha-Krishna With their all-engulfing cyclones Reading both Bhagwat and Geeta. Together create a picture of Nature’s Fury Ram is in the air here, and Jai Sitaram chants on In its all-powerful absolute glory. their tongue, In the aftermath, the spirit of Fiji is only Reciting Ramayan on Tuesdays, and survivor, No religious prayer unsung. But then, Sounds of Dhol, Tabla, Harmonium and Jhanjh, With new vigour in its veins, this Together create a harmonious musical branch. Great nation emerges a winner Yoga, the spiritual, mental and physical Smiling in its Bula, bright and proud. discipline, Carries the Indian diaspora’s life force within. (14) A marvel of nature (9) A work of art from heavens Adored by the tourists, the Spreading a message of love, Landscape of Fiji, Resilience and friendship, A munificent bequest, Fiji is enchanting and Like a necklace of pearls strung together. Second to none. Lush green land,
Intricately embroidered with flowers, and --END OF— Picturesque with deep-coloured wines, Fiji’s mornings are golden, and Thoughts and words by: Evenings vermilion. The azure paradise, its Padmaja Glory sung by waves of the Pacific. High Commissioner of India (10) (to Fiji, Cook Island, Kiribati, Nauru, Home to its sleeping giant, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) The incredible volcano, and to
A green patch of land, The Floating Island glides on water A firebrand, a literal wonderland. IMFF2019-2020
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Building upon the Digital Blocks
Dr Savita Mehta
‘Change is the only Constant’ goes the Educators, students, educational famous saying that holds great significance institutions and parents are going through to the education sector as well in the a gamut of challenges while adapting and present times. No one could have imagined getting adept to the new normal. As what twists and turns year 2020 would lockdown hit nations across the globe, education institutions were the first ones to close keeping safety of the future generation as a priority. While the concept of traditional classrooms has been undergoing a change, learning processes now are dominated by technology.
The entire education model, beginning from acquisition to delivery is getting revisited. Artificial Intelligence powered edutainment solutions and renewed facets of parent teacher engagements are evolving like never before to ensure academic make on experience, turning a new tide in continuity is maintained. every facet of life. Keeping pace with the
‘trend of the year’ transcending barriers The digital opportunity from this adversity and bridging the divide, the path being is up for grabs and will play a decisive role followed by education institutions through in shaping the future of education the digital medium is scripting a new institutions as adaptation, agility & chapter in the history of modern creativity are the key for survival in the education. VUCA World. Players with existing Reliance o digital medium has always been infrastructure, who thought ahead of time on the cards. But it’s the pandemic that and set the building blocks in place, are made the transition attain a rapid pace. reaping the benefits as the stay-at-home Technology has always been a solution in mandate has become a universal reality. risis, and it has acquired the form of an opportunity to come up stronger & be more prepared for the future. IMFF2019-2020
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Benefits of Digital Learning ‘BLEND’ Education would play an important role to in the Future begin with. Reskilling and upskilling are integral elements of a majority corporate Served as the Anytime, Anywhere learning and employee development education model that provides connected programmes with steady contribution learning through various channels of being made by online learning platforms. communication, digital learning is the These digital learning podiums have future. Using individual technology revolutionized the way learning is being strengths and competencies to partner and consumed - on-demand, on the go, and in a offer integrated solutions, digital learning self-paced manner. leverages social networks for education While classrooms will continue to exist, support and training. As it’s capable of contactless education with a focus on delivering digital content personalized and contactless content in a learning will secure manner, take the students have the forefront. And advantage of with physical learning within boundaries the comfort of getting their walls. With diminished, it the future is the holding the “Click collaboration and mortar” sharing of model of ideas over the education the virtual coming times will see blended learning medium that is making education truly driving the winds of change with a balanced globalized. mix of face-to-face and virtual learning. With travel restrictions being imposed It is also noteworthy that while online across the globe, the future and aspirations learning has been present in our education of students seeking higher education in system, the advent of personalized content foreign universities has taken a backseat. and skill upgradation has taken the lead. But with these virtual opportunities With the advent of Industry 5.0, we are springing up, education and learning from staring at new-age jobs and skills that the best of the global minds is turning into probably don't even exist today. a reality. Moving Ahead The entire workforce would need to Students in the country are eager to continuously upgrade the skills relevant to continue their academic pursuits and fulfil their career path to stay relevant to the industry’s demands. This is where Online IMFF2019-2020
48 their career aspirations as displayed by As World Economic Forum statistics over 1.35 million students of the country indicate, a total of 320 million learners in who recently took paper-based National the country have been adversely affected by Entrance Exams for medicine and dental the COVID-19 pandemic and have courses at the undergraduate level. The transitioned to e-learning. However, with student community is armed with able vast regional and household disparities in support from the government as shown access to the internet and technology, this with the release of an alternative academic transition has not been possible for all calendar and students learning students and educators. This rapid shift to enhancement guidelines by National e-learning prompted by the pandemic has Council of Education Research and resurfaced long-standing issues of Training to further their education pursuits.
While countries are opening their borders in a phased manner, Mauritius being one of them, the uncertainty and unpredictive nature of the virus and its effects is making students and their families apprehensive to leave the safety net of their homes. This has led to students opting to pursue their inequality and a digital divide within the academic interests in the various country that must be addressed. institutions within their reach or carry As education experts aver that if e-learning forward their global education dreams via is the “new normal”, the recently celebrated the digital medium. new education policy must go further to Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh address the feasibility of digitalization to Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ had also recently ensure equity and quality in education. The stated that under the new education policy, vast difference in the socio-economic strata some 100 top international universities of the parents has resulted in this yawning would be invited to India for “knowledge gap in letting e-learning reach out to the exchange”. This is in line with the vision of masses, calling for measures to fill this the central government to make higher digital divide and attain the sustainable education institutions an international development goals. brand under its ‘study in India’ campaign.
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The redressal would have to be led by It’s important that one must learn from future economic, education and history digitalization policies. To provide access to and go ahead with the new normal of affordable infrastructure and internet today’s life. There is a need to lay emphasis connectivity for the masses for the future of on life-long learning and cognitive skills learning holds the key to unlock the also apart from the technical skills of the benefits on a large scale. enrolled subject. The purpose of education is not to just to provide certificate, but to What also needs to be ensured is that the make students capable to do things by their perils of the digital world are brought to the own. Government of India has also taken fore and students are sensitized of the many initiatives to help online teaching- dangers that lurk around. The transition learning for students, e.g. SWAYAM On- is huge not only for the students but also a line Courses; UG/PG MOOCs; e-PG transformation for the teachers who have Pathshala; SWAYAMPRABHA; and seen their roles change overnight. The shift National Digital Library etc. from chalk & board teaching in front of a This crisis has demonstrated an lively and vivacious class of students to opportunity for institutes across the nation recorded and often monologue screen talk to prepare themselves and equip/upgrade is a sea change. The teachers would also their digital infrastructure. While require adequate training and handholding conventional brick and mortar learning can to transmit effective learning to their never be fully replaced by the digital bots, it students. can surely provide a fallback option in case of the existing scenario in the future. Positivity Holds the Key Such changes are not being held first time in history as 100years before too a pandemic had changed lives globally.
Dr Savita Mehta is the vice president communications of the Amity Education Group
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How to prevent injuries in children
Dr Rajiv Singh
Children are at higher accident risk and are very likely to be relatively poorly supervised . They often have disorganised or stressed families and live in hazardous environment hence they are very prone for injuries while growing up. Fortunately majority of accidents are preventable. About 1.8 lakh children under 15 years of age die in road accidents mainly by two wheelers.
Type of injuries in children and prevention strategy
1. Road traffic accidents how to prevent
Safety education must be given in school by teachers and by parents. School bus drivers ,aaya, maids ,assistants need to be physically trained for basic first aid and safe driving. Children should be seated in rear seats and should learn the use of handle, bars and seat belts during travel. Glass windows should have at least a double metallic bar. They should not pop out of the window or keep the hand outside.Monitoring by at least one teacher is a must. Overcrowding of vehicle should be avoided. Speed limit of the bus should be stringently in place. Major Street should monitored. Children toys should be stuffed not be crossed alone until the child is at variety rather than having pointed edges, least 10 years of age. Pedestrian skill glass piece, metallic sharp points. Young training programs should be regularly child should never be left unattended on conducted in schools. staircase, near fire ,height, balcony. All kinds of walker should be avoided. 2. Household injuries prevention strategies 3. Prevention of burns
Younger children often fall from bed specially after 4 months when they start rolling Idealy bed should be low lying and cushion on the floor all around should be IMFF 2019-2020 provided and child should be actively
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About 30 to 40% of burn patients are below 15 years of age. Install smoke detectors. Prohibit smoking, avoid Diya burning ,agarbatti, play near gas stove, hot water flow from geyser in winter days, unmonitored hot liquids like tea, coffee, hot water, warm soup, should be out of reach of young child due to their volatile nature. Basic management of burn should be taught to parents by child specialist like rolling and not running if the clothes catch fire, putting blankets and rolling ,during smoke with fire crawling rather than panic running, cleaning the burn area with running water, application of ice ,antiseptic application, basic pain management like paracetamol ,controlled sedation, injection tetanus as required. Avoid application of local and unscientific remedies like toothpaste chilli powder etc.
4. Prevention of animal bites
Children should be taught that . Do not disturb any animal that is eating or sleeping. . Do not approach unfamiliar animals. . Do not disturb any animal caring or feeding her puppies. . Never run from an accompanied dog or animal.Try to remain still if an unfamiliar animal approaches. . Always allow a dog to see and sniff you before touching it. IMFF2019-2020
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.Teach features of rabid animal to children like excessive salivation, brawling 6. Prevention of poisoning unprovoked biting ,unusual aggressiveness. Keep adult medication specially of . All pet dogs should be vaccinated. hypertension and blood pressure, psychiatric drugs away from children. 5. Prevention of drowning Mistaking the drug for a candy or toffee generally leads the child to consume these It is a major cause of injury death for tablets and even a single tablet can be lethal children less than 5 year old.They account as the dose is generally 5 to 10 times of for nearly 40% of all drowning cases. adult. Keep mosquito repellents, rat killers Parents are advised to closely supervise the ,at a safe distance, use lock and key .Do not children at every moment during underestimate there reach as they do take swimming specially infants and toddlers support from mobile objects like movable even during tub bath. All pools should have chair, table ,climbing bed edges and do a good height pool fencing and a well include the length of hand while keeping trained swimming coach. .Pool should be these things at a height. Rush immediately covered post swim time. Common to hospital in case of confirmed or household drowning points should be suspected case of poisoning. identified like bathtub,buckets, toilets washing machine.
Dr Rajiv is senior consultant, department of pediatrics, Max Hospital, Vaishali, Delhi NCR
St Jean, Belle Rose, near Mauritius commercial bank, Mauritius
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Media in India: How to Face the Challenge of Credibility Crisis
Prof Pradeep Mathur
India is a vast country which is home to launched a series of newspapers which different castes, creeds, and communities were the spokespersons of his social reform with their different traditions and ways of campaign. Launched in the early decades of life. This diversity defines India’s socio- the 19th century Raja Ram Mohan Rai’s cultural structure and political super- three newspapers set the tone of what we structure which is the subject matter of even today call as value-based journalism media content writing. The media content for socio-economic development of our concerning issues of governance and society. By the start of the 20th century and development is now a matter of intense growth of the movement for freedom from debate as concerns are being expressed by the British colonial movement the Indian newspaper world had developed three distinct ideological trends.
(a) There were newspapers which supported British rule in India like The Statesman and The Times of India and were of the view that it was in the best interest of India and Indians.
(b) These were newspapers which did not oppose the British rule but criticised the British Raj bureaucracy for its failings and
incompetence. They were called Anglo India Press. The prominent newspapers which belonged to this category were The Pioneer of Allahabad, The Mail of what was all stakeholders about declining standards then called Madras and The Civil and and professional ethics of journalism in our Military Gazette of Karachi. country. (c) The third category comprised To address the issue let us have a look at the newspapers which opposed the British rule evolution of journalism in India which can in India and supported the Indian struggle give us an idea of the conceptual for freedom from British rule. The Free framework to understand the present state Press Journal of Bombay, The Tribune of of drift in Indian media. Modern Lahore, The Hitvad of Nagpur, Amrit Bazar journalism in India started with a small Patrika of Calcutta and National Herald of English weekly launched by Augusts Lucknow besides a big number of India Hickey, a Calcutta based English man in languages newspapers belonged to this 1780. The newspaper soon closed down category. because of opposition by the East India Company’s bureaucracy whose misdeeds These three major ideological streams and corrupt practices the newspaper tried defined journalism in India of the time of to expose. There were some other attempts its Independence. to start newspapers before Raja Ram Mohan Rai IMFF2019-2020
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However, India’s independence brought commitment to the people’s cause was lost about a policy shift in their editorial line. in the way. The British press became a supporter of the conservative public opinion and corporate Advent of TV and digital media has only world. The Anglo-Indian press retained its strengthened this this trend. Hailed as a role as a critic of the Government of the day magic multiplier that would generate mass with the Idea to apply a corrective to the consciousness and fight backwardness , establishment. The nationalist press, both social and economic , TV made an however, lost its plot as the great entry in India about two decades after the communal divide and the partition of the Independence. Initially it looked like living country made it clueless. It is the loss of to its promise but soon became a soap plot by this third stream of press which is opera. No doubt in just about 50 years T.V. responsible for most of our media related media has developed in a big way. Now problems that we face today. there are nearly 400 channels in India which telecast news and other programmes After the Independence media in India in English and different Indian languages. slowly started losing its ideological Their combined audience strength is commitment to the common man and formidable. By a rough estimate It could became what is popularly called from a easily be around 600 million.
To be fair, TV has no doubt played the role of a magic multiplier in India. Therefore, the widespread criticism bordering on condemnation and rejection of TV that we see today is singularly unfortunate. TV is neither evil nor a devil. However, this is not to suggest that there is nothing wrong with TV in India. It has no doubt trivalized and frivalized news and content relating mission to profession. Media and media to critical issues of public persons enjoy a big clout in a democratic good . It has promoted sensationalism and society and the media coverage can make a has very unfortunately become a channel considerable impact on the careers of those for disseminating false news. Even worse it in position of authority. Similarly media is being labelled as promoting fake news coverage can also influence policy decisions and becoming what is being derisively which vested interests always want in their called as goddi media. All this has greatly favour. Therefore in our developing society damaged the credibility of Indian media in media became an instrument in the hands general. of power brokers. In fact true professionalism touched only the fringe of Any decline in the basic standards of TV media industry in India. In the transition journalism is understandably a matter of from mission to profession Indian media great concern to all right thinking people first became a management tool in the and stakeholders in the media .Therefore, name of PR, advertising and the concerns being raised about the way communication skills and then an T.V. journalism is going today are perfectly instrument in the hands of the vested understandable. interests of big business and political dispensation. The spirit of idealism and IMFF2019-2020
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However, what is needed is an objective and raise their level of understanding and and analytical understanding of the perception, most of our channels are taking problem and not outright condemnation the content quality down to the level of and rejection of TV journalism. Cynicism dark, uneducated and unenlightened does not help in understanding a problem minds of their illiterate and semi literate and certainly it cannot solve any. audiences.
Let us make an attempt to understand the The big challenge before us is commitment problem. to true professionalism and this calls for good media education, understanding of A. There are very few public-funded T.V. society, right perception, hard work. A channels like Doordarshan, Lok Sabha TV touch with ground reality and right and Rajya Sabha TV. All private channels attitude. Only this will help us to be good have to generate their own resources to content producers. A thorough study of the survive in business audience habits, behaviour and attitude is the need of the hour. This will give us an B. Running a TV channel is a high cost idea of motivating points in audience business . In a highly competitive psyche. There points have to be captured to advertising market it is not easy to generate make them interested in the real issues of resources to run the business. Understandably the mortality rate of private TV channels is very high.
C. A large number of viewers, popularity called TRP, improves the standing of a TV channel in the ad market.
D. Unlike print media, the TV media audiences are not necessarily intelligent, educated and health, education, jobs and social intellectually sophisticated. They may or participation Content creation has to be may not have any understanding of the done on this basis. And this will help media system and its institutions. industry as well as our society. Only such an approach will give strength to Indian E. Since audience is the oxygen of mass media, especially T.V. news, will arrest its media TV channels have to keep these large declining trend and ensure that we regain illiterate and semi-literate audiences in the honour and prestige of media whose mind while shooting their programmes. defining character has been marked by Instead of producing the content that will idealism and public service till recently. attract, entertain and educate the masses
Prof Pradeep Mathur is a veteran journalist & former HOD and Course Director of the Dept of Journalism, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, JNU Campus, New Delhi. At present he edits Mediamap, a monthly thought journal and is Chairman of SIMS, a media institute .
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Vibrant Netherlands
Umesh Kumar
Plugging a knowledge gap in the Dutch workforce, Indian migrants make up one of the fastest-growing expat groups in the Netherlands. So how does this new community experience the Netherlands and its changing cultural landscape?
Is it Holland or Netherlands? Both points 6 years back when I landed here along with to the same small western european my wife, first thing which we bought was a country which is so small, that you have to ‘Paraplu’ umbrella!! You never know when zoom in the world map to find this country it starts raining here, as the weather is very and then get to Amsterdam , one of the unpredictable. Before going outdoors , a world’s most iconic and branded city. It’s a quick weather check using the mobile small country with tall people. Last year Weather Apps is quiet normal and in fact it dutch government decided to start using becomes a habit for any person who is the original name ‘The Netherlands’ only living here for a longer period. Sun, cloud, officially everywhere as part of their rain, snow all show their utmost charm, but rebranding strategy for country’s global most of the time it is cloudy and rainy. image. Indeed it’s more than 50 shades of Grey
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get’s priority over cars/buses on road, in most of the inner city / residential areas have bike path parallel to car road .
when it’s cloudy. You will hear lots of discussion about weather among your colleagues or Local residents have told me that if you want to integrate to dutch society then biking is the first step, so I gifted myself a trendy bike on my B’Day. Not sure when was the last time I rode a bicycle in India, so I was very nervous in my initial days. I used to bike on pedestrian path which was wrong, as I was afraid to bike on main Netherlands- Country of Bikes & Canals city road. In absence of dedicated bike roads, you can bike on car lanes and neighbours. I am not going to tell you about Car/bus has to give you right of way basic facts about Netherlands…as which priority. I remember after couple of months months are best to visit here, what’s of biking when I got some courage to bike population, area..etc. Purpose of writing on main road and suddenly behind me a this article (for which I am using my public transport bus was following with my creative side of brain after almost 25 years) bike speed, It was quiet an unnerving and to share about my feelings/experiences anxious feeling for a person coming from towards Netherlands as an Indian and as a India, and when the bus driver got some typical Bhojpuria Bihari. space he overtook me and went ahead, What a great relief for me!!. Amsterdam will always be in the itinerary of any tourists coming across any part of Den Haag, the political capital of world to Netherland. If they have some Netherland with beautiful beaches. After more time then they will try to explore Den staying in Amsterdam for almost half a Haag which is the second largest city. I was year, when we came in this city we directly lucky to get a chance to live in both these went to beach which was just a walking cities. When I landed here, I stayed around distance. I started corelating this city with 6 months in Amsterdam. After Umbrella as my old school history classes in which I still an integrated object in dutch society, Now remember about the Hague Treaty. Peace I will share their love for Bike (obviously Palace was on my biking way to office mine also now). People call Bicycle as Bike where Kulbhushan Jadhav’s case hearing here which was quiet difficult for me to at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) digest for many months!! And I am really was happening. impressed with the use of bikes all over Netherlands, where more than 35,000 kms IMFF2019-2020 of bike path are available, cyclist’s (bikers)
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Thumbnail Winter in Netherlands The largest water-control schemes were carried out in 19th & 20th century, when Go Green is the next best thing about steam pumps and, later, electric and diesel Netherlands. You might be knowing that pumps came into picture. These windmills Netherlands is best known for their Canals were also used for grinding grains , spices and Wind Mills. In dutch ‘Nederlands’ etc. Now modern windmills are installed all means Low Land (Neder=Low). This over country as Wind Turbine to generate country is indeed low lying & flat with full power by use of wind power. If we talk of water. about Dutch food, I don’t want to mention anything, but still two things I would like to Around 6500 Sq. Km of Netherland mention. I was very impressed with Dutch consists of reclaimed land, which explains bakery and their n number of milk products dutch expertise of water management. including Cheese. Along the coasts, land was reclaimed from the sea, and, in the interior, lakes and I tried so many bakery products that it marshes were drained, especially alongside resulted in me gaining 3 Kg increase in my the many rivers. Initially, man power and weight and then I had to stop , and shift to horsepower were used to drain the land, using sugar free in my Tea. Other thing as a but they were later replaced by windmills, Bhojpuria Bihari I am used to having such as the mill network at Kinderdijk (a ‘Chokha’ (boiled mashed potato UNESCO World Heritage site), near to preparation with salt ,green chili, coriander Netherland’s 3rd biggest city – Rotterdam (Port City of Netherlands).
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Windmill Network at Kinderdijk a Hindustani ( similar to Bhojpuri rom UP, UNESCO World Heritage site. Bihar in India) songs. leaves and mustard oil etc.) either with Before I forget, I would like to mention my Khichadi or with Litti, the nearest I find to experience with health system of this is Dutch mashed potato , mostly a side Netherland. “Body will heal by itself” , for dish with chicken, which I tried for the first small things like flu, minor cut, cough and time chokha with chicken at my office cold etc, doctors usually avoid to prescribe cafeteria !! Cafeteria’s chef is having medicines. It was really difficult to digest Surinamese wife, so he used to make this concept in my initial days ,as when I Indian chicken curry some time with tips had flu fever and I did not get any from her wife. medicines and also could not buy in medical stores as these were not prescribed More than 50,000 Indians mostly working by my doctor. Indeed , I have started in IT live in Netherlands, and if you talk believing this concept after staying here for about Hindustani community which six years. And last but not least.. Tulips includes Surinamese also it’s over 222,000 from Holland & Keukenhof garden (second largest in Europe after UK). I easily (Kitchen backyard garden). corelate Surinamese with my Bhojpuria background. There is a dedicated Surinamese radio channel, where one can hear old hindi songs, requests in IMFF2019-2020
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Thumbnail Tulip Garden
I can forget all the things which I ..just few pictures.. as a picture is worth mentioned earlier, in case I become Ghajini more than thousand word. (suffer from memory loss) but I can never Garden/Keukenhof Garden. This is the one thing for which you should must visit Holland. I will not write more on this
Umesh Kumar is a country head (Netherlands ) of IMFF
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Why we need collaboration to save the world ?
Pratima Bullywon Just as good things are happening, so are unpleasant things. A look at the issues that we have to solve together. Global issues require global solutions.
Climate Change With continued work on behalf of the governments of all nations, as well as the The global temperatures are rising, and are individual citizens, the issue can be estimated to increase from 2.6 degrees addressed and reduced. Celsius to 4.8 degrees Celsius by Lack of 2100. This would Education cause more severe More than 72 weather, crises million children with food and throughout the resources and the spread of diseases. globe that are of the age to be in The reduction of primary education greenhouse are not enrolled in emissions and the school. This can be spreading of education on the attributed to inequality and importance of marginalization as going green can well as poverty. help make a big Fortunately, there difference. Lobbying are many organizations that governments and work directly with discussing policies the issue of education in providing the to reduce carbon emissions and proper tools and resources to aid schools. encouraging reforestation is an effective way of making progress with climate Unemployment change. Without the necessary education and skills Violence for employment, many people, particularly 15- to 24-year olds, struggle to find jobs and Violence can be found in the social, cultural and economic aspects of the world. create a proper living for themselves and their families. This leads to a lack of Whether it is conflict that has broken out in necessary resources, such as enough food, a city, hatred targeted at a certain group of clothing, transportation and proper living people or sexual harassment occurring on conditions. Fortunately, there are the street, violence is a preventable organizations throughout the world problem that has been an issue for longer teaching people in need the skills for jobs. than necessary.
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Malnourishment & Hunger and death. Across the globe, terrorists attack innocent people, often without Currently there are 795 million people who warning. This makes civilians feel do not have enough to eat. Long-term defenceless in their everyday lives. Making success to ending world hunger starts with national security a higher priority is key in ending poverty. With fighting poverty combating terrorism, as well as promoting through proper training for employment, justice in wrongdoings to illustrate the education and the teaching of cooking and enforcement of the law and the serious gardening skills, people who are suffering punishments for terror crimes. With so will be more likely to get jobs, earn enough many current global issues that require money to buy food and even learn how to immediate attention, it is easy to get make their own food to save money. discouraged. However, the amount of Terrorism progress that organizations have made in combating these problems is admirable, Terrorism is an issue throughout the world and the world will continue to improve in that causes fear and insecurity, violence the years to come.
Pratima Bullywon is a member of the IMFF and director Holistic Ayurvedic Centre, Mauritius
IMFF2019-2020
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AIR INDIA
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