Centre for Diaspora Studies, Central University of Gujarat, organized a webinar

The Alumni Cell of Centre for Diaspora Studies, Central University of Gujarat, organized 1st webinar in memory of late Sir Anerood Jugnauth, the former President and Prime Minister of Mauritius descendent of Indian origin. This event paid a tribute to Sir Anerood Jugnauth by remembering his vital contribution to the political, economic, and cultural spheres of Mauritian Society. Mohan Kant Gautam (Chancellor and President West and East European University, Netherlands) and Narayan Kumar (Director - International Cooperation Council, New Delhi) were present as invited expert speakers.

Mohan Kant Gautam told in his speech that Sir Anerood Jugnauth has contributed a lot to the formation and construction of the cultural democracy of Mauritius after independence. It was due to his political intervention, the Indians living in Mauritius got socio-economic and political strength.

Narayan Kumar, while sharing his insights talked about the bilateral relations of India and Mauritius. He informed that during the period of Sir Anerood Jugnauth, there was a deepening of relations between both countries in terms of social, cultural, economic, and technical grounds. During his time, important institutions like Ganga Talao, Pravasi Ghat, Hindi Secretariat were built for the protection of Indian culture in Mauritius. In the end, he informed that in bilateral relations, not only political, social, and economic interests should be taken care of, but also cultural aspects, which were taken due care of by Sir Anerood earlier.

Dr. Neha Singh, an alumnus of the university and department along with Mr. Dhanraj, the current student, shared their experience about the field survey conducted in Mauritius during their research work with other students and the audience of the department. Giving the concluding remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Rama Shankar Dubey said that it is a matter of pride for the university family to organize such an event.

Sir Anerood Jugnauth had visited Varanasi and his native place Ballia (Uttar Pradesh). He highlighted the historical emigration of laborers to Mauritius from the Bhojpuri speaking belt of the Indian states especially Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

On this occasion, the Chairperson of the Centre of Diaspora Studies Prof. Atanu Mohapatra in his welcome address discussed the success of the students and the progress of the department. Conducting the program, Dr. Naresh Kumar, Assistant Professor & Nodal Officer of Alumni Cell informed that the Diaspora and alumni have a close relationship with the host land and home institution. Just as diaspora become an asset to the nation, alumni also become an asset to any institution. They become one of the solid sources of name and fame of the institute.

The Centre for Diaspora Studies feels honoured to be acknowledged and appreciated by the Hon'ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, who acknowledged the importance of 'Diaspora Studies' at the Central University of Gujarat and its relevance to the nation-building of India in his presidential address at the third convocation of CUG.

The vote of thanks for the program was given by Dr. Nitesh Narnolia, an alumnus of the program. Along with this, Dr. Soni Kunjappan, Coordinator of CUG Alumni Cell of the University and other faculty of Centre for Diaspora Studies, Dr. Siba Shankar Mohanty, Dr. Rajneesh Gupta, Dr. Sujauddin and other students were present in this important occasion.