Message from Honourable Minister Mahendra Gondeea OSK
on the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Marathi Sahitya Parishad

 

 

Namaskar.

Celebrating the 56th Anniversary of the Marathi Sahitya Parishad brings a profound sense of joy and gratitude to my heart. This occasion is not only a milestone for the Association, but a homecoming for me.

My journey with the Parishad began nearly five decades ago, in the years 1975/76, when I attended classes on Sundays at Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis. Those moments are etched in my memory. For a young boy like me, coming to the capital felt like stepping into a wider world. A world full of possibility, curiosity, and learning. But even more meaningful than the excitement of entering the city were the lessons I received within those humble classrooms.

From my teachers and elders at the Marathi Sahitya Parishad, I learned values that still guide me today: respect, humility, discipline, and the immeasurable worth of staying rooted in our culture. These teachings shaped my character long before I ever dreamt of public service, and they remain among the most precious gifts of my childhood.

It is because of this foundation that I stand before you today, not only as Minister of Arts and Culture, but as someone who proudly carries the legacy and blessings of the Parishad in every step of his journey.

As the Association launches its official website, a new chapter begins. You are embracing modernity while honouring tradition and this is an achievement that reflects the strength, resilience, and forward vision of the Marathi community in Mauritius.

I also offer my heartfelt encouragement to all students of the Parishad. Each one of you carries within you the promise of our culture’s future. Stay curious, stay humble, and let your learning be a light not only for yourselves, but for your families and for our nation.

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