Tamil New Year 2026: PM Ramgoolam stresses need to safeguard cultural heritage and promote unity

It is important to preserve cultural identity in a rapidly changing world, as building the future requires a clear understanding of history and ancestral values. In this regard, younger generations should remain connected to their roots, serving as a living source of identity that fosters continuity, belonging, and social cohesion.

The Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, made this statement, this afternoon, during a ceremony marking Tamil New Year 2026 (Varusha Pirappu), held at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Moka. The event brought together members of the Tamil community and several dignitaries to celebrate the festival, an occasion symbolising renewal, hope, and new beginnings.

Among those present were the Vice-President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Jean Yvan Robert Hungley; the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Darmarajen Nagalingum; Members of the National Assembly; the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Georges Pierre Lesjongard; and the President of the Mauritius Tamil Temples Federation (MTTF), Mr Darsen Gangadoo.

In his address, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the longstanding contribution of the MTTF in promoting Tamil language, culture, and traditions. He noted that these cultural expressions embody enduring values such as discipline, gratitude, respect for family, and respect for heritage, all of which continue to strengthen social cohesion.

Dr Ramgoolam further emphasised that in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly evolving world, it is essential to reinforce unity in diversity through mutual respect and shared responsibility. He also highlighted that cultural and spiritual traditions, reflected in symbolic festive practices and communal celebrations, remain vital in fostering peace, understanding, and harmony among all communities.

For his part, Minister Nagalingum highlighted the longstanding presence and contribution of the Tamil community in Mauritius, noting its role in the country’s historical development and nation-building over several generations. He also underlined the significance of the Tamil language, describing it as one of the oldest living languages, with a rich cultural and historical legacy.

Mr Nagalingum further announced an educational initiative in collaboration with the Sri Ramaswamy Memorial Institute of Science and Technology from Tamil Nadu, under which 10 scholarships will be awarded to Mauritian students. These scholarships will enable beneficiaries to pursue studies in key emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Environmental Science, and Biotechnology, thereby expanding academic opportunities and strengthening skills development for the younger generation, he added.

14 April 2026

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Topics: Culture