Minister Gondeea highlights importance of safeguarding indentured labour heritage

The need to preserve heritage, identity and collective memory as a living connection between past and present was the central message conveyed by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Mahendra Gondeea, this morning at The Docks in Port Louis, during the opening of a regional workshop on the heritage of indentured labour in the Indian Ocean.

Being held from 27 to 29 May 2026 under the theme ‘A Dialogue on the Heritage of Indentured Labour in the Indian Ocean’, the workshop seeks to deepen collective understanding of this shared historical experience and promote greater recognition of its continuing significance in contemporary societies.

Organised by the Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund, the event has convened participants from several countries and territories of the Indian Ocean region, together with Mauritian heritage professionals, institutional representatives and technical officers. Through this regional platform, discussions are expected to advance cooperation and to strengthen efforts to document, interpret, preserve and transmit the heritage of indentured labour for present and future generations.

The opening ceremony was attended by several personalities, including the Deputy High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Mrs Aparna Ganesan; the Permanent Delegate of Mauritius to the UNESCO, Ms Jasmine Toulouse-Olivier; the Chairman of the Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund, Mr Sukhend Ramdass; and other personalities.

In his address, Minister Gondeea underlined that the history of indenture is not confined to the past but remains a living part of Mauritius’ identity. He described it as a narrative of sacrifice, courage and resilience that contributed to shaping the nation, adding that its legacy is still reflected today in the country’s culture, languages, traditions and collective memory.

Mr Gondeea further stressed the need to move beyond commemoration towards sustained action, through strengthened research, documentation and education on indentured labour history. “The workshop represents an important step in reinforcing regional cooperation and ensuring that this shared heritage is preserved and transmitted with dignity and seriousness to future generations,” he stated.

For her part, the Deputy High Commissioner of India to Mauritius described indentured labour as a story of human endurance, sacrifice and hope, highlighting the cultural and spiritual heritage carried by indentured workers that helped shape lasting links across the Indian Ocean region. She further pointed out the importance of preserving oral histories and strengthening historical research and documentation, noting that such efforts are essential to safeguarding shared memory and ensuring cultural continuity for future generations.

27 May 2026

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Topics: Culture