“Those who do not know their history are like a ship without a rudder.”
(Ceux qui ne connaissent pas leur histoire sont comme un navire sans gouvernail.)
A joy and an honour to launch the book “Fighting Injustice for Indian Indentured Immigrants: A Tribute to Adolphe de Plevitz”, authored by Mr. Geeanduth Gopee.
A solemn act of remembrance for a man of great moral courage, and a reaffirmation of the moral values that continue to shape the conscience of our Republic, especially in the continuing spirit of the commemoration of the 191st anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured labourers.
Adolphe de Plevitz, though a member of the colonial elite, chose to rise above privilege and side with justice.
In an era marked by repression and inequality, he found the courage to act, drafting the famous De Plevitz Petition of 1871, which was signed by over 9,400 Indian immigrants.
This document became the first collective cry against injustice within the indenture system and symbolised dignity for those whose humanity had long been denied.
I congratulate Mr. Geeanduth Gopee for this remarkable contribution to Mauritian historiography.
The legacy of Adolphe de Plevitz must continue to inspire us to uphold truth, fairness, and compassion – foundations upon which our nation proudly stands.