A monument is never just a monument.
It carries stories, histories and questions about who shaped it and what it represents.
This is why, speaking at today’s Cultural Forum on “Our Heritage-Historical Monuments and Sites” by the Organisation for Diaspora Initiatives, I spoke about the need to look beyond monuments as structures to preserve, and instead use them to question, learn and better understand the histories that shaped Mauritius.
I also highlighted the importance of revisiting historical narratives, recovering overlooked voices, and using art, education and technology to connect younger generations with the past.
The stories of slavery, indentured labour, colonialism, migration and settlement are interconnected, and that acknowledging these different experiences can strengthen, rather than weaken, national unity.
Mauritius must move from multiculturalism to interculturalism, coexistence to deeper intercultural understanding by building bridges throl
ugh greater curiosity, dialogue and mutual respect.
I commend Mrs Ranjita Bunwaree, CSK, President of ODI, and all our distinguished historians for creating such vital spaces for important conversations.
There is no single story of Mauritius. There are many. And together, they tell the true story of our Republic.