Page 44 - Mokazine 4 Eng

50years
of history in the region
The foundation stone of Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) was
laid on 3 June 1970 by Indira Gandhi on a 31-acre site donated by Mon Desert Alma Limited, an ENL Group company. This gave birth to what later became a major cultural centre in the Moka region – and the country. Throwback to 50 years of history!
A major educational hub
The idea of the MGI took shape in December 1969, during a meeting between the Indian and Mauritian Prime Ministers of the time, Indira Gandhi and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. The institute stems from cooperation between India and Mauritius and provides a platform for the study of Indian culture
and traditions. It is internationally recognised for its excellence in
the fields of education, research, arts and culture, and continues to spread the social ideals of Mahatma Gandhi while promoting dialogue between the various cultures of the island. Creativity, innovation and citizenship are the hallmarks of the MGI!
The MGI is organised into five schools (Indian Studies, Performing Arts, Fine Arts, Mauritian & Area Studies and Indological Studies) offering various diplomas, bachelor’s degrees and doctoral programmes. It also manages a network of six secondary schools across the island and has
a library and media library, a language centre, a multilingual printing house, an amphitheatre and a lecture
hall for discussions, seminars
and performances.
An essential cultural venue
With an extensive calendar of
events, the MGI makes an important contribution to the cultural life of
the country. Some events have become classics, like the Salon de Mai, an annual exhibition that has been held for 30 years. The event brings together experienced artists, students and MGI faculty. “It is important for Moka Smart City to support cultural initiatives that are already well entrenched into the fabric of the region,” says Moka Smart City’s Arts
& Culture Manager, Mathieu Pigeot. Given its history, the Salon de Mai has become a flagship project.
For more information:
mgirti.ac.mu
For this first collaboration, we offered financial support and contributed
to various communication efforts – including commissioning the poster. We also sponsored an evening event for collectors to support the sale of
the works. We are working with the MGI to get more involved next year.”
For the 2022 edition, works of Emilien Jubeau and Vaco Baissac were exhibited alongside emerging artists like Meekshuma Nayeck and Palvishee Jewon. Sculptures, installations, paintings and performances were on display for the inauguration of the new MGI gallery. “I hope that this gallery will become a dynamic meeting place for artists and art lovers through activities such as solo and group exhibitions, art talks, performances [...]. I also hope it will become a platform to launch and promote young artists,” says the artist and Head of the MGI School of Fine Arts, Krishna Luchoomun.
bigger picture
MGI :
The MGI holds invaluable archives of indentured labourers who arrived from India between 1842 and 1910. Its Folk Museum of Indian Immigration tells the story of the arrival of Indians in Mauritius and the historical figures who championed their cause.
42 MOKAZINE / NO 4 / 2022