Philip Li Ching Hum And Founder Member
9 April 2008
Port Louis — The organization for Diaspora Initiatives (ODI) was founded by Professor Ajay Dubey of Jawarhallal Nehru University and a team of academics, policy makers and professionals of different sectors. The president of ODI, Chit Dukhira, in his welcoming speech, welcomed the many distinguished guests from literacy, artistic and political fields present - a dream that he has been caressing since his early youth in the 60s with his avant-gardiste slogan "Unity in diversity".
ODI transcends all barriers, ethnic or religious as founder-members are from all walks of life. It reflects genuine Mauritianism. It is a non-profit, non-partisan, voluntary organisation. It encourages research on diasporas, especially the Indian Diaspora. Open and inclusive, it aims at studying experiences of the various diasporas with focus on the Indian Diaspora.
Mrs Shakuntala Hawoldar, vice-president of ODI, is concerned about the lack of interest and respect for our ancestors who have left indelible prints on our history. A country, which does not respect its ancestors, is unworthy of self-respect. Farhad Khoyratty, senior lecturer at the University of Mauritius is saddened to find that the term 'Indian' is misconceived and misused: "An Indian can be Moslem, a Sikh, a Hindu, a Gujarati, a Marathi, a Tamil or a Sikhimese." All hailing from the Indian sub-continent from the same stock-Indian culture. This concept is vital for our survival as a nation and at the base of our national unity.
The mayor of Beau Bassin/Rose Hill, Ramalingum Maistry, was delighted to accommodate the launching of ODI and the conference on Major Atchia. He has promised to give all his support to ODI and he declared open the launching of ODI. The guest speaker of the ceremony was the emblematic Joseph Tsang Man Kin, a prolific writer and poet, a man of culture, an intellectual whose open-mindedness has become unquestionable. He delved lengthily on the contribution of Chinese shopkeepers in the edification of modern Mauritius with the system of credit facilities. He emphasized on the cohabitation of Chinese shopkeepers with the Indian labourers and Creole artisans - Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai, a slogan so dear to Jawarahal Nehru and Chou En Lai.
The highlight of the ceremony was the glowing tribute paid to Amode Ibrahim Atchia (1868-1947), aka Major Atchia, son of an Indian immigrant from Barbodhan in Gujarat - another emblematic figure whom ODI had meticulously chosen for its launching. The speaker was Cader Kalla, a long-served pedagogue, lover of history, former president of Museum Council. Kalla has also grown interested in the Immigration of Gujaratis to Mauritius.
He has delved into the past and has gone through old title deeds of early immigrants at the archives he retraced the epic struggle of this illustrious Mauritian. Major Atchia has left behind indelible footprints like Cinéma des Familles, Cinema Hall and the ice-shop. When Cader Kalla nostalgically spoke of this man, it was a slice of History that unveiled itself in front of our eyes. But unfortunately nothing has been done to perpetuate the memory of such of an illustrious Mauritian. But the Mayor spontaneously promised to honour him in a very near future.
The ceremony came to an end with the vote of thanks by Gaetan Jacquette, another founder member of ODI. The Master of ceremony, Sobhanund Seeparsad, conducted the function with brio. His contagious sense of humour enlivened the atmosphere.The ODI has a mission to accomplish: hand over to the next generations the rich legacy of our History and sensitize the young over the past glory of our illustrious forefathers. A Chinese proverb goes: "When we drink water, we must always think of its source."
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