Dear Manoj, I am pleased to announce to you with great joy and satisfaction , that the Government of Mauritius has taken the decision at a cabinet Meeting on Friday 01 July 2011 to introduce Bhojpuri as a school subject at the Primary as well as the secondary Levels.
It will be taught together with Hindi , as an integral part of it. In this way , the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Indian immigrants – the “Girmitia” and that of their descendants will be maintained. The immense wealth of folk love, sanskar geet folk literature, folk tales, folk medicine, proverbs, “dada – dadi ki kahani ” and other culinary legacy to us and preserved from generation to generation will be secured and passed on as our cultural and intangible heritage to post modern generations of Mauritian Bhojpuri of IT era.
This decision was announced at a meeting of stakeholders in which I was present at a ministerial meeting by the Education and Human Resource Minister Dr Vasant banwaree on 2nd June 2011 at the ministry. This is a win – win situation. After the form 3 level of secondary school the child may opt to offer Bhojpuri as a full-fledged subject at school Certificate and Higher School Certificate Level after which he may pursue his graduate and post graduate studies in Bhojpuri in an Indian University.
This is a historical decision and a breaking news in the annals of Bhojpuri worldwide. Please communicate this news to all our well-wishers through the news print media and channels. The Mauritius Bhojpuri institute set up in may 1982 to promote Bhojpuri and its cultural heritage has seen the culmination of its efforts after 29 years of hard work, determination and perseverance. I am more happy to see the fruits of my hard work.
Bhojpuri Speaking Union Bill
A reality now !
Another important news item is the passing on of the “ Bhojpuri Speaking Union Bill ” on 14th June 29011 by the parliament supported by both Government and the Opposition. The bill was presented Honorable Mookhesswur Choonee, the Minister of Arts and Culture. Several members of parliament both from the government and opposition high lightened the role played by the Mauritius Bhojpuri Institute and my historical contribution in furthering the cause of Bhojpuri in Mauritius.
It would be worthwhile pointing out that there are several speaking Unions in Mauritius. The first established was the English speaking union in 1993. it was followed by the Hindi speaking union in 1994 and others as follows:
The Urdu speaking union in 2002
the Marathi, Tamil, Telegu Speaking Unions in 2008.
It was but natural that Government to complete the panoply this year by establishing the following :
the Arabic – speaking Union Bill
the Bhojpuri speaking Union Bill
the Creole Speaking Union Bill
the Sanskrit Speaking Union Bill
and the Chinese Speaking Union Bill
I am sure the Government and people of India will give full support in the promotion of the Indian languages in Mauritius. This is unique feat indeed and Bhojpuri has found its place in this comity of languages. We should now encourage people to speak, use it and the T.V and film media inputs will be immense. I look forward to your efforts at your end.
With affection :
Didi Sarita Boodhoo
(मनोज भावुक को सरिता की तरफ से लिखा गया पत्र)
