Mauritius and Bihar have strong links : Mahesh Chunni

Patna, Jan 21 (UNI) Mauritius High Commissioner to India Mahesh Chunni today called for strengthening the cultural links as several Indians settled in Mauritius have roots in Bihar.

Mr Chunni, who called on state Chief Minister Nitish Kumar here today, told newspersons that of the 75 per cent of Indian origin settled in Mauritius, 50 per cent belonged to Bihar.

Mr Chunni said he too was an inhabitant of Ara and spoke a few lines in Bhojpuri and said, ''Hamar ghar ba Ara, gaon file meni dekh ke abki ayib ta bataib'' (My home is in Ara and I will tell the name of my native village after consulting the file during my next visit).

He said people in Mauritius had strong feelings for Bihar and called for exchanging cultural values for strengthening the relationship.

He suggested for having a regular flight from Patna to Mauritius, saying it would increase the communication between the two places.

Mr Chunni highlighted the development made by Mauritius, saying Bihar too could develop by utilising its resources.

Earlier, Mr Kumar after welcoming Mr Chunni invited Mauritius Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam to visit Bihar during his next tour to India.

UNI