India, Mauritius sign MoU for cooperation in social welfare sector

New Delhi, Nov 3 (UNI) India today signed an MoU with Mauritius at its capital city Port Luis for cooperation in the field of the welfare of the elderly, persons with disabilities, children in difficult circumstances and prevention of alcohol abuse.

The two countries have agreed to share expertise for training, research and documentation and preparation of data base in the area of social welfare and community development.

The Mou was signed by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar and her Mauritian counterpart Sheilabai Bappoo at a function.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Kumar said India would extend to Mauritius the facilities and infrastructure of the National Institute of Social Defence, New Delhi, and of seven National Institutes in the Disability sector for training of trainers and service providers.

Earlier, Ms Kumar attended a function to mark the 173rd anniversary of 'Aapravasi Ghat' where the first batch of indentured labourers sailing from India set food.

She also laid a wreath on the 16 steps of the staircase, now a 'World Heritage Site' along with Mauritian President Sir Anerood Jugnauth and Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam among other dignitaries.

''People from India sailed aborad a ship 'Atlas' in 1834 with a dream in their eyes for a better tomorrow, enduring great hardhsip en route. But the sheeer grit and determination with which they and their progenies worked through the course of history created a modern Mauritius of today,'' Ms Kumar said.

She also said that both the countries were living examples of managing diversity and pluralism.

UNI