Kolkata: Kolkata witnessed a poignant celebration of shared heritage and collective memory with the cultural and intellectual programme “Geet Gawai – The Chord and Spirit of the Girmitiyas of Mauritius”, held at the Press Club Kolkata on January 14. The event underscored the deep historical and cultural ties between India and Mauritius, forged through migration, memory, and living traditions.
The programme centred on Geet Gawai, a traditional cultural practice preserved by the Girmitiya community—Indian indentured labourers who migrated to Mauritius in the 19th century. Recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Geet Gawai emerged during the event as a powerful symbol of identity, resilience, and cultural continuity that has transcended generations and geography.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Sarita Boodhoo, eminent cultural scholar from Mauritius and a UNESCO-recognised authority on Geet Gawai, highlighted the cultural endurance of the Girmitiya legacy.
“Geet Gawai is not merely a performance; it is a living archive of the Girmitiya journey and a cultural bridge that continues to connect Mauritius with India,” she said. Drawing from her extensive research and literary work, including her book Kanya Daan, Dr. Boodhoo emphasised the urgent need to safeguard intangible cultural heritage, particularly traditions rooted in Eastern India.
The event was also attended by Kapil Kaul, representing the Office of the Honorary Consulate of Mauritius in Kolkata, who reflected on the shared civilisational bond between the two nations.
“India and Mauritius are connected through history, migration, and culture. Programmes like these help sustain and strengthen that timeless relationship,” he noted.
Adding a contemporary perspective, Rebeto Ally (Aly), Chairman of Aerorotors Aircrafts Research & Development Private Limited and Member of the Governing Body of STEP, IIT Kharagpur, spoke on the importance of integrating cultural engagement with innovation.
“Cultural dialogue and technological progress must move together to ensure holistic development and meaningful global connections,” he said.
The programme was supported by Aerorotors Aircrafts Research & Development Pvt. Ltd., a deep-tech aerospace startup incubated at STEP, IIT Kharagpur, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to fostering cultural, intellectual, and knowledge-driven initiatives alongside technological advancement.
The evening concluded with a renewed call to deepen cultural collaboration between India and Mauritius and to ensure that the rich legacy of the Girmitiyas continues to reach and inspire wider audiences across generations.
