Port Louis [Mauritius], March 12 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day state visit to Mauritius began with a warm welcome in Port Louis on Tuesday.
Among those who had the chance to meet him was former Miss Mauritius Kushboo Ramnawaj, who shared her excitement about the experience.
Kushboo, who won the Miss Mauritius title in 2014 and represented her country at the Miss Universe pageant in 2015, spoke about how she has always been recognized for her Indian heritage and also expressed her happiness at finally seeing PM Modi in person.
"I was Miss Mauritius in 2014 and represented my country in the Miss Universe pageant in 2015. I was known as the 'Indian' there because our ethnicity is considered to be Indian. I am very happy to see PM Modi today. I have seen him on TV, but today I was fortunate to be able to see him live," Kushboo told ANI.
Meanwhile, PM Modi on Tuesday addressed the Indian diaspora in Mauritius, reminiscing about his previous visit to the island nation exactly 10 years ago, which coincided with the festive occasion of Holi.
With just three days left for the festival of colors, 'Holi', in India, PM stated that he would take the colors of Holi with him to India.
Addressing the Indian diaspora, he said, "I came to Mauritius 10 years ago on this date. It was a week after Holi, and I brought the joy of 'Phagwa' with me. This time, I will take the colors of Holi with me to India..."
"There is a feeling of belonging in the air here, in the soil here, in the water here," he added.
Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi attended a special lunch hosted by the president of Mauritius, and he also paid homage to the former Prime Minister of Mauritius, Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, and former President of Mauritius, Anerood Jugnauth, at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, Pamplemousses.
During his visit, he presented the President and the First Lady of Mauritius with OCI Cards, along with presenting them with holy Sangam water from the Mahakumbh in a brass and copper pot, superfood Makhana, and a Banarasi Saree in a Sadeli box to the First Lady of Mauritius.
PM Modi is on a visit to Mauritius from March 11-12 to attend the Mauritius National Day celebrations as the Chief Guest.
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