Gandhi's Mauritius Visit

Abstract

A Century ago Mauritius was honoured by the fortuitous visit of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Gandhi’s visit to Mauritius in 1901 took place at a crucial period of Mauritian history. No one knew at that time that after his return from Mauritius, Gandhi would emerge as the greatest spiritual leader of the word. His visit in 1901 is termed as fortuitous ,because no one really knew about his journey to Mauritius for it was not preplanned .But contrary to this ,the arrival of SS Nowshera, the steamer was scheduled .The Scott & Company had given a communique about arrival of the steamer in “Le Cerneen” dated 24th October,1901.It said that the ship was to arrive at Port Louis Harbour around 31st October 1901,and his departure was fixed for the 8th October 1901 for Colombo. The company in addition had informed the Public to contact its office for freight, transportation of goods for passenger’s arrangement. S.S. Nowshera come Mauritius on Tuesday, when Christian communities were preparing to celebrate-All Saints, All-Souls days-only two days later. This could have been the reason for not having any information of M. K. Gandhi’s arrival in our midst in the local press on 30th &31st October1901.Again as1st,2nd &3rd November were public holidays, no paper appeared three days .Hence all the papers were to appear as from 4th Nov., &in The Standard of date ,the news of Gandhi’s arrival appeared for the first time. It’s clearly stated in that, Gandhi has arrived by the S.S. Nowshera yesterday, that he has rendered great service to the Indian’s in South Africa. For that he was given a big farewell on his departure by the Indians over there. It also said that the Indians over here intends to celebrate him.