Published on October 19, 2007

Everywhere in the world people are standing up against poverty and violence. World peace is the ultimate aim. Mauritius is at a most difficult stage in its social and economic development. Many people are ready to exploit this weakness. This is the time when we really need decent leaders from all walks of life to direct the future steps of this country in the right direction. From overseas we can only hope that these leaders act responsibly to govern the island in the interest of all concerned to ensure peace and prosperity.

The World Fights Poverty for Peace

Everywhere in the world people are standing up against poverty and violence.

World peace is the ultimate aim.

India

In India to commemorate 138th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the International Non-Violence Day as declared by United Nations, Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal & Public Concern for Governance Trust along with the NSS, NCC, Sports & Culture Units of SNDT & Mumbai University had jointly organized the mega hour-long event at Mumbai University Stadium today. About 9,000 students in traditional dresses participated in this programme. The main theme of this programme was to raise awareness of non-violence, tolerance, full respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, democracy, development, mutual understanding and respect of diversity among the young generation.

“I shall endeavour to resolve all differences through dialogue and constitutional means and I shall strive to establish WORLD-PEACE…”, about 9,000 students of NSS, NCC, Scout & Guides & other students joined hands with the millions of people all over the world and took the PLEDGE on 2nd October - International Non-Violence Day.

Mauritius

While in Mauritius it is reported (Le Mauricien 17 Oct) University of Mauritius students and lecturers alike stood together in the fight against poverty: “We, the students of the University of Mauritius, wish to join all other citizens in and outside Mauritius to speak out against poverty. We realize and are fully conscious that Poverty is a violation of fundamental Human rights. As part of the youth of this country, we commit ourselves, with the support of others, to work more closely with the community."

The students were prepared to “raise our voices, speak out and act against poverty ". The declared: " As students of the university, we are aware that university campuses can act as live sites for alternative methods/modes of thinking and action. Demystifying notions about the university as an Ivory Tower is a must and we think that today's event is a small yet symbolic manner to contribute towards that ". Those in the vanguard of this movement are Roukaya Kasenally and Sheila Bunwaree, co-founders of the Institute for Social and Democratic Peace (ISDP).

The Mauritian Prime Minister, addressing this issue, declared that the eradication of poverty is one of the priorities of his government. In this context, his government has created the Empowerment programme. Le Premier ministre a aussi rappelé que Maurice accueillera l'année prochaine le sommet de la SADC consacré à la pauvreté et au développement.

The Mauritian Prime Minister

Another group, The Art of Living, highlighting the issue of world poverty day marched from the University to State House at Le Reduit where the President of the Republic, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, gave a lecture on the fight to eradicate poverty. This was followed by un mini-concert dans les jardins du Réduit.

Conflicts

The decisions taken at these manifestations are laudable. Students, lecturers, President and the Prime Minister joined forces to raise their voice in this struggle to eradicate poverty should have a lasting impact. This is a long term struggle. While many are willing to work towards this goal others are looking for immediate result.

This creates a conflict among the less fortunate who cannot afford to wait; the results are the daily manifestations of violence in various forms: theft, rape, domestic violence, drugs and alcohol abuse. This then leads to a cycle of poverty and violence. It is not a winning battle. It is not understood by all as exemplified by the behaviour of the counsellor to the Prime Minister. To satisfy his own interests he spoke out on several issues faced by the public. He went out of step; no discipline or etiquette was observed. If the governing party can’t keep their control how do we expect the opposition to behave?

Dangerous stage

Joints efforts by all are required to maintain discipline in every domain. If the Opposition parties really want to address the issues of violence and poverty among the many other problems needing solutions they must join forces; they must really forget themselves for a change and put the interest of the people uppermost. Mauritian voters are fed up with the game played by all politicians on the island. They are so fed up that given the right conditions they will rise up in revolt against all forms of authorities; against those who pretend to rule over them. We are already seeing signs of such risings in other lands. Poverty thrives in such climates; and peace is a distant prospects.

Mauritius is at a most difficult stage in its social and economic development. Many people are ready to exploit this weakness. This is the time when we really need decent leaders from all walks of life to direct the future steps of this country in the right direction. From overseas we can only hope that these leaders act responsibly to govern the island in the interest of all concerned to ensure peace and prosperity.