The Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Mauritius
The Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) was set up in 1970 as a joint venture between the government of India and the government of Mauritius. It serves as a centre for the study of Indian culture and traditions and for the promotion of education and culture in general. The Mahatma Gandhi Institute has evolved into a complex institution offering courses at various levels, and is one of the four tertiary education institutions of Mauritius, alongside the University of Mauritius, the Mauritius Institute of Education and the Mauritius College of the Air.In the context of the broad objective of government to preserve the cultural heritage and foster the Mauritian identity, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute has been given responsibilities at the national level for Indian Studies, Indian performing arts, fine arts, Mauritian Studies, and Chinese Studies. The MGI honours its bipolar responsibilities in the field of education and culture through a wide range of activities and services. A number of courses are available starting with adult literacy up to diploma and degree programmes (the latter under the aegis of the University of Mauritius). Its cultural commitments include putting on productions in the performing arts, drama, workshops in creative writing, fine arts, organizing exhibitions on major events, giving support to government and socio-cultural organizations.
The MGI has unfailingly encouraged and participated in collaborative research and other academic activities in its own areas of specialization and interest with sister institutions in Mauritius and with other bodies and agencies abroad.
Centre for Mauritian Studies
The Centre for Mauritian Studies operates within the Mahatma Gandhi Institute. It has the responsibility for research activities in the broad field of Mauritian studies, focusing on Mauritian history, Mauritian literature in different languages, and social and cultural anthropology. The centre aims at promoting understanding of the processes, historical and contemporary, which define Mauritian society and culture. It also contributes to MGI publications in its fields of specialization.
In an effort to bring students to a reflection on Mauritian society, a taught programme has been introduced at diploma and degree levels as from the 1997-1998 academic year including: an overview of Mauritian history (I), literature and society (II), and contemporary issues (III).
The MGI welcomes research proposals in its own areas of interest from established scholars as well as young graduates.
For more information:
Mahatma Gandhi Institute
Mahatma Gandhi Avenue
Moka, Mauritius
Tel.: +230-433 24 88
Fax: +230-433 22 35
E-mail: asibmgi@intnet.mu