Port Louis: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pramod Mahajan on October 2 joined people of Mauritius in paying homage to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on the occasion of his 133rd birth anniversary.

Mahajan offered floral tributes to the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at a function held at Mahatma Gandhi Institute. Natives joined Indians and People of Indian Origin in paying homage to the Mahatma.

Gandhi's favourite bhajans and all religious prayers were rendered on the occasion.

Signing the visitor's book at the Institute, the minister wrote, "This year I am celebrating Gandhi Jayanti at Mahatma Gandhi Institute. Gandhi was Mahatma because there was no gap between what he said and what he practised. The Institute is also working on the same lines teaching Indian art and culture, music and fine art. The Institute is the link between the people of India and Mauritius."

The Institute, established in 1970, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during her visit. It has over 1,000 students including 350 undergraduates and half of them are studying Hindi.

Hindi, as a subject for Master Degree, is being introduced from the next academic session.

PTI