Port Louis (Mauritius): Unveiling the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre in Port Louis today (Nov 30, 2004), Congress president Sonia Gandhi said India had proved all "prophets of doom wrong" and at present "stands tall" among the fastest growing economies of the world.

The ruling UPA (United Progressive Alliance) chairperson, who arrived in Port Louis yesterday on a two-day visit, said India had taken great strides in Information Technology and was poised for the 21st century when the countries with special skills and expertise in science and technology will have a "decisive advantage".

Noting that globalisation provided opportunities, she said there was a need for guarding against "inherent risks" involved in it.

The Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre has been set up with an aim of kindling scientific curiosity among students of Mauritius and its foundation stone was laid by Sonia Gandhi in 1995. The Indian Government has provided assistance in the form of technical expertise, training of local staff, supply of exhibits and their installation.

Sonia also unveiled a bust of Rajiv Gandhi.

Speaking on the occasion, she emphasised the need for closer cooperation between India and Mauritius and said New Delhi was looking forward to finalisation of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement between the two countries.

Accrediting former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi with being development-oriented and having scientific temper, the Congress president said most of the progress made by the country was because of them.

"We in India have proved all prophets of doom wrong. I recall that in the early 1960s, a dark future of famine, deprivation and even balkanisation was being predicted for India. But today, she stands tall, self-sufficient in food-grains, a major agri products exporter and among the fastest growing economies in the world," Sonia said.

Regretting that her husband did not live to see "his efforts yield results in such a significant measure", Sonia said, "He would have been glad at our accomplishments." "Rajiv Gandhi studied engineering and was a pilot. It is, therefore, but natural that he showed great sensitivity to and awareness of science and technology," she said.

The Congress president said more than his formal training, Rajiv drew his inspiration from his grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru who always spoke about scientific temper and was "undoubtedly the architect of science and technology in India".

"Rajiv's mother Indira Gandhi was also passionately wedded to the development and use of science and technology through which she spearheaded the green revolution that transformed our agriculture," Gandhi said.

Emphasising that India and Mauritius were "linked by history, geography and culture", Sonia said the two countries were now being "intertwined by trade and investment."

"As we move ahead, our common concern is to modernise and build a strong nation-state while preserving our pluralistic and composite cultural legacy," she said, adding the common objectives of the two countries were to exploit the opportunities that globalisation provides while ensuring that "we protect ourselves adequately from its inherent risks."

Noting that the perceptions and positions of the two countries on regional and international issues converge, the Congress president said "there is a commonality of interests that is a source of strength to both of us. Our bilateral ties have and will continue to benefit both of us in substantial measure."

She said both the countries have "strong and resilient parliamentary traditions and institutions" and referred to the last Lok Sabha elections in which 400 million people "ushered in a momentous political change".

She said the Rajiv Gandhi Centre reflects the scientific values and sentiments of the former Prime Minister and will aim at taking science to the people and kindle the spark of excitement for science and technology in the youth.

Recalling that Indira Gandhi used to describe Mauritius as a "great little country", she hailed the Government and people of the country for honouring Rajiv Gandhi.

Sonia began her visit by paying floral tributes to the Father of Nation of Mauritius Sir Seewosagur Ramgoolam at his samadhi in Port Louis.