Earth Candle Night Mauritius

Friday 02^nd June 2006: 19hrs00- the stage was set for the 1^st Candle-Night celebrations in Mauritius. A number of distinguished personalities graced the function, amongst we had: Hon Dr Abu Talib Kasenally Minister of Public Utilities, Hon Reza Issack Lord-Mayor of the City of Port-Louis, Hon Nita Deerpalsing M.P, Hon Sunil Dowarkasing M.P, Mr. Parmasiva Chegan President of the MACOSS and a number of other councilors.

The event started with a Peace Message by Mrs. Homa Munagpen, Secretary of the Council of Religions and this was followed by a countdown narration welcoming the 1^st Candle-Night celebrations. The Diya Dance Group presented a semi-classical Indian dance with candles. It was a very well-choreographed candle ballet which ‘spread the candle warmth amongst the guests attending the function’.

The Chairman of NCNM Organizing Committee, made a very down-to-earth address, highlighting the plights of the committee in the organization of NCNM.  Mr. Parmasiva Chegan of the MACOSS stressed upon the increasing role of NGOs in the better of civil society. In her address, Hon Nita Deerpalsing called upon all those present to ‘turn on the light within oneself on for ever’ and to toil for a better society.

The Budis Friends (a group under the aegis of the Ombudsperson for Children) presented two items, amongst the very heart touching ‘Sime La Limiere’ of the famous Kaya. A raw youth talent, Ms Karen Cangy sung ‘Can’t Fight the Moonlight’ [Lyrics Artist: LeAnn Rimes Lyrics] and this was a real delight.

 
His Worship Reza Issack, Lord Mayor Port-Louis expressed his joy over such an event and lastly the Chief-Guest, who was none other than, Hon Dr Abu Kasenally Minister of Public Utilities talked about the National Energy Saving Campaign and laid much emphasis on the need for the efficient use of electricity/energy. The event ended with another dance item ‘Lumiere du Monde’, here again special emphasis was on soothing light.

NCNM definitely did not reach the mass, but it to start from somewhere and inpsite of all the odds NCNMOC did it. The team is already getting geared for the next edition, already scheduled on Friday 05^th April 2007 and this time a Candle-Night will be organized in many parts of the islands unlike the 1^st edition.

Acknowledgments

The Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation, the Staff of Le Café du Vieux Conseil, RCC Environment Health Club, the Municipal Council of Port-Louis, Mooneeram Printing, Budis Friends, Star Knitwear, the MACOSS and Mr. Yusuf Sookall.

Also big thanks to:

Mr. Yashneel Gobin, Mr. Deepak Balgobin, Mr. Victor Chui Hom Lap, Mr. Shermann Jivanji, Mr. Kenny Li Chong, Mr. Wasiim Jaulim, Dr. Rishi Rao Mahder, Ms. Razita Dabeedial, , Mr. Dhanvir Seewoosaha, Mr. Shyam Sukkoo, Ms. Karishma Marcharchand ,Mr. Chitanand Sujuwon and the ACM team.