The experiment of sending Indian indentured labour to replace freed African slaves had begun during the British colonial era with Mauritius, and about five years later replicated in T&T. We’ve focused on Mauritius as a destination for weddings. It is another country where our coverage has been quite extensive over the years, including interviews with then President Aneerod Jugnauth and then Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

On February 21 which is the UNESCO-declared International Mother Language Day, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh H.E. Muhammad Imran led officials at the New Delhi Mission in paying tributes to the 1952 language martyrs, brave souls who were silenced by the guns of the police for protesting Pakistan’s imposition of the Urdu-only policy. The Ekushey elegy Amar Bhaiyer Rakte Rangano Ekushey February…… was sung as the parade went along the chancery premises.

Two lady diplomats from the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan have contributed an article on women’s empowerment in their country—something seen as critical by the leadership in moving the nation on the path of progress and prosperity.