Kerala’s Inclusive Development Model Sends Powerful Global Message: Former Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

Thiruvananthapuram: Former Mauritius President and renowned scientist Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim said that Kerala’s development model, which embraces diversity and gives priority to education, sends a powerful message to the world. She was speaking at a KLIBF Dialogue session held as part of the Kerala Legislative Assembly International Book Festival (KLIBF). The session was a dialogue with historian and writer Dr. Abbas Panakkal.

Dr. Ameenah praised the Kerala government’s decision to open the Legislative Assembly complex for a book festival, noting that it was a unique initiative not limited to legislative functions alone. Allowing the general public—especially students—to enter the Assembly without restrictions, she said, reflects Kerala’s progressive outlook.

She also spoke about the similarities between Mauritius and Kerala. Walking along Kerala’s beaches, she observed how peaceful and content the people appeared. She noted that, much like in her homeland, it was heartening to see churches, mosques, and temples coexisting within a one-kilometre radius, reflecting harmonious coexistence. This diversity, she emphasized, forms the foundation of development. Diversity is not a burden but a strength, she said, adding that Kerala’s achievements in eradicating extreme poverty serve as an exemplary model.

Highlighting the role of science, Dr. Ameenah said that science must become part of everyday life and that more women should enter the field of science. Complex scientific ideas, she added, should be communicated to children in simple and accessible language.

Dr. Ameenah also mentioned that she belongs to the fourth generation of people of Indian origin who migrated to Mauritius. At present, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Mauritius teaches languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi, and during the discussion, a proposal was raised to introduce Malayalam there in the future.