FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Historic Rotary Friendship Exchange Strengthens India-Mauritius Ties
Pune, India – October 2025 – The first-ever Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) from Rotary District 3131 (India) to Mauritius concluded as a resounding success, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations. A 14-member delegation embarked on this transformative journey from September 27 to October 2, 2025, hosted by the Rotary Club of Haute Rive.
Spearheaded by Dr. Madhura Vipra, District Director for International Service, the program got support from District Governor Santosh Marathe and Rotary International Chair, PDG Dr. Deepak Shikarpur, event was flagged of by IPDG Rtn Sheetal Shah with best wishes and praise for the initiative.
The itinerary was a rich tapestry of cultural immersion, high-level diplomatic engagement, and adventurous exploration, solidifying the bonds of friendship between the two nations. Key highlights of the exchange included:
• High-Level Diplomatic Engagements: The delegation was honoured with a royal audience with His Excellency, President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr. Dharamveer Gokhool, at the State House where all members introduced themselves with advanced discussions on renewable energy and IT between two countries. Productive meetings were also held with the Minister for Science and Technology and a local Member of Parliament, fostering discussions on bilateral collaboration that extended beyond Rotary to the national level.
• Cultural & Spiritual Integration: The group participated in significant cultural events, including Gandhi Jayanti celebrations with school children and an Interact club, and witnessed the vibrant Durga Navami festivities, including Kumari Pujan and Purnahuti in a local Durga temple with a visit to a revered 200-year-old Durga Mata Temple.
• Official Rotary Collaboration: A formal joint meeting with RC Haute Rive featured flag exchanges, Club’s projects and a presentation on District 3131’s initiatives, including the pioneering Rotary AI app. Detailed discussion on training to teachers for Mauritius club’s autistic children school from RC Khadki was discussed. This was followed by a sumptuous fellowship dinner at an upscale Mauritian restaurant, deepening the camaraderie between the clubs.
• Unforgettable Mauritian Adventures: The delegation experienced the island's breathtaking beauty through a whirlwind of activities. These included dolphin sightings, scuba diving, a speed boat ride, an underwater sea walk, parasailing, and sightseeing tours to iconic locations like the Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao), the several-Coloured Earth of Chamarel, the Apravasi Ghat, Port Louis, and the picturesque Red Roof Church at Cap Malheureux.
• Exemplary Hospitality: The delegates enjoyed an amazing stay at the beachfront Casuarina Resort in Trou aux Biches, with impeccable hospitality, Indian cuisine, and opportunities for bonding through dance, karaoke, and fellowship nights.
The Indian delegation represented four clubs: Rotary Club of Khadki (Dr. Madhura and Ravindra Vipra & Dr Kirti Kelkar); Rotary Club of Amanora (Smita Kasmalkar, Harsha Ghorpade, Abbas & Shamim Bootwala); Rotary Club of Gandhi Bhavan (Drs. Lalit & Shalaka Shimpi, Anandita & Siddhant Shimpi); and Rotary Club of Poona (Drs. Deepak Shikarpur & Kamal Palia, Farida Irani who is chair for this event).
Reflecting on the exchange’s success, Dr. Madhura Vipra, who conceptualized and executed the entire program, stated, “As a past Rotary scholar, I know the power of such exchanges. This was my way of giving back to Rotary. One circle got completed today. This journey was about writing a new chapter for District 3131. The warmth from RC Haute Rive signals the dawn of a powerful partnership. We eagerly await hosting our Mauritian counterparts in Pune in January 2026.”
The success of this pioneering exchange would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication and warm hospitality of the Rotary Club of Haute Rive. The team of District 3131 extends its profound gratitude to: President Rtn. Navin Sharma Chengee, Secretary & President-Elect Rtn. Yuvrina Doyal, Project & International Service Chair PP Deeksha Bundhoo, District office (vocational training) and PP Arun Kutowaroo and his lovely family, Vice President & DO Membership PP Kailash Allgoo, and President, Rotary Club of Curepipe & District Rotary Friendship Exchange Chair Rtn. Jean Yves De Fleuriot.
This pioneering exchange has strengthened the deep-rooted ties between India and Mauritius, paving the way for lasting collaboration through Rotary.
About Rotary: Rotary brings together a global network of community leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Its mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.