In the intricate weave of history, diplomacy, and culture, one name stands tall—Mookhesswur Choonee. A stalwart of Mauritius, a champion of the Girmitiya legacy, and a global symbol of Indo-Mauritian unity, his life has been a testament to leadership rooted in heritage, vision, and unwavering purpose.
From the corridors of Parliament to global platforms, Mookhesswur Choonee has tirelessly amplified the voice of his people—descendants of indentured labourers known as Girmitiyas—whose contributions have long remained underappreciated on the world stage. As the President of GOPIO International (Mauritius) and Founder President of the International Indentured Labour-Girmitiyas Foundation, his mission has never wavered: to honor history while shaping the future.
Mookhesswur Choonee: A Legacy Forged in Leadership and Culture
Hon. Mookhesswur Choonee’s public service career spans over 14 impactful years as a Cabinet Minister in Mauritius. Of these, nine years were devoted to the Ministry of Arts and Culture, where he became a visionary cultural architect. During his tenure, he redefined the national cultural identity by promoting Mauritius as a beacon of Indian diaspora heritage, while also fostering pluralism and artistic innovation.
His crowning achievement remains the successful UNESCO inscription of “The Indenture Labour Route Project and the Records of Indian Immigration”. This landmark recognition brought to global consciousness the stories of Girmitiyas—the indentured laborers from India whose toil and resilience laid the foundation of nations across the Indian Ocean and beyond.
For this extraordinary accomplishment, he is celebrated as a World Heritage Champion—a title that reflects his lifelong devotion to the recognition, preservation, and celebration of Girmitiya history.
Diplomacy with Vision: Mauritius and India’s Shared Journey
As High Commissioner of Mauritius to India, with concurrent accreditations to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Oman, Maldives, and Singapore, Mookhesswur Choonee transformed diplomacy into a vehicle for economic empowerment, cultural exchange, and bilateral growth. His profound understanding of Indian heritage and his deep-rooted connection to both lands made him a uniquely effective bridge-builder.
Mookhesswur Choonee became not just a representative of a nation, but an embodiment of shared ancestry. Through business summits, cultural partnerships, and diaspora engagement, he reinforced Mauritius’s position as a strategic economic and cultural hub for India, opening new pathways for collaboration.
Speaking ahead of the India–Mauritius Business Summit in 2021, Choonee championed his country’s potential as a business gateway to Africa. With the CECPA agreement enabling bilateral trade, Mauritius has become an attractive destination for Indian entrepreneurs, especially in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, education, and renewable energy.
He emphasized, “Mauritius offers low interest rates, simplified administrative procedures, and a pro-business ecosystem. It’s an ideal springboard for Indian MSMEs to reach African markets.”
Mookhesswur Choonee: Empowering the Girmitiya Identity
What sets Mookhesswur Choonee apart is not just his statesmanship, but his passion for the stories of the forgotten—the Girmitiyas. His founding of the International Indentured Labour-Girmitiyas Foundation signaled a new era of global advocacy. Under his leadership, the Foundation has become a platform for research, cultural preservation, and identity revival for millions of people whose ancestry traces back to indentured labor migration.
By participating in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) events and speaking across diaspora communities—particularly in French-speaking regions—he has built a powerful narrative of pride, heritage, and contribution. His voice resonates not just in conference halls but in the hearts of those who find in his mission a reflection of their own ancestral journey.
Honours Bestowed, Humanity Celebrated
The world has not been silent in recognising the contributions of this remarkable leader. Mookhesswur Choonee has been decorated with both national and international honours that reflect the depth of his impact:
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Grand Officer of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GOSK) – For his distinguished service in the political and diplomatic fields.
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Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Samaan – Honouring his efforts in keeping the Indian spirit alive across borders.
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Viswa Bhojpuri Samaan – As the second global recipient for promoting the arts and culture of Bhojpuri origin.
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Non-Resident Achievers Award (India) – For being an inspirational figure of Indian diaspora success.
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Most Popular Diplomat Award (Public Relations Society of India) – For his outstanding contribution in diplomacy.
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Honorary Citizenship from the district councils of Moka-Flacq and Rivière du Rempart, reflecting grassroots admiration.
These accolades affirm what the diaspora already knows—that Mookhesswur Choonee is not just a leader, but a living symbol of transnational unity.
A Future Focused on Unity and Upliftment
As the International Coordinator of GOPIO International, Choonee’s current focus remains the empowerment of people of Indian origin across continents. He envisions a global Girmitiya network rooted in mutual respect, cultural resurgence, and socio-economic opportunity.
Mookhesswur Choonee now advocates for greater understanding of the Girmitiya dynamics, urging India and the world to reframe the narrative, seeing these descendants not as footnotes of colonial history but as torchbearers of global civilization.
His work is far from done. Through investment forums, film incentives like the Mauritian Film Rebate Scheme, and global outreach programs, Mookhesswur Choonee is laying the stones for a legacy that future generations will walk upon with pride.
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