16 Feb 2020

Botswana Gujarati Society on Saturday celebrated its annual festival to highlight their cultural experiences and existence in the country since the first Gujaratis arrived  in 1975.

Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Kagiso Mmusi, who graced the official ceremony preceding the cultural and musical festivities, described the festival as a notable event that highlighted the outstanding features of the Gujarati culture. Mmusi commended the Gujarati society for their existence in the country, describing their business activities as impactful on the lives of both Gujaratis and Batswana.

He said the Gujarati society had  made noteworthy contributions to Batswana through the Samaj’s different corporate social responsibility initiatives such as building houses for the less privileged through the Presidential Housing Appeal project.

He also thanked the Gujarati Samaj for holding such cultural events in the country, saying they were important for cultural exchanges and the preservation of cultural artifacts for the Gujarati living in the country.

Mmusi also added that the festival could bring people together, adding that it was important to strengthening ties that India and Botswana had.

He also noted that arts and culture were an avenue where strong bonds could be built between the two nations.

Meanwhile, India’s High Commissioner to Botswana, Rajesh Ranjan thanked the Gujarati Samaj for organising the event.

He acknowledged the migration of Gujarati societies out of India into Botswana as a lasting expression of the growing bonds of friendship between the two countries.

Ranjan added that the Gujarati society in the country was fundamental in fostering capacities and expansion of partnerships that were mutually beneficial.

He further commended the various corporate social initiatives that the Gujarati Samaj had done in the country as a lasting expression of friendship that would go a long way in fostering linkages between the two countries.

The ceremony culminated with the donation of P25 000 to local charities such as Lesirane Ward Fitness Programme and Holy Spirit Church Community support project with a view to support goodwill activities in the country, including the provision of aid to the less privileged.

Moreover, the festival included a music fusion by local jazz group, the Botswana Society for Jazz Education, including a comedy drama portrayal by Gujarati Theatre Troupe, Siddharth Randeria. ENDS