RECEPTION IN HONOUR OF CJ BERNARD SIK YUEN
2025-03-19 08:00 - 17:00 (Asia/Dubai)
ALIF SOCIETY HONOURED CJ SIK YUEN OVER A DINNER AT BAECH GARDEN RESTAURANT IN GRAND BAY ON HIS PROMOTION TO CJ.

SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT OF ALIF SOCIETY
In its long list of Honorees, it is the first time that ALIF is inscribing a member of the Judiciary. Simply because he is different. He is all smiles at functions. He speaks his mind. He speaks of his vision. He had over half an hour for me in an office where he said he was squatting. If you doubt my words, go to China Town street market and you will meet His Lordship. Greet him and he will reply as if he has known you for ages. Born in 1947, Bernard Sik Yuen completes his secondary education at St Joseph College and graduates in law at Leeds University; he then obtains a scholarship for PhD in Paris 11, joins the Judiciary, is appointed judge in 1989 and becomes CJ in 2007, the last in a line of distinguished appointments he has held. This is a remarkable occasion to celebrate the appointment of a remarkable man who has for decades been one of the leading figures of the legal world and whose influence, as an unelected individual vested with power, has extended deep into the great issues of the day affecting the people of this country.
My Lord, you are heading the Supreme Court of our country when the press is talking of Justice a deux vitesses and the best justice money can buy. Quid faciant leges, ubi sola pecunia regnat? On the other hand, globalization is impacting on the image of the judiciary the world over. One politician chooses symbolically the esplanade in front of the Supreme Court to hold his meetings. That is why, of all the buildings in Port Louis, the Supreme Court is among the most sensitive to the weather outside.
The most valuable asset of any profession is its collective reputation and the judiciary is no exception. There is a serious danger that news flash from overseas may add up to cause a decline in respect and an increase in the cynicism of the public. “To distrust the judiciary,” said Honoré de Balzac, “marks the beginning of the end of society.” In Britain, judges are one of the most respected groups. But in America they tend to be held in low esteem, particularly when we learn of such episodes as:
A $54m lawsuit over a pair of pinstriped trousers that went missing from a Washington, DC, cleaners was thrown out by a judge this week.
A judge ordered to strip-search and jail 11 defendants for arriving late.
My Lord, you are assuming a duty whose responsibility may be trying. But it is also a responsibility that is exalting and is a guarantee for stability and harmony of our society. Our citizens trust their justice. They place their hope on you. The traditions you have inherited and your personal commitments must satisfy the expectations of our country. The survival of our democracy depends upon the existence of a free and independent judiciary under your leadership.
People who have been fortunate to work with you and to know you well recall the principles and ideals that guide you and stand this country well: you are a man of courage and compassion, of humanity and justice. You are “One of the best CJs we have had”, according to solicitor Pazany Rengasamy. You are “A gentleman”, according to Shakeel Mohamed, MNA and barrister. Dick Ng Sui Wah adds: “The administration of justice will be rendered more efficient.”
You are like the ideal judge of Isaiah chapter 11, verses 3 -5: “He will not judge by appearances, nor decide by hearsay; but he will act with justice to the poor and decide with fairness for the meek of the land”. And whatever the pressures you have been under, your humanity and courtesy have never wavered. Nor has your energy.
You are in tune with our compatriots who want a humane justice as was your stand when the conflict of Campement Owners versus the State was brought to you, a justice that is responsible and which gives all its importance to the principle that one is innocent until proven guilty. Summum jus, summa injuria. Justice Extreme justice est extreme Injustice
Our people want an expedient justice and a stop to long period of remand along the principle that justice delayed is justice denied. They want security against all forms of violence and organised crimes. Criminal behaviour would not change if the sanctions are not executed with severity. The best laws of the world are useless if not well administered. In this exercise, the judiciary occupies a preponderant role. The jurisprudence, the quality of the men and women of your institution, the sum total of their knowledge, their competence, make of your institution recognised and respected. The importance of what judges do and the part their decisions plays in the life of the nation means that those decisions cannot be immune from robust public debate – and My Lord, I know you would not disagree.
You are a great Lord Chief Justice – and you have been a great judge.
I understand you will attain normal retiring age soon. Take heart. Judges don’t age though they deal with law which is only 3 days younger than humanity. Time decorates them. The nation is in your debt for what you have accomplished and looks forward with great hope for a new dawn. We wish you very well.

EID CELEBRATIONS AT INDIAN HC IN EBENE APRIL 2025
2025-04-11 08:00 - 17:00
GIFT TO ALIF SOCIETY BY INDIAN HC

The luxurious reception hall of the Indian High Commission in Ebene was decorated in Eid images, and its parking lot was full to the brim with the cars of the guests who were mostly notables of the local Muslim Community. The occasion was Eid Milan, and Mr. Anurag Srivastava, the sympathetic Indian High Commissioner, and his staff hosted us at 1830 hours in the majestic style that the Indian High Society usually does.
The MC, an elegant lady member of the staff, welcomed the guests in Lucknowi Urdu with special quotes from the Urdu literati. Lines from Mir Taki Mir and Mirza Ghalib sounded like the pieces of Ravi Shankar and Ustad Zakir Hussein.
The MGI presented a dance to the tune of Laal Meri and Lalmohamed Group gave us a treat with five of their best pieces. The Indian Architecture with Muslim imprints was another showpiece that took us on a journey through the era of Mogul India.
The High Commissioner, true to the commitment of plural India, spoke about the vibrant India’s Muslim population and their contribution to the economy, art and education of their country. He further laid emphasis on the resilience of the local Muslim community and the links they maintain with India especially through Aligarh Muslim University.
Finally the guests were treated to a sumptuous Indian buffet with carrot halwa and Qulfi Malaye as dessert.
In the name of Alif Society and the happy guests, I would like to thank the Indian High Commission with which we have had relations for a very long time for its bridge-building. India is bigger than the individuals or the political, cultural and social organisations that claim to represent this giant of a sub-continent.

Honouring S. Lotun, F. Aumeer n V. Florens 9 May 2025
2025-05-15 08:00 - 17:00
SPEECH SAFINA LOTUN 9 March 2025SPEECH FATHER LABOUR 9 MAY 2025SPEECH FARHAD AUMEER 9 MAY 2025SPEECH DR FLORENS 9 MAY 2025

ALIF SOCIETY organised a reception in honour of Ms Safeena Lotun, elevated to CSKDr Vincent Florens elevated to OSK andFarhad Aumeer elevated to GOSK on the 12 March
2025.
Over 150 guess responded to our invitation. Pre-dinner cocktail was served at 1915 and dinner started at 2000 hours.
In her address, Hon Shirine Aumeeruddy, Speaker of the National assembly congratulated the laureates and highlighted the merits of the recipients of the National Awards.
The President on his turn spoke on each of the laureates, pointing out how each one stood out for their contribution to Mauritius.
Each laureate was offered a ship model as present.
The guest responded by thanking the organisers and how happy they were to be celebrated.
Event ended with desert and tea

SPEECH SAFINA LOTUN 9 March 2025
Ladies and Gentlemen,
First of all, please allow me to welcome this audience which represents our pluralistic Mauritius. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. If you would allow me, let me say a few words about Alif. Without great resources, we have supported talented young people in their university studies. We have helped 38 students to graduate and post graduate in medicine, 150 in engineering, 5 in architecture, to name just a few of the 400 and counting, who have already completed their studies in Malaysia so far. And I would like to take the opportunity to make a special mention of a former Alif student who now leads an oncology research team at the University of Southampton in the UK and another who is responsible for installing simulators on behalf of Pratt and Whitney, a US aircraft manufacturer. We also have an agreement with Chisty Hospital in Pakistan for the free treatment of patients who are inoperable in Mauritius. The contribution of our guests has gone a long way in this achievement. Our bank account shows that you have already contributed just enough to sponsor one Malagasy student. So, thank you very much indeed.
Also let’s say a big thank you for this dinner to the SIMS company, whose directors, the charming Mimi and her husband Swaley Peerkhan are here, as well as to the Director of Water Edge Garden, Ali Rojid, who is hosting us this evening.
This dinner is special and gives me a peculiar feeling.
Did you know the houses of Daureeawoo, Allyman Peerbux, Sohawon and Baucha are within a stone throw from each other in Vale and that Choomka’s is in my street whereas Eshan Joomun’s folks are five minutes away and that their grand dads of were my friends.

Farhad is the son of my colleague and friend.
Dr Conhya is the son the great trade unionist and prolific writer, among the most elegant and well-dressed civil servant and a good friend of mine

A special hi to my friend Dawood Rawat and to Usha Canabady who shines everywhere she goes
Tonight, Alif has organized this event to celebrate four among the best of our compatriots, one woman and three men: Mrs. Safina Lotun, elevated to the rank of CSK, Dr Vincent Florens elevated to OSK, Father Maurice Labour and Hon Farhad Aumeer, both elevated to the rank of GOSK. These laureates serve as an example to the whole of Mauritius and who will, I hope, serve to inspire a new generation. They are four personalities with impeccable qualities that we celebrate without them asking to be admired, recognized or celebrated. There are four of them, four journeys, four destinies, four stories that go towards giving a new direction to our homeland. These heroes are the new face of Mauritius who have uplifted the values of the Republic.
We would like to see them as the precursors of a Mauritius that has left the beaten track and enters with full force and confidence to face the new challenges. We would like our children to be enthused with the same vitalities, and spurred by the same convictions and the same love of their country. If we have invited them, it is because they are the symbol of commitment and courage.
Frankly, our wish would be to celebrate them separately to render a tribute that they deserve. Alas! If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
For Mrs. Lotun, courage is political and an irresistible choice. Safeena Lotun, as tradition dictates, I would summarize your career in a few sentences: you completed your secondary studies at Queen Elizabeth College and your tertiary studies at the University of Paris VIII, which granted you a Master’s degree in law. You have spent 27 years in the service of the nation as a civil servant in close collaboration with the greatest clerks of the State, particularly at the Presidency, the Executive and the judiciary. You have been Administrative Secretary of the regional interparliamentary organisations and a member of the Society of Clerks, a status that has allowed you to enrich yourself further by participating in conferences, seminars and other workshops. You have also shone beyond our shores being internationally recognized for your efforts to promote the use of ICT in parliament and consolidating the partnership between our National Assembly and the Inter-Parliamentary Union
Evaluating the function of our parliament during COVID 19, the 2023 Global Report on e-Parliament highlights the resilience of our August Assembly. It is thanks to your efforts Dear Madam. Today, Safeena, you are an advisor to the President of the National Assembly.
Folks, Ms. Lotun sat in Parliament without being elected and without being a member of any political party. She denounced in her own way the infernal repression and profanation of the Assembly which we would like to call august. She did not give in to the speaker, who wanted to muzzle the opposition with the infamous “I order you out”. Alone against all, she was not afraid to defend freedom. But “all” had a dimension defined by autocrats who brought together the National Radio-Television, the judiciary and other institutions in a fightback. She says goodbye to the National Assembly and leaves the fight to the people who had the last word by saying to the gravediggers of democracy: “we order you out”. This principle of virtuous living is worth a place in our Hansard.
Madam, there is a saying that would be very fitting – no one is a prophet in his or her own country. A nation can outlive its fools, and even the ambitious members. But it cannot survive the betrayal from within, according to Cicero, a famous Roman senator. And then, the potentates who harassed you hadn’t heard this Turkish wisdom that could apply to them: when you introduce a clown into a castle, the clown doesn’t become king, but it’s the castle that becomes a circus. Congratulations.
SPEECH FARHAD AUMEER 9 MAY 2025
After giving the loudspeaker, the marching orders and clearing the space to Shirine, our lady of grace and dignity, the Mauritian people, in their great wisdom, opened their arms wide to welcome Farhad Aumeer to the National Assembly in November 2024. What intrigues me is “what is the source of inspiration for my friend Ibrahim, your father, to call his first child Farhad, a Persian or Afghan name meaning “charmer”, “man of joy”, “intelligent” and a name also associated with courageous and virtuous characters. I grant it, it’s a wise choice because Farhad has lived up to his name.
After brilliant studies in London, Farhad received his MBBCh BAO, M.R.C.O.G and then F.R.C.O.G. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine (UK), a Fellow of the Royal Irish Academy of Medicine in June 1993 and then a Fellow of the British Society of Colposcopists. He teaches medicine at the University of Mauritius while helping and lending his support to the World Health Organization. Farhad, you are married and you have two sons, both lawyers, and a daughter who works in London. Your sister Shenaz and her husband Ali are here with you tonight and I greet you all.
Farhad, you’re a doctor, it’s a profession I know well. I am not a doctor but I have helped admit at least forty students to medical schools in Malaysia. At least a dozen are serving the country in different hospitals. By taking into account the evolution of medical knowledge that has brought about treatments you were not aware of at the time of your studies, you have maintained your hunger to always remain at the top of your profession. It was great to listen to your public interventions during the COVID 19 panic that stunned an entire people a few years ago.
Suggestions for treatment were coming from numerous sources, sometimes some conflicting with others. You had an authoritative voice that made me think of the words of Arthur chopenhauer who had said: What the herd hates most is the one who thinks differently; it is not so much the opinion itself, but the audacity of wanting to think for themselves, something that the herd does not
know how to do. And Galileo Galilei “In the sciences, the authority of thousands of opinions is not worth as much as one tiny spark of reason in an individual man.”
You helped the nation and the medical profession proposing diagnoses and remedies that became standard references. Obviously, we cannot control a crisis and a global pandemic without the collaboration of all the expertise available. COVID 19 was a health crisis that threatened to mutate and evolve in worrying conditions. Decisions had to be made in all lucidity. Faced with the seriousness of the situation, you willingly and courageously committed yourself to the service of your country because health remains at the heart of your concerns. Then your collaboration was won and the battle was won. What a tremendous achievement! Leo Tolstoy approves of you; he said If you feel pain, you are alive. If you feel other people’s pain, you are a human being.
No wonder then that your services are in high demand and so is your friendship which I judge by the number of colleagues and friends who has accompanied you tonight and whom I greet with great pleasure. I will limit myself to mentioning your medical career which brought you to the attention of the many. Also, Congratulations for the
GOSK, an additional feather to your cap which you fully deserve.
SPEECH FATHER LABOUR 9 MAY 2025
After Father Souchon, Bishop Piat and Bishop Durhone, Father Maurice Labour would have been the fourth representative of the Catholic Church to be honoured by Alif Society. But our proposed honoree has opted to attend the wedding of a relative. We respect his choice.
Allow me to open a parenthesis to tell you how pleased I was to have had the privilege of dining with bishop Piat and the Apostolic Nuncio on his visit to Mauritius. Inviting Father Maurice Labour and honoring him in front of an audience like the one in front of me would have been a pledge of fruitful relations that have been continued and nurtured between the Catholic Church and Alif Society. We would also like to celebrate the good memories left by Pope Francis in his fight on behalf of the wretched of the earth. Let me reminisce on my involvement along Jean Yves Violette, whose lovely wife is with us, and Father Filip Fanchette to bring those involved with friends of Caritas closer to Andy Young, Governor of Georgia in the United States.
Dear Friends. The exploit of our guests, together with the respect of the entire nation which shares the same ideal, must make them excited at the idea of taking over. And I am pleased to express my very warm congratulations to them on my own behalf and on behalf of Alif Society. Alif Society believes that the greatness of our country is based on its history, with its dark pages as well as its glorious pages. What we are doing tonight, in your presence, my dear friends, will be history tomorrow and we want to open a glorious page to inscribe the names of our laureates for their love for our rainbow nation.
Join me wish our journalist friend Murtuza Rahim a very happy birthday. And I leave you to reflect on this question: is it man who creates history or is it history that creates man? Thank you.

SPEECH DR FLORENS 9 MAY 2025
Bear with me for an important diversion. I would like to welcome back Dr Eshan Dulloo, the new President of Mauritius Wild Life Foundation, an ace in biodiversity conservation, who during forty years has been active at the FAO, the World Bank, our Ministry of Agriculture as Asst Conservator of Forests, an Emeritus at the Alliance of Biodiversity International engaged in food security and where he is Honorary Research fellow after retirement. Eshan has been a key player to establish our national park and the World Bank “Seeds for needs” strategy which entitled him to the Food Planet prize in 2023. As he is back in his motherland, we are sure he will help to protect and restore our unique diversity.
Eshan has introduced to me our next Honoree who is Dr Francois Benjamin Vincent Florens who obtained a distinction for his PhD project and who has studied at the Universities of Mauritius and East Anglia. His professional life has evolved around our flora through the Universities of Mauritius and East Anglia, MSIRI, the Kew Royal Botanic Garden and the Mauritius Wild Life Foundation. And when I proposed that we should meet on a certain week, he read me his engagement: the whole week was dedicated to going out in our woodlands. I started wondering whether I was dealing with a Tarzan.
Folks, this week the world of Eshan and Vincent was the talk of the town with the arrival of Odysseo, the brave French group who wants to rid our oceans from the curse of plastics. And we have invited the Director and the Dep Director of Agence Francaise de Developpement to show our appreciation for the historic work they are involved in as lead initiators.
Folks, nature and its preservation is and should be everybody’s concern. Unfortunately, we have not been very kind to it. We have introduced goats on Round Island which grazed around the roots of our Unique Palm tree, deprived it of the water retained by the grass, killed many of them as well as the Unique Mauritian round Island snake and lizard. We pollute our lagoon and are deciding since half a century how to dispose of house effluents along coastal villages. Our woodland is diminishing drastically and we are left only the ocean if we are looking for, what the French describes as EVASION.
In this context, we need an army of Dr Florens to save us from ourselves. His nearly lonely voice is drowned in the cacophony of goyaves de Chine pickers and lumber hungry builders. So, let us show him our collective concern in solidarity with our motherland and our environment in his fight against threats to our flora and fauna and in ecological education. Let us protect our lagoon and our ground water from degradation, let us save our rare species of plants and animals, let us save our lungs which are our woodlands. Let us make Mauritius a hub, this popular word, of ethic living. And let us give Dr Florens a round of applause for his great ambition and understand that we will be alive only if we stop the violence against nature.

A SATURDAY IN THE FOREST OF LE PETRIN
2025-06-16 08:00 - 17:00
OUTING
Alif members, friends and supporters spent Saturday 14 June 2025 in the forest of le Petrin. The adventure was part walk to admire our nature park and part to learn about our flora and fauna and their role in maintaining our ecological balance.
Dr Vencent Florens, an excellent guide spoke in the layman’s language about the plant varieties, the insects , the birds and about the effort in avoiding extinction of our natural treasure.

Get-together in honour of Vydia Mungroo-Jugurnath, Pooja Baichoo and Dr Feyzal Solliman,
2025-09-22 08:00 - 17:00
On Wednesday 17 September, friends of Alif Society met over dinner at Water Edge Garden to celebrate the appointments of
Vidya Mungroo-Jugurnath as President of the Public Bodies Appeal Tribunal
Ms Poojanjali Baichoo as Chairperson of the Central Procurement Board and
Dr. Fayzal SULLIMAN as CEO of the National Agency for Drug Control.
Dawood Auleear,President of Alif Society and Hon. Shirine Aumeeruddy Cziffra, in brief speeches congratulated the guests and wished them well.

Message to H. E the Saudi Ambassador on the occasion of Saudi Arabia's National Day
2025-09-22 08:00 - 17:00
His Excellency Mr. Fayez Meshel B. ALTEMYAT,
Ambassador of the KSA in Mauritius,
Dear Ambassador,
On 26th September you will be hosting Mauritian guests at a reception to celebrate your first Public Holiday to commemorate the establishment of the Saudi State. Your guests will miss the folk music and dance, your traditional food and drink and fireworks which form part of your celebrations in your land.
Many Mauritians already realise the importance of your country: the second biggest in proven oil reserve, with a young and dynamic population, your ambitious development projects and the influence you have in the Muslim World.
Your leverage on the world economy cannot be ignored: your judicious intervention to stabilize the price of petroleum ensures stability of the world economy and all eyes are turned towards Riyad expecting your signal to bring peace in your region when the Israeli genocide does not give any sign of ending.
The Muslims are looking with excitement upon HRH, Mohammad Bin Salman 2030 Vision, proposing to accommodate 30m Umrah pilgrims while improving Makkah’s Road and railway connectivity with the rest of the Kingdom. We understand that you will have to expand the Haram and areas around it for accommodation and to allow the expected 2m people pray simultaneously and comfortably in air-conditioned spaces when they leave their world class hotels. They will have the pleasure to visit leisurely uncrowded streets of Eco-friendly and world class Makkah.
The focal point on Saudi Arabia remains your Vision 2030 which is an ambitious program of modernisation of your economy, your tourism, your leisure industry, other novel industries, to create over 1m jobs to benefit your growing young population,
Unifying a nation to lead it to modernisation is a Herculean process. Undeniably, you are writing a new chapter in your history. We would like to wish you well in your new adventure and success in your quest to stand at the 62nd place in the group of developed countries.
Long Live Saudi Arabia.
20 September 2025

RECEPTION IHO AMBASSADORS RIAD HULEMUTH, INDRAJEET BABOOA, REZA GUNY N MUNSOO KURRIMBACCUS 15/10/2025
2025-10-16 08:00 - 17:00
(41) WhatsApp

Alif Society and friends gathered on Thursday 15 October 2025 at Al Bukhara Restaurant to celebrate the appointments of 4 Ambassadors:
Riad Hullemuth to Saudi Arabia,
Reza Gunny to Egypt
Indrajeet Babooa to Ethiopia and
Munsoo Kurrimbaccus to Pakistan.
Alif used that occasion to hand over a ticket to Khatija Dreepaul, its recipient of a scholarship in Al Bukhary University, in Malaysia.
=============================================================
SPEECH HULEEMUTH KORRIMBACCUS, GUNNY, BABOOA, LIDIALAM, AND DREEPAUL.
Alif thanks you for your generous response to our invitation. We are getting together this evening with one main purpose: to celebrate the appointments of four diplomats to four friendly countries.
Indur Babooa has been appointed to the land of King Negus.
Mansoo Korrimbaccus has been appointed to Pakistan,
Riad Huleemuth to Saudi Arabia and
Reza Gunny to Egypt.
We are also pleased to introduce to you two success stories from what is perceived as a depressed area in Port Louis: a young lady who will be Alif’s student at Al Bukhari University in Malaysia and a young man who is the pride of his family and his neighbourhood and whose Head is famously known as Sarazen.
Khatija Dreepaul, born in UK, grew up in Plaine Verte with her grandparents since aged two, attended Jean Lebrun Government School and passed her HSC at GMD Atchia SSS. She is ambitious to become a professional. Alif recommended her at Al Bukhary University in Malaysia. She impressed the interviewers with brio and was selected for a scholarship. She is leaving for Keddah on Sunday next.
Suhail Lidialam grew up in Plaine Verte too and attended Jean Lebrun Government school. He finished his HSC at Sir Abdool Razak Mohamed SSS, completed his BA in French at UoM, did a Masters at UTM in Communications and PR, was recruited as a Cadet Officer in the Police Force, attended the Indian Academy of Police and is now Police Press Officer, the right man at the right place.
You would agree folks that we need youths of this kind of iron determination, ready to take up the challenge that daily life presents and aim for success. Wish them both plenty of wonderful and happy days ahead.
Now to our four ambassadors designate.
Communal living has always been, now or at the start of civilisation, a matter of managing the frictions between different interest groups within a country or between neighbouring countries. Frictions arose for economic, family, inheritance or territorial reasons. Or simply for lebensraum created by the tragedy of the commons. We all know about the warring tribes of Saudi Arabia, the kings of India as depicted in Mahabharat, and the provinces of China. A modus vivendi had to be devised for peaceful co-existence. That need gave birth to diplomacy. And Winston Churchill described that need in his famous words: It is better to jaw jaw than to war war.
The Middle East and the Indian sub-continent produced the Mohanjodaro, today in Pakistan, the Ur in Iraq, the Nile Valley civilizations and the Ethiopian civilisation under King Negus Ashama ibn Abjar, who provided refuge to those persecuted in Mecca, prospered and created many inventions that we use today. Those civilizations progressed and enriched humanity in an atmosphere of prolonged peace: they produced artefacts, writings, canalizations, the wheel, modern agriculture, sailing, geography and historic monuments like the pyramids, tombs of the Pharaohs whose mystery has yet to be fully deciphered. That peaceful co-existence was made possible by the efforts of the various emissaries at the service of kings who would negotiate to avoid war or bring peace after skirmishes. You would also recall the emissaries who were sent by King Solomon to the Queen of Sheba and those of prophet Yacoob to the Egyptian King for provision of grains during the seven-year drought.
Our four ambassador designates will be heading soon to their posts in the lands of those ancient civilizations who have known and perfected diplomacy. What a great place for inspiration! They will have to reflect the image of Mauritius and to project the facets, interests and dreams of their nation in the host countries. Of course, the economic interests would be at the top of the agenda.
Mauritius does not have the clout to influence history, something which is left to the superpowers, but it has to align itself with the side where its interests will be safeguarded. And it would be your duty, dear Ambassadors to walk in the minefields without compromising yourselves or our country. And choosing the right words would require all the arts of a wordsmith. Mind the advice of Talleyrand, who believed in the necessity of compromise and moderation in diplomacy as opposed to using gunboat diplomacy and issuing ultimatums. He added that speech was given to man to conceal his thoughts.” And I will repeat what I have told your predecessors: when you meet a butcher, talk meat, when you meet a baker, talk bread, when you meet both together, talk sandwich. And I am paraphrasing Churchill’s formula: tell somebody to go to hell in such sweet language that he will ask you a google map for directions.
Today, the world is facing many challenges such as destabilisation, climate change, trade wars, and unprecedented state terrorism. Fortunately, our country has aligned itself with the overwhelming majority voices at the UN and your intervention in public is made easy.
Gentlemen, you are the choice of the country as the government that has appointed you is the unanimous choice of the country. It is a tall order. You are condemned to succeed in your mission. Success will involve the sine qua non faculty of spinning which was the preserve of the textile industry. Take into consideration that you are at the margin of power, not at the seat of power. And to succeed, you must be given all the tools required. Or it will be equivalent to baking bread without flour.
As to Alif Society, we are following Churchill’s advice: A nation that fails to honour its heroes, soon will have no heroes to honour. Congratulations and best Wishes.

BOOK LAUNCH ON UNCLE IDRIS AT IAIS ON 15 DECEMBER, MALAYSIA
2025-12-23 08:00 - 17:00
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim launched the book on Uncle Idris, “the man who could move mountains”
at the seat of IAIS on December 15 2025 inn the presence of numerous admirers, companions and University students. It is to be noted that PM Anwar has authored the forward of this commemorative launch. Prof Imtiaz Yusuf of ISTAC with PM Anwar
President of ALIF SOCIETY in company of Prof. Osman Bakar, Rector of Internation Islamic University
President of Alif Society with PM Anwar

President of Alif Society with Prof. Osman Bakar, Rector Of International Islamic University of Malaysia.

VISIT TO INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY, MALAYSIA 16.12.25
2025-12-25 08:00 - 17:00
On December 16 2025, Prof. Osman Bakar, a friend since 1998, now Rector of International Islamic University, Malaysia, welcomed the President of Alif Society in his office. Discussions revolved around the possibility of admitting Alif students for post graduate programs and the future of IIUM which has the ambition of becoming among the top World Universities.

CONVOCATION AT AL-BUKHARY ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY 13.12.25
2025-12-25 08:00 - 17:00
ALI ROJID, VP OF ALIF, REGISTRAR OF AIU MRS NORPISA , MISS SHARIFAH SOFIA SYED MOKHTAR ALBUKHARY AND DAWOOD AULEEAR

WELCOMING ALIF MALAGASY STUDENTS OVER DINNER

NEW AIU GRADUATES CELEBRATING THEIR SUCCESS ON THE LAWN OF THEIR UNIVERSITY
VP of Alif, Ali Rojid and Pressident of Alif, Dawood Auleear attended the convocation of Albukhary Islamic University on 13 December 2025 in Alor Setar, capital of the state of Keddah.
The ceremony ended with a lunch to the VIP guests offered by AIU during which the VP and the Preseident of ALIF were introduced to Miss Sofia . Alif offered a ship model to Miss Sofia.
The VP and the President offered a diner to Alif Mauritian and Malagasy students.It was an opportunity for exchanges. Alif representatives were satisfied that the students were happily settled, had adapted themselves in their new environment and progressing in their studies.

MEETING WITH ABIM AND WADAH IN KUALA LUMPUR 16.12.2025
2025-12-26 08:00 - 17:00
ABIM AND WADAH TEAM
Two memebrs of WADAH after offering a present to the President of ALIF.

Meeting in the office of ABIM-WADAH

The President of ALIF met the representatives of ABIM and WADAH in their office in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.The meeting was brief and during which the future of the Muslim Youth was raised. The parties parted with the promise for further meeting in Mauritius or Kuala Lumpur and to explore the avenues for co-operation.

COURTESY CALL ON HRH THE PRINCE OF PERLIS 12.12.2025
2025-12-27 08:00 - 17:00
The President and the Vice President of ALIF were the guests of HRH the Prince of Perlis over lunch at a Malay restaurant after Jummah 0n 12.12.2025.

After lunch, Ali Rojid, the VP of Alif offered a present to HRH
The President also offered a present to HRH, a portrait of HRH and Permasuri of Perlis made by Artist Nashrteen Asheek
After Asr, the visitors accompanied HRH on a tour of a campong [village] to distribute aid to the victims of a flood that had hit Perlis a week earlier. Ali was part of the convoy

After lunch, the Mauritian visitors went on a sight visit. The first call was at the Royal Museum
The second stop was at the floating Masjid. The visitors are in company of the Imams of the floating Masjid
Some inhabitants of the Campong posed for us
HRH showed the boundary of Perlis with Thailand
The group that accompanied HRH on his charity tour.
The companions of HRH surrounding the the gifts destined to the refugees
Ali offered a portrait of HM the King and Permasurii, parents of HRH Raja Muda, after the lunch
HRH surrounded by his religious advisers

RECEPTION IHO SHAKEEL MOHAMED, J.C.DE L'ESTRAC, DR GUNNESS N MICHAEL GLOVER
2026-05-24 08:00 - 17:00
29TH April 2026. Water Edge Garden was the venue of a dunner-reception organised by Alif Society,in honour of Hon Shakeel Mohamed, Jean Claude de l’Estrac, Dr Sunil Guness and Michael Glover, all decorated by the Republic on 12 March 2026.
The Guest of honour was the Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly, Mrs Shirine Cziffra-Aumeeruddy. Ministers Osman Mohamed, Reza Uteem, Hon Farade Aumeer, Ambassadors of Russia and Egypt and the Lord Mayor of Port Louis were the guests at ths function which gathered about 150 guests. After dinner-speeches, each honoree received a present from Alif Society.

OPENING SPEECH 29.IV.2026.
Assalamoaleikum. Bonsoir. Devant autant de personnalités de marque, j’en ai dénombré au moins 24, permettez-moi d’utiliser une formule expéditive. Alors, Mesdames et Messieurs en vos grades et qualités, Chers Amis,
Nous souhaitons la plus cordiale des bienvenues à cet Arc en Ciel Mauricien présent sous ce chapiteau de Water Edge Garden. Votre présence est un témoignage magnifique du Mauricianisme. La température est agréable ; en écoutant les éclats de rire pendant le cocktail, je dirais que l’atmosphère a favorise des échanges fructueux et amicaux. Ce moment de causette, j’espère, a scellé davantage les amitiés. Nous sommes toujours fiers d’être Mauricien, mais il y a des jours, comme aujourd’hui, où on l’est encore un peu plus que d’habitude. Nous sommes rassemblés ce soir pour célébrer l’accession de 5 Grands Mauriciens au rang de GCSK et GOSK que la République leur a décerné.
Avant d’entrer dans le vif du sujet, je voudrais dire un bonjour

Charles de Loppinot et Catherine de Gasquet et les nombreux Français Unis de l’Océan Indien qui font progresser les affaires entre notre pays et l’Afrique ainsi qu’en Europe.
Aussi à Madame l‘Ambassadrice Irada Zeynalova et sa collaboratrice Catherine qui œuvrent dans le même sens avec les 14,000 Russes installés dans notre pays.
Emmanuel Richon, le gardien par excellence de notre patrimoine

Je laisse la place à Monique Chan pour son allocution.

MICHAEL GLOVER Delivered by Monique Chan
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Nous disons que la jeunesse est l’avenir d’un pays. Mais qui est jeune. SSR disait à l’âge de 70 ans, nous pas jeune nous ? et la Reine Mère disait que I am 102 years young. Je vous laisse le soin de définir la jeunesse alors.
L’Etat avait laissé le soin à Michael Glover de traiter ce sujet extrêmement important et complexe. Il lui confie la tâche de leur garantir un avenir, une autonomie et la chance qu’elle mérite. Est-ce que vous vous rendez compte : les années 80 étaient les années de braise, ou l’économie était mise en respiration artificielle, le chômage battait son plein et forçaient notre jeunesse à l’oisiveté. Et l’oisiveté est la mère de tous les vices. Michael était conscient que les jeunes sous sa charge faisaient face aux défis d’une île Maurice en crise dont cette jeunesse elle-même n’était pas responsable. L’outil à la disposition de Michael était son Ministère de la Jeunesse et de Sports.
Michael ne baissa pas les bras. Sportif complet lui-même, il privilégia des activités sportives à l’échelle nationale. Il pensait peut-être qu’une activité sportive épargnerait à ces jeunes les méfaits ambiants de l’oisiveté. L’histoire lui donna raison quand la jeunesse Mauricienne obtient un nombre record de médailles lors des jeux de l’OCEAN Indien et pour couronner le tout, d’arracher aussi la médaille de champion de foot. Et qu’elle médaille pour la formation Mauricienne !
Et Michael avait rempli son contrat. Je me demande s’il se rend compte de la joie qu’il donna à tous les téléspectateurs agglutinés devant leurs petits écrans et la marée humaine qui défilait du Stade George V de Curepipe pour atteindre à pied la maison des jeux à Rose-Hill. Je salue ce grand Ministre de Sports qui aimait la jeunesse autant que la jeunesse l’aimait, ce grand Mauricien était devenu un nom et un visage familier et je lui dirais notre reconnaissance : cet homme avait ressemblé et rassemble l’Ile Maurice entière. Et il porte toujours en lui l’amour de cette jeunesse. Il continue maintenant comme conseiller au Ministère des Sports avec d’autres idées et d’autres défis. Michael était déjà Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur et maintenant GOSK. Tu les mérites bien, Cher Michael. Bravo et bonne continuation.
SPEECH SHAKEEL MOHAMED delivered by the President
Shakeel Mohamed est né dans une famille politique. Son grand-père, Sir Abdool Razak Mohamed est originaire de l’Inde et quitta l’opulence de sa famille qui gérait une huilerie pour s’installer dans notre île. Son père Yousuf dont Alif avait célébré l’accession au titre de SC, était un grand ténor du barreau. Shakeel cumule les deux fonctions comme son père, politicien et avocat. Alif Society avait aussi créé une bourse d’Études Universitaire au nom de Sir Abdool Razak Mohamed.
S’il est une qualité qui donne le sens de ce qu’est Shakeel, ce mot est le combat. Il représente bénévolement les victimes de l’injustice dans la cour rien pour que le sourire revienne sur leurs visages. Il combat avec succès tous ceux qui veulent ternir son image à cause de son origine ou appartenance à la minorité Meiman et arrive à se faire accepter comme la voix de ses coreligionnaires dans l’Assemblée Nationale. Ainsi prime sa voix sur l’organisation du pèlerinage à la Mecque. Et je dirais au nom de mes membres : qu’il en soit ainsi
Il est chargé du Ministère de Terre et de Logements, comme son grand père. Il ne le dirige pas seulement, il veut le transformer. Il n’a pas de choix face aux problèmes pressants des sans domiciles. Je lui souhaite plein de succès.
Je parodierai Jean Ferrat mais ne chanterai pas que Shakeel a l’âme bien née. Il est un homme de vérité, cette vérité à supprimer, qui blesse parfois ceux qu’il aime, un homme d’une fidélité indomptable aux valeurs du Parti Travailliste. Il est un mari et un père qui ne néglige pas les siens et qu’ils emmènent en vacances.
Je voudrais ajouter une autre qualité rare………l’élégance, pas seulement l’élégance personnelle, là-dessus, il est battu à plate couture par son épouse, mais l’élégance morale et intellectuelle. Avec toutes ces qualités, mon cher Shakeel, le succès est garanti. Félicitations mon cher GCSK.
Mes chers amis, à l’heure ou trois grandes forces gouvernent le monde : la stupidité, la peur et la cupidité, nous avons le bonheur de vivre dans un pays de créateurs et d’innovateurs et nous en avons réunis cinq ce soir. Leurs qualités : la conviction, le dévouement et la vocation et qui sont comme la neige, comme dirait un grand penseur. Elle embellit tout ce qu’elle recouvre’. L’Adage « Si tu ressens la douleur, tu es vivant. Si tu ressens la douleur des autres, tu es un être humain. » leur convient. Ils portent les mêmes valeurs, celles du progrès, la lutte contre la précarité et la diffusion de la richesse pour le bonheur national brut. Au nom de la Nation, je leur dis notre gratitude et leur demande de faire en sorte que l’Ile Maurice rayonne toujours. Merci.
SPEECH JEAN CLAUDE DE L’ESTRAC. delivered by the President
Jean Claude de l’Estrac, ce grand serviteur de Maurice, auteur de livres à succès, homme politique aux multiples mandats, responsable d’un quotidien prestigieux, a connu tant de décorations, d’honneurs et de reconnaissances de ses pairs que je ne peux pas tout détailler ; je me bornerais alors à évoquer qu’il est un visionnaire ; ce géant de la pensée l’a démontré durant ses années de combat au premier rang du MMM. Il dénonçait les puissants et la droite et séduisait les laissés pour compte pour faire tomber les citadelles des partis historiques par son éloquence.
Il a mené une lutte inlassable pour la construction d’une Île Maurice plurielle, libre, égale et digne. Il est de ces hommes qui changent les cours du temps.
En tant que Maire de Rose-Hill, il laissa ses empreintes sur cette ville en lui donnant un look architectural particulier. Les débats dans la Mairie sous son mandat enrichissaient le vocabulaire vite repris par les journaux et la population et ses envolées lyriques marquaient l’esprit des Mauriciens lorsqu’il qualifiait les Chagossiens comme des Palestiniens de l’Océan Indien. Je m’empresse d’ajouter, puisque les Chagos font la une des journaux, que Jean-Claude de l’Estrac obtint dès 1983 la reconnaissance de la souveraineté de Maurice sur les Chagos lors du sommet des non-alignés de New Delhi.
Comme Secrétaire Général de la Commission de l’Océan Indien, il a lutté pour créer le concept de l’Indianocéanie et ainsi créer une coopération inter Iles pour trouver ensemble les solutions aux défis multiples de notre existence. Si seulement une partie de ce rêve se matérialisait, nous n’aurions pas eu de soucis pour notre approvisionnement en nourriture car Madagascar serait devenu un grenier fiable. Mon cher J.C, tu nous as fait vivre des années glorieuses de la vie politique. Tu me pardonnerais, je ne peux pas résumer ta vie et tes mérites ce soir, ni pendant tous les soirs de cette semaine entière. Comme on dit chez nous, je ne peux pas vider la mer dans une gargoulette. Tu me confiais, lors une de nos rencontres que tu aimerais prendre congé de la vie publique. Moi, je dirais, sans ambages, l’homme d’idées n’a pas droit à la retraite. Alors, bonne continuation, guerrier.
Accepte nos félicitations.
Dr SUNIL GUNNESS delivered by the President
Le docteur Sunil Gunness, que je surnommerais M. Sourire, car c’est cette image de lui qu’on retient après une consultation, est responsable de Cardiac Centre de Pamplemousses.
La maladie cardiaque est un fléau. C’est l’évidence. Cette maladie a progressé après un changement drastique de notre hygiène de vie. Le taux de décès était devenu alarmant.
Face à ce défi, il fallait refuser la fatalité et mener le combat pour la vie et rendre l’Île Maurice plus humaine. L’outil par excellence était le centre de Cardiologie à côté de l’hôpital SSR. Le Dr Gunness dirige ce centre dès sa création.
Ce centre a donné des résultats probants et le bilan est éloquent : En quelques années, grâce au docteur Gunness, ses collaborateurs comprenant des professionnels de santé, chercheurs, associations de malades – la donne a changé. Ils ont travaillé de concert pour arriver à ce résultat flatteur………..une incidence et une mortalité décroissantes.
Mais avant d’aborder ce fléau qu’est la maladie du cœur, l’équipe du docteur Gunness a mené une campagne de dépistage qui demandait aussi un effort Herculéen car le dépistage s’associait, par une crainte irrationnelle avec la maladie. Et ce dépistage se faisait en l’absence du séquençage du génome.
Le docteur Gunness a voulu également tirer parti de tous les progrès accomplis dans l’outre-mer. Il faisait venir des équipes de cardiologues entre autres, de France, de Suisse et de l’Inde. Ces équipes faisaient fonctionner les salles d’opération a plein régime, même le soir, partageaient leur savoir-faire aux collègues Mauriciens pour le plus grand bien des patients Mauriciens qui voyaient s’écourter leur délai d’attente pour leur chirurgie.
Mesdames, Messieurs, nous devons sans aucun doute être fiers du travail accompli par l’hôpital sous la houlette du docteur Gunness ; notre pays est désormais reconnu comme étant aux avant-postes de la lutte contre la maladie du cœur dans l’Océan indien et est devenu une destination de choix pour les malades des Comores.
N’est-ce-pas un bilan flatteur ? Et ce bilan doit donner un nouvel élan pour progresser encore et encore. Dr Gunness, merci d’avoir fait en sorte que la vie puisse reprendre ses droits, pendant la maladie comme après les traitements.

QURBANI LUNCH AT UZBEKISTAN RESTAURANT IN GRAND BAY 30 MAY 2026
2026-05-31 08:00 - 17:00
Friends of Alif Society met at Uzbekistan Restaurant in Grand Bay to celebrate Eid ul Adha. They were the guests of Bek, the owner of the Restaurant. Bek gave them a treat of Uzbek cuisine.

MEETING HE THE PAKISTANI HC AND MRS SYED
2026-06-11 08:00 - 17:00
On Tuesday 9 June, the Pakistani in Mauritius and Mrs Syed paid a courtesy call on Alif Society. Alif welcomed the Pakistani couple over a dinner at Uzbekistan restaurant in Grand Bay. The evening was an opportunity of cordial exchanges.
