Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mauritius on 11 March, 2015.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed Mauritius for enriching Hindi literature through its contribution and said the language has occupied a special place in the world.
On the second leg of his three-nation visit, Mr Modi wished the people of Mauritius on behalf of nearly 125 crore Indians on the occasion of the country's National Day.
Mr Modi laid the foundation stone of construction of World Hindi Secretariat building in Mauritius where he spoke highly about the uniqueness of the Hindi language.
The national day of Mauritius is celebrated every year on March 12. This day was selected as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi as he had launched the famous Dandi March.
"Hindi language is a medium to express emotions. When someone speaks in native language it comes out of his heart. Our ancestors had brought Hindi to Mauritius.
"The love an acceptance that the Hindi language has received in Mauritius is an example in itself. Mauritius is a country which has its own Hindi literature. It has contributed immensely to the language," Mr Modi said.
The Prime Minister, whose government has been pitching for use of Hindi in official works in India, said the language has made a special place for itself in the world of languages.
In lighter note, Mr Modi referred to his Mauritian counterpart Anerood Jugnauth's surname saying English word juggernaut may have roots in it.
"I have come here with wishes of 1.2 billion Indians," he said.