On April 19, the 2025 “International Chinese Language Day” Chinese Cultural Gala, hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Mauritius and organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Mauritius, was successfully held at the University of Mauritius. The event was attended by Mr.Ding Peiyi, Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Mauritius, Mr. Yang Jun, Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre, Professor Mohammad Issack Santally, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academia) of the University of Mauritius, Professor Fu Mingduan, Chinese Director and Dr. Naraindra Kistamah, Mauritian Director of the Confucius Institute at University of Mauritius. The event attracted more than 200 participants, including teachers and students from the Confucius Institute, representatives from local schools, and members of the general public.
In his speech, Professor Santally noted that this year’s “International Chinese Language Day” is themed “Chinese Language: A Timeless Gift,” highlighting the unique role of language in connecting cultures. He praised Chinese as one of the six official languages of the United Nations, a language rich in history and artistic beauty, and a vital expression of cultural wisdom. He commended the Confucius Institute at the University of Mauritius for its long-standing dedication to promoting Chinese language and culture, bringing vitality to the university campus, and reaffirmed the university’s continued support for its development.
Mr. Ding Peiyi emphasized the fruitful achievements in Chinese language education cooperation between China and Mauritius in recent years. Chinese courses have long been introduced into local primary and secondary school curricula, providing students the opportunity to learn the language and appreciate Chinese culture. He stated that Chinese is not only a tool for communication but also a medium for civilizational dialogue and a bridge for deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Mauritius. He expressed hope that the “International Chinese Language Day” would serve as an opportunity to further expand educational and cultural collaboration between the two countries and to jointly create a brighter future.
Amid enthusiastic applause, the cultural performances began. The opening act, a vibrant dragon and lion dance, with its thundering drums and dynamic movements, brought festive cheer to the stage and instantly ignited the audience’s excitement. Dance performances such as "Blue and White Porcelain" and "Lotus Pond Moonlight" combined graceful classical elements with modern flair, showcasing both the elegance of traditional Chinese dance and the fluidity of contemporary styles. Vocal performances like "Hello Tomorrow," "Love That Never Disconnects," and "May We All Be Blessed with Longevity" were either melodious and touching or bright and lively, blending youthful emotion with cultural charm. In the Tai Chi performance of the 24-form, the performers displayed movements that were both soft and powerful, like flowing water, exemplifying the quiet beauty and inner strength of Chinese martial arts.
Poetry recitations "Song of the Four Seasons" and "Light of Chinese, Bridge of Friendship" conveyed deep emotion and philosophical reflection through clear rhythm and expressive delivery. The stage play "Indian Girl" humorously integrated multicultural elements, highlighting the resonance between Chinese and Mauritian cultures through laughter and storytelling. The final fashion show brought the atmosphere to a new height, as models showcased Hanfu, Qipao, and Sarees, creating a vivid harmony of diverse cultural attire and presenting the beauty of coexistence on stage. As the event concluded in applause and laughter, Professor Fu Mingduan and Dr. Kistamah expressed their heartfelt thanks to all guests, performers, and volunteers, and invited all participants to take a group photo to commemorate this warm moment of intercultural exchange.
This Chinese cultural gala was not only a showcase of arts but also a heartfelt encounter across cultures. It allowed the audience to feel the charm of language and the warmth of culture. As the theme beautifully states, Chinese is indeed a timeless gift, shining in new ways on the multicultural land of Mauritius.
Professor Mohammad Issack Santally’s speech to the audience
Mr.Ding Peiyi, Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Mauritius, addressing the audience
Group photo of Chief Guests, Directors of CI-UoM, the Participants of the Gala Show