On the opening ceremony of the exhibition dedicated to the achievements of the Soviet and Russian cosmonautics in Mauritius
On the opening ceremony of the exhibition dedicated to the achievements of the Soviet and Russian cosmonautics in Mauritius
On 28 November 2019 an opening ceremony of the exhibition dedicated to the achievements of the Soviet and Russian cosmonautics took place in the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre (RGSC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Mauritius on the occasion of the 85th Anniversary of the First Soviet Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.
The event was held with the participation of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Mauritius H.E. Mr.K.Klimovskiy, cosmonaut, Hero of the Russian Federation Mr.S.Avdeev, Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology the Honourable Mrs.L.D.Dookun-Luchoomun, Director of the RGSC Mr.A.K.Maulloo and the RGSC Chairperson Dr.J.Naugah as well as the Art director of the exhibition, Mauritian photographer Mr.A.Ruhomaully.
The ceremony was also attended by the Lord Mayor of Port Louis Mr.M.Cadersaib, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mrs.U.Dwarka Canabady, activists of the Aeronautical Society of Mauritius, heads and members of several diplomatic missions accredited to the Republic of Mauritius, President of the Coordinative Council of Russian Compatriots in Mauritius Mrs.O.Bogacheva, President of the association of Mauritian graduates fr om Soviet and Russian universities “MAURUSS” Dr.R.Radhay as well as representatives of the Mauritian public circles.
The RGSC Chairperson Dr.J.Naugah expressed gratitude to the Embassy of the Russian Federation for its active support in the organization of the event and satisfaction that the event is held with the participation of Russian cosmonaut Mr.S.Avdeev who have managed to arrive to Mauritius on this very special occasion.
Mauritian photographer, art director of the exhibition Mr.A.Ruhomaully shared memories of his visit to the Russian Tsiolkovsky State Museum of Cosmonautics in Kaluga city in the first half of this year wh ere he had the chance to photo the unique space attributes of this museum.
The Russian Ambassador to Mauritius gave details on the history of the Soviet and Russian cosmonautics outlining the contribution of such scientists as Tsiolkovsky and Korolev to the humanity’s space exploration.
He noted that within the framework of the strengthening of the historically friendly Russian-Mauritian relations and taking into account the Russia-Africa Summit organized in Sochi in the end of October 2019, both countries have solid potential of developing cooperation including collaboration in the space sector.
H.E. K.Klimovskiy recalled to the decision of the Port Louis Municipal Council to name one of the capital’s streets in honor of Yuri Gagarin and expressed hope that the bust of the first Soviet cosmonaut will be installed here in 2021.
The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology the Honourable Mrs.L.D.Dookun-Luchoomun gave high value to the achievements of the Soviet and Russian scientists listing the most important milestones in space exploration such as the first satellite, the first flight to space, the first female cosmonaut, the first human’s exit into open space etc. and confirmed the interest of the official authorities to continue implementing scientific and educational projects and programs with the Russian party.
Cosmonaut, Hero of the Russian Federation Mr.S.Avdeev expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the event for the invitation to participate in the opening ceremony of the exhibition and demonstrated a short video of his second flight, which lasted from September 1995 to February 1996 and gave the most interesting details of his space adventure.
After the ceremony guests received the opportunity to observe the exhibition and to enjoy a festive cocktail.
The event was covered by the representatives of the leading Mauritian print and electronic Medias.
