SAINT-DENIS, REUNION, November 16, 2006: On a tiny island in the Indian Ocean east of Mauritius, a memorial was dedicated to the memory of the Indian indentured laborers who came here 124 years ago. Thousands left their native India in the mid-19th century to work as indentured laborers in the sugar plantations of Reunion Island after slavery was abolished. For these workers, the colonial system of indentured labor was one of hard labor until November 11, 1882, when the French and English governments abolished the practice.
The Federation of Hindu Associations attended the dedication of the monument erected near the Vue-Belle sugar mill. Following a Hindu ceremony conducted by Tamil priest, Daniel Saingany, the commemorative plate was unveiled. The Tamil Associations of La Saline hosted booths that presented various aspects of Indian culture.