I refer to the recent revocation of Mrs Soorya Gayan, former director of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, which I took cognisance of in the media last week. The brusqueness of this, I understand officially non-motivated decision, does make it emerge as an arbitrary one.

I personally have had the privilege to know Mrs Gayan in her capacity of director. We have also met on several occasions socially or for business functions. I am one of those who have been able to appreciate and value her keen sense of management, be it people, panels and, last but not least, her mastery of the winding arcanes of global cultural scene, be it in Mauritius and or abroad.

Her acute sense of aesthetics, her thorough professional ability enhanced by a sturdy common sense did indeed qualify her, in my humble opinion, as the right person in the right place. So as not to embarrass her natural discreet and elegant competence, I will here put and end to my appreciation for this knowledgeable human being and person of great culture.

It this is really unfortunate and certainly shameful that some arrogant knaves have triggered such villainy acting as snipers undercover as cowards usually do. But I also know that as a woman of such character and resources, she will undoubtedly find the energy to spin off the odds and make an opportunity out of this disgrace unfairly imposed upon her but which indeed, and in deeds, does perfectly depict and apply to the signatories of her marching orders and their compradors of the day. This is not the doing of outrageous fortune and I do likewise feel there is some injustice prevailing.

Thus my wish to publicly sympathise with Mrs Gayan and convey to her my unreserved support in those challenging moments irrespective of the fact that so many seem to have suddenly turned deaf and dumb...

Jean-Marie F. RICHARD