Our first President deserves his rightful place in Mauritian History as the man who heralded a major transition from one era to another. Even after his retirement as President, I felt very close to Sir Veerasamy whose wise advice helped us in the discharging of our duties. May I repeat the words I used in 1992 in a tribute to him as the outgoing President. Indeed, he has served the country and the people extremely well in the official capacity that has been entrusted to him whether as Minister or as Governor General or as first President of the newly born Republic of Mauritius. In his personal and private capacity and supported by his grand lady and guided by the principles of service, dedication, patriotism and the brotherhood of man.
Historical research is in fact a painstaking job but the intellectual reward is always gratifying.
The Mauritian nation can only be grateful towards those who dispassionately and thoroughly investigate History for the benefit of future generations.