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The Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site holds immense importance for all Mauritians, as it is a symbol of our nation's rich and diverse cultural heritage. Most of our ancestors passed through Aapravasi Ghat, making it a site of deep historical significance. The Immersive Discovery Project aimed at creating a 3D virtual visit to preserve and share this important piece of our past with a wider audience, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the journey of our forebears. The project was awarded by the MRIC to Hinode Smart Solutions Ltd in May 2023 under the thematic “Travel, Tourism and Entertainment Innovation (TTEI)” under the Innovation Boost Grant Scheme (IBGS). Through this project, a bespoke interactive and immersive 3D virtual tour of the Aapravasi Ghat was created which can be accessed at: https://360mu.net/vt/ag/
A site visit was conducted on the 4th of April 2024 at the Aapravasi Ghat by Hon. Darsanand Balgobin, Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation; Hon. Avinash Teeluck, Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage; and Prof Theesan Bahorun, Executive Director of MRIC, in the presence of Mr Hariduth Ramgoolam, Director of Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund. The virtual tour is accessible through a dedicated app for the Metaverse, as well as for Android and iOS for viewing on mobile devices and iPads. The virtual tour provides a detailed exploration of Aapravasi Ghat, offering visitors an engaging and informative experience. The tour includes a wealth of integrated information, such as the history of Aapravasi Ghat and a detailed explanation of its significance. Visitors are able to delve into the rich history of Aapravasi Ghat, learn about its cultural importance, and understand its significance in the context of indentured labourers.
The project provides an opportunity for members of the Mauritian Diaspora to reconnect with their heritage and learn more about the history of their ancestors. Furthermore, the use of emerging technology provides an engaging way to capture the interest of younger generations. By offering an immersive experience, children are encouraged to explore and learn about their history in a modern and interactive way. The project has been successfully completed.
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By Mr Kiran Tatoree and Mr Pawan Hurnath