Punjabi in Mauritius

People Name:	Punjabi
Country:	Mauritius
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	26,000
World Population:	2,160,600
Primary Language:	Punjabi, Eastern
Primary Religion:	Other / Small
Christian Adherents:	2.50 %
Evangelicals:	1.50 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Muslim - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

During the days of the British Empire, the Brits sent indentured servants to Mauritius, an island off the coast of East Africa, to work sugar cane fields and the like. Some of these Indians spoke the Punjabi language as do their descendants today. There were women among the Punjabis, and many of these married Chinese men who also migrated to this island nation.

21st century Punjabis are living much better than the ones who first came to Mauritius. Punjabis, and other Mauritians of Indian descent, have dominated the political landscape of this island nation for many years. Indians make up over half of the population of Mauritius today.

Where Are they Located?

The Punjabis live mainly in the few urban centers of Mauritius such as Port Louis. Others live in smaller places like Quatres Bornes. They tend to congregate at their places of worship known as gurdwaras.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many of the Punjabis in Mauritius are working in the high tech and banking industries. They are highly educated and noted for their abilities in business and computer programming.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of the Punjabis in Mauritius are Sikhs, though there are a couple of Hindu Punjabis families among them. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak, who tried to bring together the best teachings of Islam and Hinduism at a time when there was much fighting between the two religious communities.

What Are Their Needs?

The Punjabis in Mauritius are doing well economically, but they are on the wrong track in terms of their spiritual direction. Though Guru Nanak taught the Sikhs some good moral teachings about helping the poor, he did not point the way to the only Savior of all mankind, Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Holy Spirit will thrust out ambassadors to the Punjabis with the eternal gospel.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in Punjabi hearts so they will understand that they need a Savior.
Pray for the highly literate Punjabis to form Bible studies in their language.
Pray that these Bible studies will result in Christ-oriented fellowships throughout Mauritius.