Lucknow, Dec 3 : Mauritius President Anerood Jugnauth, in Lucknow on a five-day personal visit, Thursday stressed the island nation's links with India and said they hoped to emulate its progress.

Describing Mauritius as a "mini India", Jugnauth said: "We hope to take Mauritius ahead the India way."

Stressing the traditional ties between the two countries, he noted the relationship dates back to the days when their forefathers migrated from India as labourers.

"This soil is mother India for us, and if anything happens in India, it is bound to have its impact on Mauritius as well."

Jugnauth, who arrived here Wednesday, inaugurated the 12th international convention on "Students' Quality Control Circles" at the World Unity Centre of City Montessori School (CMS) here.

The event was hosted by the CMS chain of institutions, that figure in the Guiness Book of World Records for having the largest number of students. The school has also completed 50 years.

Jugnauth is well-conversant in Bhojpuri, which he calls his "mother tongue", apart from being fluent in English, Hindi and Greek and French, the island nation's national language.

He would be visiting some places of historic interest during his stay here.(IANS)