Rama (Lachanah) Seetanah
Obituary
Rama Seetanah (born 10 Dec 1929) passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness on 17th November 2020 in London at the age of 90 years.
Rama will be remembered affectionately by all who knew him. Beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, cousin and true friend to many. Now reunited with his beloved wife, Prema and his precious daughter, Asha. A memorial service and celebration of his life, led by his son Sanjay and the family, is planned once Covid restrictions allow.
Rama was born to Pandit Balram (ex-editor of The Jagriti) and Gangamah Appadoo. Rama was determined to teach at an early age, teaching English to the children in his circle before leaving to join the British Army in 1948. He quickly rose through the ranks but left service as a Lieutenant. On his return to Mauritius he married Premavathy Lutchmeenaraidoo in 1952 and left for London almost immediately to study journalism.
Rama had a big interest in politics and launched The Mauritius League in London in 1957 to lobby parliamentarians about the wellbeing of Mauritius Members of the League included Barbara Castle, James Callaghan and Lord Fenner Brockway). Following the death of his father-in-law in 1958, he returned to Mauritius continuing to write for the Mauritius Times to become Sub-Editor. He stood as candidate in the 1967 elections representing the Independence Party; he thereafter helped Mr S. Balgobin launch Eden College in Vacoas and Rose Hill where he became Principal of both. In the mid-1970s Rama and family left Mauritius to join the team at the Mauritius High Commission in London.
Rama was a very spiritual man, full of love and kindness and content with life’s simple pleasures. A man of great principles, he fought for justice and fairness for all. Although he met with much sorrow and tragedy in his life, his faith did not wane. May he rest in peace.
* Published in print edition on 27 November 2020
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