Atmaram (Jagdish) Kawal – From Trainee Printer to National Gallery Control Room Officer, London

Diaspora

By Kishore Teelanah

The Mauritian diaspora in the United Kingdom consists of British people of Mauritian descent. Many came seeking better lives, while others initially arrived as students. The majority emigrated from Mauritius to the UK between the 1960s and 1970s, with a few having arrived as early as the 1950s. The vacancies in the healthcare sector were a significant draw. Other immigrants came in the 1980s for a range of subject areas or to take up various important jobs. As more Mauritians settled in the UK, many married Mauritian brides and grooms, British nationals, and other Europeans.

This article recounts the inspiring journey of Atmaram Kawal, who came from humble beginnings and, through sheer hard work and dedication, achieved success abroad that might not have been possible in Mauritius. Atmaram was born and raised at Camp Thorel. Back then, the security of a lifelong job was never guaranteed. As author McDonald noted in 2019, “The land of eternal sunshine was sadly not a land of boundless opportunity.”

Early Life and Career

At the age of 17, Atmaram secured a job as a trainee printer for the Advance newspaper in Port Louis, where he worked for six years. His interest blossomed, focusing on learning typography and monotype printing — the art of styling and arranging text for the reader. Atmaram was the eldest of his two siblings.

Atmaram Kawal in his early days after leaving Mauritius

Seeking Greener Pastures

Like many who sought greater opportunities, Atmaram successfully applied for an Advanced Printing course in Germany. In 1972, he left Mauritius for Munich, where he successfully completed his advanced studies at the Academy for Graphics.

Full of hope and excitement, he started planning his journey to the UK to begin a new life. He left Munich, expecting his work permit and relevant arrangements from his prospective UK employer to be ready upon his arrival at the Port of Dover. Unfortunately, when he reached Dover, the work permit was not yet issued. He was given a choice: return to Munich and wait, or go to another country. Atmaram chose the latter, travelling to Ostend, Belgium, to await his papers.

A Turn of Fortune in Belgium

With meagre funds and an uncertain future, Atmaram vividly remembers sitting on a dark park bench, pondering his predicament and praying for a miracle. He even considered sleeping rough. A stranger approached him, asking if he was alright. Atmaram explained his situation and asked for advice on finding a place to rest. The stranger turned out to be a vicar at the local church. The vicar kindly invited Atmaram to stay the night and promised to figure out a suitable plan the next day. Thanks to the support of the noble priest, Atmaram stayed with him until he found a job in a café and secured his own accommodation.

Settling in the UK

After three months, Atmaram’s papers arrived from his employer, and he was finally able to travel to the UK. He started work as a typographer at a printing company in Slough. However, after only a few months, he found the terms and conditions unsatisfactory. In 1973, he moved to London and worked as a library attendant at Westminster Library for six years.

During a visit to Mauritius in 1978, he met and married his wife. Soon after, he secured a job as a Security Officer at the National Gallery. This world-renowned art museum houses masterpieces by artists such as Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Monet. His primary responsibility was securing all the paintings from the public. He thoroughly enjoyed his role, often applying his knowledge of painting and printing artwork while engaging with the gallery’s visitors. After four years of dedication, he was promoted to Security Control Room Officer.

Twenty-five years into his service, he was awarded a medal. He retired in 2020 at the age of seventy, having dedicated forty years of service to the National Gallery.

Jagdish Kawal at the National Gallery with the Director of National Gallery and Mauritius High Commissioner and other work colleagues in 1992. Front row: (L to R) Mr Soogun, Mr MacGregor, Mr Mahadoo, Mr Kawal and Mr Hossenally

Atmaram is happily married with three children — two boys and a girl. He now enjoys his retirement with his family, especially his adorable grandchildren. His other passions include gardening and travel.

Kishore Teelanah is a semi-retired teaching and learning expert in science. He worked in the NHS in the 1970s, followed by a long career in Further and Higher Education. He now writes science blogs, advises on teaching and learning, and actively promotes the Mauritian diaspora in the UK.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 7 November 2025