SSR: Where East Meets West

Tribute & Remembrance

Beyond his major political achievements, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam was a man of deep faith, literary passion, and unyielding respect for his roots — a dual identity that shaped a nation

By Sada Reddi

As we celebrate the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, the dominant image that inevitably comes to mind is the politician, the statesman, and the leader of the Mauritius Labour Party. He led the country to independence and presided over its destiny until 1982, continuing as Governor-General until 1985 — a legacy defined by monumental achievements. Embedded in this public image is that of a Western-educated Fabian socialist assimilated into British social and political values.

What is less known, according to his daughter, is that he was a man of simplicity: a dedicated, caring husband and father who enjoyed family dinners, shared stories, laughed, and inspired his children to read and work hard. For those who knew him beyond administration and politics, SSR was also a deeply spiritual man. He was steeped in the heritage of his ancestors, inheriting their linguistic, cultural, and religious values. How these two personae blended harmoniously within him is fascinating, playing a key role in building the country’s multicultural foundation.

The Western component of his education is well documented. Moving from the Royal College, Curepipe, to Imperial College London for medical studies, he developed a profound love for English and French literature. This joyous connection was so strong that when his ship docked at Marseilles, he and his friend Raman Osman boarded a train to visit the Sorbonne in the Quartier Latin to explore the latest literary works.

In England, he enjoyed the company of literary figures like H.G. Wells, Bernard Shaw, Arnold Bennett, T.S. Eliot, and G.D.H. Cole. Having mastered the English language, he was asked by Subhas Chandra Bose to proofread The Indian Struggle before its London publication. Sir Harold Walter once recalled walking with Ramgoolam in London when SSR asked how much money he had on him, eager to bid on a T.S. Eliot manuscript at an auction.

Because he was so enamoured with British social traditions, many viewed him as a British gentleman in deportment, dress, and moral character. However, these ethical qualities sprang not only from British medical training, but primarily from his ancestral cultural and spiritual upbringing. He exemplified Mahatma Gandhi’s famous philosophy:

“I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.”

According to author S. Ramburn, in his private life, SSR conversed with his wife, sisters-in-law, and cousin in Bhojpuri — the language closest to his heart. Although known as a gracious host — once visiting the kitchen to check on the bread for a state banquet, and travelling to France with Harold Walter to select wine for Queen Elizabeth II’s visit — his meals at home were those of an ordinary Indian family. At breakfast, he relished puri and tarkari; at lunch, rice, dal, vegetables, and a piece of meat; and at teatime, boiled cassava. During a reception in Triolet, when visiting writers from the World Hindi Conference sat on the floor for dinner, SSR effortlessly joined them, sitting cross-legged to share the meal.

Ramgoolam was deeply religious, a quality that manifested in his compassionate treatment of all human beings and animals. He once expressed:

“We must have more compassion for animals, not because we look upon them as inferior to human beings, but because the sanctity of life must be respected by everyone, for every creature that God put upon earth. Animals are dependent on us, and we are dependent on them… They bring love at a time when we are suffering, and they bring joy to the family, to the children, and to society.”

He harboured a boundless love for Hindi, supporting its development both locally and internationally through the World Hindi Conference. He frequently called Hindi the great language of his ancestors, encouraging people to learn and propagate it. In the Council of Government on May 27, 1941, he pleaded for ancestral languages: “While it is on the road to see that the English language is taught more and more… I should like the government to see that Indian languages are put on a better basis than they are at present in primary schools.” He later opposed the Ward Report’s proposal to abolish Indian languages in schools, successfully defending their inclusion before the Select Committee, the Colonial Office, and the government.

From Hindu values, SSR forged his character and cultivated the inner world of his mind and soul to withstand life’s trials. Religious texts and books on Indian culture, philosophy, and politics adorned his study, and he strongly supported Yogi Rummun’s efforts to introduce Hinduism into the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate syllabi.

When a young man once quizzed him about his identity, SSR replied:

“You know, my boy, we should not be ashamed of our origins. Do you think, after so many years spent in England, people will call me English? People will only respect me when I behave well, with due respect to all religions and communities. This is why I never forget my inborn character, which is made of Hindu values.”

It was this openness, generosity, and universal respect that enabled Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam to cherish all cultures and languages. His vision became the cornerstone of Mauritian multiculturalism, allowing a diverse society to live in peace — a legacy that remains one of the greatest triumphs of modern Mauritius.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 18 September 2026