The Dream of a Free Mauritius: The Vision and Achievements of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam

Memorial Lecture

On the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, a man affectionately known as the “Father of the Nation,” a memorial lecture was delivered by Suren Dayal. The lecture was a profound tribute to a towering figure whose life and vision shaped the destiny of modern Mauritius. Dayal’s address, delivered with deep respect and a sense of historical responsibility, painted a picture of a man who, from the most humble beginnings, rose to transform a nation. His legacy, as Dayal eloquently put it, is not merely a recounting of historical facts, but a narrative of a dream for a free, independent, unified, and prosperous Mauritius — a dream that remains a living legacy nearly four decades after his passing.

Born on September 18, 1900, in the sugarcane fields of Bois d’Oiseaux, Flacq, Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, or Kewal as he was known to his family, witnessed firsthand the hardships and inhumane conditions of the indentured labourers. The trials and tribulations of the masses had a profound and lasting impact on him, igniting a dream to liberate his people from the yoke of colonialism. He became conscious of social realities at a young age, constantly asking himself, “What was the right thing to do?” The answer, he concluded, was to dedicate his life to selfless service, embodying the principle that a person’s true wealth is the good he does in the world. He was a man of immense patience and perseverance; qualities he believed were the cornerstones of success. His actions, born of innate convictions and a desire to do great works, spoke louder than any words. He did not strive for greatness; he simply did great things, and his deeds remain for posterity, said Suren Dayal.

A Journey of Education and Awakening

Seewoosagur Ramgoolam’s journey was one of continuous evolution. From a diligent student at the Royal College Curepipe, where he pondered the hardships of rural labourers, he vowed to correct the injustices and exploitation he saw. A pivotal moment came in 1921 when he set sail for London to study medicine. This new chapter opened up a world of intellectual and political awakening. In London, he joined the Fabian Society, a progressive think tank, and was heavily influenced by the lectures of Harold Laski. Fabianism, with its ideals of social justice and democratic socialism, profoundly shaped his political philosophy and his lifelong battle for the emancipation of his people. He had the opportunity to meet and interact with legendary figures of the Indian and African freedom movements, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Jomo Kenyatta, and Julius Nyerere. These encounters armed him with a potent vision and a burning desire for social change, which he was determined to bring back to Mauritius.

A Man of Unparalleled Integrity and Vision

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam lived by the principle of standing for what was right, believing that without principles, there could be no knowledge or achievement. He was never swayed by slander or malice, choosing instead to let his actions speak for themselves. His political career, which began in 1940 as a member of the Legislative Council, was marked by an enduring commitment to public life and to his fellow countrymen.

One of the most defining aspects of his vision was his unshakeable belief in the transformative power of education. Having experienced the limitations of a poor, elitist education system himself, he was convinced that free, universal access to education was a fundamental right and the most powerful tool for social mobility and liberation from poverty. As Chief Minister and later Prime Minister, he worked tirelessly to reform the education sector. He famously stated, “The future of our country depends on the education we give to our youth.” He set an ambitious goal of building a primary school in every village and, by 1960, ensured that every child had access to primary education. The introduction of free secondary education in 1977 was a revolutionary policy that democratised opportunities and unleashed the potential of an entire generation, laying the foundations for a modern and emancipated Mauritius.

The Architect of Modern Mauritius

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam’s foresight extended beyond social reform to the economy. He recognized that Mauritius could not rely solely on sugar for its long-term survival. His economic vision was pragmatic and forward-looking, built on the interconnected policies of investing in human capital, ensuring political stability, and fostering a mixed economic system. The establishment of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in 1970, which offered tax incentives and duty-free imports to attract foreign investment, was a precursor to tackling the country’s rampant unemployment and a key factor in diversifying the economy.

He is also credited with the visionary decision to join the EU’s sugar protocol, which guaranteed preferential access to the European market at a stable price. The proceeds from this agreement laid the financial groundwork for modern Mauritius. He is unequivocally the “Father of the Mauritian Economic Miracle,” a distinction that should never be denied or appropriated by others, said Suren Dayal.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam’s legacy is an indelible mark on every sector of Mauritian life. His government established key national institutions like the University of Mauritius, the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), Air Mauritius, and the State Bank of Mauritius. These, along with free health services, the National Pension Scheme, and social aid, are all products of his long tenure as a leader. The Mahatma Gandhi Institute was also established to foster a culturally united Mauritius and strengthen the vital link between Mauritius and India. Through these efforts, Seewoosagur Ramgoolam helped build a nation that was not only economically prosperous but also culturally rich, a place where the diverse traditions and languages of its people were preserved and celebrated.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam left behind a country where every Mauritian is empowered to reap a harvest of peace and prosperity. His legacy is a living testament to his belief that “it is in giving, not in seeking gifts, we find our quest.” His vision and enduring achievements continue to define and inspire the nation he so profoundly loved.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 19 September 2025