The Historian’s Pen: Celebrating the Legacy of Pahlad Ramsurrun

Tribute

October 3rd, 2025, marks the 88th birth anniversary of Pahlad Ramsurrun, an academic, author, and cultural historian whose prolific output has enriched the intellectual landscape of Mauritius. Across a career spanning over half a century, P. Ramsurrun has wielded his trilingual pen — writing in English, Hindi, and French — to capture the folk wisdom, historical narratives, and complex socio-political threads that weave the fabric of the Mauritian nation.

Born into a society grappling with the legacy of indentured labour, P. Ramsurrun took it upon himself to formally document the cultural and historical struggles of the Indian community, thereby injecting long-overdue perspective into the island’s historical narrative. His journey into authorship began, somewhat serendipitously, in 1969 when he won two essay competitions: one focusing on the Arya Samaj movement in Mauritius, and the other on Indo-Mauritian relations. This dual victory was a powerful catalyst, leading to his first book, The Illustrated History of Arya Samaj in Mauritius (1970), and providing the impetus for his higher education at the University of New Delhi.

Ramsurrun’s subsequent studies in Hindi, English, History, and Political Science not only cemented his academic credentials but also exposed him to the intellectual rigour of seasoned Indian writers and journalists, transforming him from a budding writer into a committed one. Upon returning to Mauritius in 1973, he was appointed Education Officer at the Royal College, Curepipe, where he eventually became the Head of Oriental Languages. Yet, it was outside the classroom that his true lifework flourished.

Mauritian folk culture

Perhaps Pahlad Ramsurrun’s most crucial contribution lies in his meticulous preservation of Mauritian folk culture. He understood that the collective memory of the indentured community resided not just in official archives, but in the oral traditions passed down through generations. His Mauritius ki Lok Kathayen (Folk Tales of Mauritius), published in Hindi in 1974, upholds this commitment. The inspiration for the book came from the simple stories he had heard from his mother in his childhood. By transcribing and publishing these tales, Pahlad Ramsurrun ensured that a vital, authentic piece of Mauritian cultural heritage was formally documented and secured for posterity. The book’s recognition, including a literary prize from the U.P. Government in 1975-76 and subsequent translations into German, Japanese, and Marathi, highlights the universal resonance of these local narratives.

Pahlad Ramsurrun’s bibliography is impressive. With over 50 books to his name, his expansive range covers everything from philosophical treatises and political analysis to biographies and cultural studies. Key titles like Mahatma Gandhi and His Impact on Mauritius, Swami Dayanand and His Impact on Hinduism, and Manilal Doctor Historic Court Cases in Mauritius provide invaluable insight into the forces and figures that shaped the modern Mauritian identity.

The ‘Rainbow’

In addition to his personal authorship, Pahlad Ramsurrun has made a significant contribution as the chief editor of the trilingual literary quarterly, Indradhanush (Rainbow). Launched in 1988, the magazine transitioned to a trilingual format (Hindi, English, and French) in 2000, consciously embracing the complex, diverse linguistic reality of Mauritius. Under his guidance, Indradhanush has dedicated special issues to both Francophone and Indo-Mauritian literary giants — from Robert Edward Hart and Malcolm de Chazal to Manilal Doctor and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. This editorial practice has fostered a truly integrated literary dialogue, bridging the island’s cultural divides and promoting a holistic view of its intellectual heritage.

The Call for Balanced History

Crucially, Ramsurrun views his historical work through a lens of balance and truth. He has consistently championed the belief that Mauritian history must move beyond biased interpretations to become an “integrated history of the Mauritian People.” In his view, this requires a deep, subjective, and objective study of all components of society, demanding extensive research and a conscious avoidance of “sensational analysis that may provoke the outrage of a component of society.” By editing and publishing the works of earlier historians like Pandit Atmaram Vishwamath and William Bolton Draper, he provided essential foundational texts, urging a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the past.

On this anniversary, Pahlad Ramsurrun is rightly recognized not merely as an author, but as a tireless contributor and editor who has diligently preserved the vibrant cultural memory of a nation woven from diverse streams.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 3 October 2025