Navin Ramgoolam Honours Father SSR on His 126th Birthday

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam attended a commemorative ceremony on Friday morning at the Samadhi of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) in the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses, marking the 126th anniversary of the birth of Mauritius's founding father. The Samadhi — a sacred memorial site — is located within the island's most famous botanical garden in the north of Mauritius, and serves as the final resting place of SSR, who is widely revered as the "Father of the Nation." Speaking to reporters gathered at the site, the Prime Minister reflected on the extraordinary life and legacy of his father. Switching between Mauritian Creole and addressing the press, Ramgoolam described SSR's journey as almost beyond imagination. "His path is an incredible one — an unthinkable story," Ramgoolam said. "No one can fully do justice to SSR — not even me." The remarks were delivered in Mauritian Creole, with Ramgoolam acknowledging that even as his son, he cannot claim to fully capture the scale of what SSR achieved. **Who was Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam?** Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, born on 18 September 1900, led Mauritius to independence from British rule on 12 March 1968 and served as the country's first Prime Minister. He later became Governor-General. Trained as a doctor in London, he dedicated his life to politics and public service, championing universal suffrage, free education, and the welfare of Mauritian workers. He passed away on 15 December 1985 and remains one of the most celebrated figures in the island's history. His son, Navin Ramgoolam, has served as Prime Minister on multiple occasions and returned to office following the Labour Party's victory in the November 2024 general election. The annual commemoration at Pamplemousses draws politicians, dignitaries, and members of the public who gather to honour SSR's memory and reflect on his contribution to modern Mauritius. Source: ION News