test PAGE 98

inside front

1

23

45

The French have marked Mauritius as theirs,
renaming it Ile de France.

1715

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 – 1821) appoints Général
Charles Mathieu Isidore Decaën (1760 – 1832) as
Governor to tackle the issue of corruption, gambling
and the lack of good governance.
1787

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The ‘Collège National’ becomes the first On 23 September, ‘L’école Centrale’ is TIME LINE
notable school on the island but would officially inaugurated in Port-Louis to
soon disappear. accommodate about 300 students.

1791 1800

The school is transformed into a
‘L’ycée’ eventually becoming a
boarding school offering primary
and secondary education.

1803

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TIMELINE

67

TIME TIME LINE
LINE
9
8

Table Of Contents

10 11

FROM THE PM
DESK OF
13
THE CHIEF
EDITOR

12

DPM MIN EDU

14 15

MIN SOCIAL THE RECTOR

16 “The RCC is one of the institutions
in Mauritius which stood
the test of time..”

I am deeply honoured as the Rector of the Royal College Curepipe to be associated with the launching of this commemorative
magazine marking the 50th Anniversary of Independence and the bi-centenary of Laureateship.
The School Magazine is a symbol of pride and a miniature representation of the school. It not only chronicles the events and
achievements of the school, but also showcases the creative talent and writing prowess of our Students.
The RCC is one of the institutions in Mauritius which stood the test of time in maintaining its high standard and producing
brilliant, dynamic, cultured citizens who have all in some way or another contributed towards the building of Mauritius
during the last 50 Years. Having produced 454 Laureates over the 200 years, the Royal College stands as an icon of excellence.
I should like to place on record the relentless collective efforts, coupled with immense responsibility of the Editing Team &
Staff Members. They have invested themselves heart and soul in the preparation of this edition of the Magazine.
Going through the pages of the magazine will definitely bring memorable souvenirs to those who have spent part of their
youth at the RCC.
I could not end without expressing my heartfelt thanks to the PTA for their unflinching support, RCC Alumni for their
contribution to this magazine and the sponsors for their financial help.
Wishing you a happy reading,

Mitranee KHUSHIRAM
Rector
17

THE DEPUTY RECTOR On behalf of the PTA committee and on my own behalf, it POTHRFEEPSTIDAENT
is with great pleasure that we welcome the 2018 edition
La commémoration est unique et cette publication n’est qu’une modeste contribution au parcours et à l’accomplissement of the RCC school magazine. This magazine is a special Dr Nittin ESSOO
phénoménal de l’institution, le Collège Royal de Curepipe et de l’Ile Maurice indépendante. issue as it celebrates 50 years of independence of our
Je félicite toute l’équipe qui s’est donné corps et âme pour la conception et la concrétisation de cet ouvrage. country and 200th anniversary of RCC ‘s first laureate.
200 ans de lauréats et 50 ans d’indépendance restent une combinaison unique et nous rendons un vibrant hommage à tous This edition of the school magazine is a mosaic of
ceux et celles qui ont œuvré pour que nous soyons aujourd’hui plus que fiers du RCC et de la République de Maurice. contributions from students, staff and other well-
Chers étudiants, je dirai qu’il y a une page de l’Histoire qui vous est dédiée. C’est à vous de la remplir et de faire l’Histoire. wishers of RCC. What is apparent while perusing the
D’autres du RCC l’ont déjà fait avant vous. pages, is that RCC is a close knit and involved community
Mais pour remplir votre page, vous devrez donner une vision à vos ambitions. Quelle empreinte laisserez-vous ? Inspirez-vous of students, teachers and parents, achieving outstanding
de vos idées novatrices et originales. C’est ce qui vous guidera tout au long de votre vie. Vous êtes uniques. Bâtissez votre goals in many fields. It shows that the school goes
avenir et devenez à votre tour des sources d’inspiration pour les autres. beyond the boundaries of conventional education and is
La lutte sera donc de persévérer sans arrêt, de surmonter les obstacles et de tout mettre en œuvre avec sincérité et honnêteté a melting pot of talent in an inclusive manner.
pour atteindre le but. Une fois atteint, c’est cela qui représentera votre particularité et qui fera de vous quelqu’un d’unique. RCC has always led the way in the pursuit of academic
Ce magazine commémore également tous vos efforts et persévérance. excellence while motivating and empowering students
Sachez aussi, très chers étudiants, que toute réussite n’est jamais individualiste ni personnelle. L’entourage, la famille, to be well-grounded citizens in an ever-changing
l’environnement, la nature, le pays vous aident dans ce que vous entreprenez. society. We are living in a world full of challenges and
Renvoyez l’ascenseur dès que vous le pourrez. more than ever, the education system is under scrutiny.
This magazine provides a platform for students to
“200 ans de demonstrate their critical thinking ability, adaptability,
lauréats et 50 ans realism together with a strong sense of common values,
d’indépendance unique to RCC.
restent une Over the many years of its existence, RCC students have
combinaison unique..” grown to be leaders in diverse fields. But what is more
important is that they learn about sharing, being there
Satya LALLCHAND for others, and giving back to society at large. RCC is the
Deputy Rector stepping stone for many young boys to live their dreams,
unleash their potential and move horizons to challenge
18 the status quo.
The PTA has worked diligently this year to improve the
infrastructure and enhance the learning experience. We
have turned a listening ear to the student voice and to
staff feedback. Many of the initiatives have stemmed
from these two sources. We have welcomed new
members on the team, who are committed to bring
novel ideas to the school. Our objective is to provide a
holistic and supportive environment to the students
where they feel comfortable to grow at their own pace
and channel their potential in various fields.
I would like to congratulate and thank the editorial
team; whose dedication and creativity provides a fresh
look into RCC and the many stories that would otherwise
have remained untold. I hope that you derive great
enjoyment in reading about the RCC through the pages
of this magazine.

19

Development Bank of Mauritius Ltd

Tel: 2033600 email:[email protected] www.dbm.mu

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Loan Amount Startups & Women Entrepreneurs Se libèrent des ténèbres
Interest Rate Rs 1 M (Maximum) Voguent vers la connaissance
Repayment Period 3% p.a (for maximum of 4 years)
Target Sectors 7 Years (Maximum) De la pierre bleu gris
Eligibility Small & Micro sectors including value added projects Colons et affranchis
Erigent le temple
Young & Women Entrepreneurs Sueurs essentielles
Fascination des maçons
Loan Amount MSME Financing Obsession des nobles
Interest Rate Rs 3 M (Maximum)
Repayment Period 3% p.a (for maximum of 4 years) Berceau des arts et de la culture
Target Sectors 7 Years (Maximum) Des sciences et de la vie
Manufacturing, Service, Tourism, Agri Business & ICT De la connaissance et des hommes
Eligibility Des combats et des engagements
Individual, Cooperatives or Companies Le fer croise la pierre
Le savoir se libère
Sheltered Farming
Disciple du savoir et du bâtisseur
Loan Amount Rs 3 M (Maximum) Héritier de la pierre et du fer
Interest Rate Ouvre tes ailes et ton âme
Repayment Period 3% p.a (for maximum of 4 years) Albatros de la mer indienne
Target Sectors Vogue vers les nouveaux horizons
7 Years (Maximum) Apprivoise la connaissance, les hommes et la vie …
Eligibility
Under cultivation of vegetables, fruits & flowers WAR – From the archives
REMEMBRANCE – Kenny Qiu Fen
Individual, Cooperatives or Companies 1972, UNE ANNÉE INTENSe – Ah Fat Wong Ten Yuen (Laureate 1972)
THE RCC YEARS – Toshanand Beekarry (Laureate 2000)
Loan Amount Organic Farming CONTENTS LAUREATES IN THE HALL OF FAME … from 1818 to 2017
Interest Rate Rs 1 M (Maximum) THE ROYS : about affirmation, gratitude and challenges (Laureate 1993 and alumni))
Repayment Period THE WINDS OF CHANGE NEVER STOP BLOWING – Paramanund Soobarah
Target Sectors 3% p.a (for maximum of 4 years) ABOUT GRATITUDE – Arvind Luximan (Laureate 2010)
FROM WILLOUGHBY TO RCC AND BEYOND A DECISIVE BATTLE – Cyril Wong Sun Thiong (Laureate 1981)
Eligibility 7 Years (Maximum)
Under cultivation of vegetables, fruits & flowers 21
Recommended by FAREI
Individual, Cooperatives or Companies

Loan Amount Import Substitution loan Scheme
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* Terms and Conditions apply

THE DOYEN OF RCC

How do you describe the RCC atmosphere at Bhoomitre Boollel,
your time? the oldest living
The school population was a clear-cut Royalist on the
illustration of the disparity between whites condition of things
and non-whites in the country. Owing to their at RCC and Mauritius
differences, white and non-whites practically during the 1930s
never interacted except for pivotal matters.
How were the laureates’ celebrations carried How do you feel being the oldest living RCC
out at your time? alumni?
To be frank, the outcome of the HSC results I am proud and happy to be here today. While,
proclamation did not arouse excitement among unfortunately, many of my friends are gone, I
the students at all. The reason behind this am still going strong and keeping my health in
mundanity was the fact that only one student check.
was crowned laureate each year. All in all, it was What are your views concerning the country’s
a day like all others. independence?
Who was the rector at your time? What were I personally attended the flag-raising ceremony.
the main subjects taught at school? The independence was quite an unexpected
Mr. Barnes was the rector during my years at event and the aftermath brought no immediate
RCC. Much emphasis was put on conventional change to the country’s status. Mauritius is a far
scientific subjects such as Chemistry, Physics better place now than it was 50 years ago.
and Biology. Mathematics was of course
fundamental to these. However, Latin was
also taught at school, being referred to as “the
language of science” at that time.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
What path brought you to where you are today?
I left RCC after Form 5 to take care of my family. I
had 2 brothers and 3 sisters. I obtained the ‘Grande
Bourse’ scholarship for my studies. Later on, I used
to give free tuitions to all the children of my family
and friends. I didn’t fret about money, I only wanted
to help anyone I could. Today, I have succumbed

to age yet still practise hobbies such as gardening
and reading. All in all, I am happy and proud of
having come such a long way in life.

“one student was
crowned laureate
each year..”

Interview of Mr. Bhoomitre BOOLELL
Avish MADHOW
Akshat GUPTA
Grade 12 S1 & S2

22 23

WAR There are different kinds of wars, A nation is But man is such a being that he is afraid of his
fighting for greed or for a principle or for both. harshness when he acts with violence. Then
Broadly speaking, we call war the prolonged struggle between two or more forces that tend to War by invasion comes in the first category, for fear of a reversal of fortune, he always puts
limit and destroy themselves or conquer others. When looked at from this point of view, the state namely war for greed. For personal interest forth an ideal for which he is fighting. This is the
of war is the natural existing state of affairs. For in fact there is not one being on this earth that has been the first motive of violent struggle case with invaders of all countries. They find
does not try to conquer and destroy others. All beings fight, devour and are devoured. There between men. Take the cases of the wars at the the necessity of making other people think that
must be therefore a law for suffering that nothing, not even the inorganic world, can escape. beginning of history. The invaders’ main object they are fighting, killing, robbing, murdering for
was to secure money and cattle and to plunder the sake of an immaterial ideal.
There is a state of war also in what we call the the land. Cases of wars for principle come later, Take the case of the Spaniards. When they
moral world. Each new idea tries to destroy others the last one being the Great War. conquered the Indians of America they did not
in order to remain alone; it tries to bring under its When the Germans invaded France, they acknowledge their lust for riches, for “naked”
domination physical forces that in turn try to stifle it. were fighting for greed, they were trying to force is ashamed of herself. They said that their
It is from this point of view that man, the most obtain more land. They were also fighting for aim was to spread the Christian doctrine all
intricate of all beings, lives in a perpetual fight a principle: They had to help their ally Austria over the world, and when they burnt the Incas
between man, his equal, and Nature. who was attacked by Serbia and by Russia who in order to learn the position of the Gold Mines
was allied to France. This war was mainly a war they called this “Act of faith”.
Man has beliefs and passions and these two are for principle. England joined France, not for the As victory in war is due to he arms used, it will
everlasting causes for disputes. From the intellectual sake of money. (for can money buy the lives of be interesting to study the different kinds of
point of view, he wishes to put everything in its right millions of dead?) but for the sake of protesting arms used at different times.
place, whence originate in him the ideas of Duty and for the neutrality of Belgium so unjustly
Justice; from the point of view that he is a material attacked by the Germans.
and passionate being, he tries to absorb other
beings, including men to make them work for him “Wars of any kind are disastrous..”
and satisfy his ambitions and passions.

“Had it been that Any war between men originates from one of these At first people fought with wooden clubs. Later on, they sharpened pieces of flint and made
ideas alone could causes. Had it been that ideas alone could enter them into axes and spearheads which they used in wars. As we leave the stone age and come
enter into the into the struggle against ideas, then wars could to the bronze and iron ages, we find that stone weapons are replaced by similar ones of bronze
struggle against be carried on with words and pens and any other and iron. When iron was used, the soldiers had to wear coats of mail and helmets so as to protect
ideas, then wars immaterial arms, and no physical harm would their bodies from injury. But although these arms were very elaborate, yet they were the principle
could be carried be done to humanity. But this is not the case, for agents of victory. Later on, horses were also introduced on the battlefields. They bore the soldiers
on with words and when two ideas oppose each other, then both take who fought with lances, but then bows and arrows were introduced the horses and soldiers had to
pens and any other arms and, with the help of material forces, each be protected with armor, for the arrows hurt them from far. The greatest event in the world of arms
immaterial arms, exterminates the protagonists of its opposite. Then was the introduction of cannons on battlefields. The first cannons were used at Crecy in 1346 by
and no physical war is carried on with blows, men are burnt alive or the English. Since that time, cannons of different types have been built, some more powerful than
harm would be put to death on scaffolds and soldiers, cannons and the others, and In the last war, the guns used could hit a target twenty miles away.
done to humanity..” battleships are used for the purpose. In the last war, the Germans tried to use poisonous gases and these claimed a lot of victims and
But of all the forms of war, the one that is most they even intend to use virulent microbes in any future war. Then this will be the most atrocious
justified is when a person or nation takes arms to and violent form of waging war. They will only be showing their brutal dispositions and animal
oppose, with the aid of force the development of instincts, while considering themselves as civilized beings.
another force that wants to introduce a false and Wars of any kind are disastrous. They cost many lives and they should be banished. The best way of
unjust idea. This is the case when a nation defends protecting the future generations against this peril is to abolish the study of History in all schools
its land, its properties, its laws and customs against and colleges. But as no nation is taking this measure, the only thing we can do is to pray god not to
any other invading nation. involve us in any war, for we are still suffering from the effects of the last one, and generations of
people will suffer if there is any war again.

H.F. - 1940s

24 25

REMEMBRANCE... Unfortunately, we are saddened by the fact that this intricately designed monument, which
is among the most appealing ones in Mauritius, is not given enough credit. In fact, Mauritians
On this day, 100 years ago, a major war was being fought. A war that was fought to end all in general are unaware about the history behind its raison d’être. Even, us Royalists, used
wars, as naïvely thought perhaps. Even though, in the present day, World War I moved from to come across this national heritage every day, ignorant about the writings on the copper
memory to history, its effects still ripple through time with consequences on geopolitics, plates, until last year, when it was renovated.
people and entire nations - effects that we cannot and shall not overlook. WW1 is also remembered as the Great War and the First Modern War since it was the first
World War I could be said to have begun in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, with the assassination of war where technology was used in terms of tanks, machine guns, aerial combat and radio
Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, by a young nationalist seeking a greater Serbia. communications. This terrific battle alas helped the widespread of one of the deadliest
The four and a half years that followed - as the war spread throughout Europe, the Middle East and global pandemics, being the Spanish Flu of 1918, where 20 to 50 million people perished.
Asia - reshaped the modern world in fundamental ways. By the time WW1 gave its last breath on Nevertheless, the deadliest war that ever occurred was World War 2 where the daunting atomic
November 11th 1918, more than 9 million soldiers lost their lives and more than 21 million were bomb destroyed cities, namely Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Japan. To this date, ravaged regions
wounded. Among them, many Mauritians died for the cause of freedom and justice. are still under quarantine and the mushroom cloud still remains a death totem, a symbol of fear,
Shortly after the war, Governor Hesketh Bell announced that he had met an eminent artist, reminding us of the countless lives that were lost as a result of the use of this dreadful weapon.
J.A. Stevenson, in London, who agreed to design a bronze monument similar to that of Fortunately, shortly after WW2, the United Nations was established on October 24th 1945 with the
Bernard Partidge representing two allied soldiers: The Frenchman Poilu and the Englishman aim of avoiding conflicts between countries and finding solutions through negotiations, towards
Tommy. To forever remember these brave souls – among which were many Royal College peace with 193-member States to date. Active organs from this organisation are eagerly helping
of Mauritius students - the War Memorial was erected and inaugurated on April 15th 1922,
on which their names were engraved in both English and French, here at Royal College populations throughout the world.
Curepipe, at the gates of the prestigious institution. Kenny QIU FEN
Grade 12 S1

“November 11th 1918, more than 9
million soldiers lost their lives and more

than 21 million were wounded.
Among them, many Mauritians died for

the cause of freedom and justice..”

26 27

1818 BIGOT, A. 1864 HERMANS, J. 1885 ROUILLARD, L. 1906 CURÉ, M.
1821 FADUILHE, F. 1864 LEMIERE, H. 1886 BARBEAU, G. 1907 MAYER, M.
1822 DUPONT, E. 1864 DUBOIS, V. 1886 LE J. DE SEGRAIS. P. 1907 MORAU, J.
1823 GEOFFROY, H. 1865 HOBBS, W. 1887 MARTIN, C. 1908 D’AVRAY, A.
1839 SOUBRIÉ, J. 1865 LEBOBINNEC, F. 1887 JACQUES, L.V. 1908 LEBLANC, G.
1840 KOENIG, A. 1866 BROWN, R.M. 1888 DE CHAZAL, R. 1909 HERCHENRODER, P.
1841 GARREAU, V. 1866 PELLEREAU, E. 1888 CHASTELLIER, G. 1909 BAYLIS, J.A.
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1847 DICK, C. 1872 PADDLE, J.I. 1892 ROWELL, P.F.P. 1913 LAURENT, M.
1848 DUPUY, A. 1872 CANTIN, L.A. 1893 LOUIS, J.L. 1914 CANTIN, Y.
1849 BARDET, T. 1873 JEAN LOUIS, N. 1893 D’AYRAY, E.A. 1914 PITOT, M.
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1863 FORDER, J. 1885 STANDLEY, A. 1906 BERNARD. E.O. 1927 LAVOIPIERRE, J.J.M.

28 29

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1939 TECK HAM NG, N.L. 1961 NADEAU J, Y. 1985 ROSUN, M.S.
1940 ROHAN, R.F. 1961 JULLIENNE, E.A.C. 1985 SOOPRAMANIEN, M.
1940 COUTANCEAU, H.P.R. 1962 MAURICE, J.C.F.S. 1986 DOOKHY, R.A.C.
1941 BRUN, M.R.F. 1963 WONG NG, S.L.J.C. 1987 NG LIM HING, J.
1941 BENETT, G.R. 1964 FAN LUN, H.K.C. 1987 DOMINGO, L.J.C.
1942 BOUTON, J. 1965 CALLIKAN, D. 1988 CHELLEN, T.R.A.H.
1942 REY. M.S.A.N. 1965 RIVIERE, M.S. 1988 DOWLUT, N.H.
1943 RAULT, J.E.G. 1966 GHAWSS, I.M. 1989 GUNGAH, S.K.
1943 CELESTIN, L.R. 1968 BANYMANDHUB, K. 1989 IP TOO YU, C.
1944 HENRY, J.R. 1969 FAN, C.K. 1989 THANACOODY, K.H.R.
1944 ESTHER, J.L. 1969 HAREL, M.G.D. 1989 BALGOBIN, S.
1945 DAVID, J.M. 1971 NAIRAC, B.L. 1989 NG LIM HING, P.
1945 DUNIENVILLE, L.V.R.M. 1972 APPADOO, S. 1990 DINAH, A.F.
1946 FALCKH, R.C.F. 1972 WONG TEN YUEN, A.F. 1990 GUNGADOO, R.
1946 NALLETAMBY, M.I.F.P. 1973 BAGUANT, N.K. 1990 ANDRE, J. J.
1947 BANCILHON, A.B. 1973 PHOOLCHAND, H.N. 1990 NG TUNG HING, E.V.L.K.C.
1947 FORGET, N.P. 1974 ITHIER, J.G. 1990 GOKOOL, S.
1948 HARDY, J.P.R. 1974 RAMFUL, D. 1991 BOODHOO, A.K.
1948 BELL, J.C.C. 1975 CHANLOW, L.J. 1991 CHADEE, J.
1948 LALOUETTE, J. 1975 HONG KHEE FAH, Y.Y. 1991 MATABADUL, S.

30 31

1972, Une année intense The RCC Years…

Ah ! Qu’est-ce que la vie au collège était différente, voire Nothing suggested that I had academic ability in my
stimulante à l’époque ! Outre le travail académique, il y avait first years at RCC. I struggled badly to adapt to the new
une pléiade d’activités après les classes. Cela variait des environment and the new kind of intellectual discipline
domaines sportifs aux ateliers artistiques ou culturels, entre that secondary school required. I enjoyed studying
photographie et philosophie. Chaque année, on montait une languages. However, I could never get my head around
pièce de théâtre, très souvent du Molière, et l’on invitait les some of the new subjects and even the new Mathematics
autres collèges aux représentations. Les “prefects” organisaient was often beyond me. I barely scraped through the first
un bal de fin d’année comme levée de fonds. On ne s’ennuyait years. Today, this is something I regret because I have
pas à l’école. grown up to enjoy learning a lot more than back then,
and I wish I had given more importance to learning
L’année 1972 m’est chère pour plusieurs raisons. C’était une “You can get out Science.
année particulièrement faste car le RCC avait fait table rase of RCC, but do you I am saying this because I’m sure there are some young
dans presque toutes les compétitions inter-collèges. La plus ever get RCC out readers who will be in the same situation; struggling to
prestigieuse performance était celle de l’équipe de football, of you?..” adapt. All I will say is that there is value hanging on in there
qui avait réussi à mettre fin à l’hégémonie des “Saints” (St and letting things fall into place naturally. I am the living
“Chaque année, on Esprit et St Joseph), en remportant pour la toute première fois, proof of that.
montait une pièce de le tournoi inter-collèges. Nous n’avions pas d’individualités, The 7th of February 2000…
théâtre, très souvent du mais possédions un jeu d’équipe, soudés par une franche By the time I reached HSC, I knew the academic path I
Molière, et l’on invitait camaraderie et tout cela bien orchestré par notre mentor- wanted to take. I was studying Maths, English Literature
les autres collèges aux entraîneur, M. Georgy Espitalier-Noël. and French and was a lot more confident in my ability. I was
représentations. Les Cette année-là, les Royalistes avaient aussi remporté supported by dedicated teachers, in and outside school,
“prefects” organisaient un les tournois de volley-ball, d’échecs outre les concours and there had been whispers that I had an outside chance
bal de fin d’année comme d’éloquence mais avaient joué de malchance à la finale du of winning a state scholarship…
levée de fonds. On ne quiz de la MBC TV. Le fait que j’étais capitaine de l’équipe de The day of the results was big. I had got ready to go to
s’ennuyait pas à l’école..” foot et aussi Head Boy me rendait doublement heureux et fier school when my parents turned up and ordered me to stay
; la Bourse d’Angleterre (ça s’appelait ainsi) en 1972, cerise tant home “to listen to the results…”. I protested vehemently
convoitée, concrétisait cette année intense. in vain, because I was sure there was going to be nothing
Pour la petite histoire, il faut savoir que dans les années 70, il n’y to listen to. The names of the scholarship winners would
avait que six lauréats (deux garçons et une fille côté moderne be announced at noon, and the hours to that moment
et classique). C’était, par contre, une bourse complète, ce felt long. The clocked ticked by slowly at 11.50, drama…
qui m’a permis de compléter mes cinq années d’étude sans there was a power cut! We found ourselves running to
subvention financière de mes parents. Et c’était le cas pour les the car to listen to the results being announced on the car
six lauréats. Lauréat de la cuvée 1972, je suis rentré à Maurice radio…When my name was announced, my first reaction
en 1989 et j’exerce en tant que gynécologue après des études was to feel sorry for the journalist. Not easy to pronounce
de médecine au King’s College, Londres. Toshanand Goorcharan Beekarry on live radio, is it? (Not)
To conclude…
Ah Fat WONG TEN YUEN The years I have spent at RCC will always be cherished.
32 They were happy and I made so many friends along the
way, many of whom are still very close. I met so many
fantastic teachers, to whom I will be forever indebted. As I
go through life, the RCC years feel even more special.

Toshanand Goorcharan BEEKARRY

33

In Search of Excellence A Personal Perspective At Crossroads

As British rule firmed up on the The RCC gave me an intellectual A host of adverse exogenous
island, the Colonial Government and emotional grounding that influences (two majorly disruptive
set about putting the institutions allowed me to cope with what secondary reforms in two decades,
that would be the hallmark of life has thrown at me since. sub-standard levels of investment
the empire. Thus came the Royal From an academic perspective, in infrastructure and equipment,
College in the manner of British inquisitiveness, self-discipline and the increase in teenage drug
public schools. With time, its self-motivation were invaluable consumption amongst others)
stone edifice, the mahogany floors traits that I learnt at RCC and ought to have many predict the
and large wooden windows would which were crucial in my later eventual demise of the RCC. Yet, its
distil the excellence of Mauritius. development in the highly students surprisingly continue to
The line of British rectors and competitive environments of perform at levels that are nothing
teachers trailing their graduate Cambridge and international short of stellar.
gowns would turn wonderstruck finance. We were never spoon-fed A dynamic alumni community
freshers into the savvy citizens of at RCC, and that sense of initiative could have a productive role to
a latter year. ensured that I was able to stride play at this junction. It already
What would meld classrooms onwards where others, with a is very active through Facebook
would be the kinship of a dimly different baggage, lagged behind. pages and groups that are well-
perceived common culture. From an emotional standpoint, the maintained and moderated
It is time after fifty years of extreme diversity of backgrounds and through various socials it
independence to reaffirm the among my peers instilled humility organises.
best of Mauritian culture perhaps and perspective on life. However, more could still be done.
in fresh premises and to dedicate Secondly and most importantly, A common contribution towards
ourselves once again to that RCC has given me that most the upgrading of infrastructure
glorious spirit that has animated precious of anchors: lifelong would not be amiss for the most
so many within its walls. friends. I have been lucky enough deserving young minds in this
Ashoke ROY (Class of 1961) to have had a moderately country. A couple of scholarships
successful career to date and have would help right a wrong for those
THE ROYS: travelled the world and lived in a who only just miss out on being
ABOUT number of different countries. Life laureates and who cannot afford
AFFIRMATION, has not always been kind however their dream courses.
GRATITUDE and when chips have been down, The School has become a perpetual
AND CHALLENGES my small group of closest RCC tale of a generation breaking
friends have kept me real while through the glass ceiling in spite
34 being a constant source of joy, of the dire learning conditions
solace, unswerving loyalty and they face. As former students,
unconditional love. For that, I will attempting to change this
be forever grateful to the Royal amounts to a moral imperative.
College Curepipe. Gulshan ROY (Class of 2006)

Ashwin ROY (Class of 1992;
Laureate Arts 1993)

35

THE WINDS Another point to note from those days is that There were very few Indo-Mauritian laureates in the
OF CHANGE laureateship was awarded on the basis, not of the English Scholarship era; one recalls Chavrimootoo,
NEVER STOP Cambridge HSC, but of a special examination called the first laureate way back towards the end of the
BLOWING the English Scholarship examination: this allowed nineteenth century, Neerunjun in 1925 and Fakim in
a couple of students from the colony of Mauritius 1935. When the HSC era started we had Cassimally
Times change – as the old and even not to gain access to British universities. Other colonies, and Heerallal. There was an uproar about the latter at
so old often observe. The day I joined Trinidad for instance, had comparable arrangements; school, for one of his main subjects was Geography,
RCC, way back in the forties, all of us in the famous writer VS Naipaul was a laureate from not Physics. The rector, Dr Constant, was unmoved:
Form I, and other new entrants to the Trinidad in this sense. The year of transition from the he was himself a Geography specialist!
school like us, were summoned to the English Scholarship to the Cambridge HSC was marked Some Substantial and Highly Significant Changes
Hall to be told about what was expected by the award of four laureateships at the RCC, two for Other major changes have come since. The biggest of
of us at our new school. Mr TB Barnes, the last two students of the English Scholarship, and all has been the extension of free secondary education
the rector, happened to be away on two from the new HSC-based system. to all who qualify for it, followed more recently by free
home leave (he was an expatriate, as Around that time, another change took place: transport for all pupils. Not everything is rosy in our
were all rectors in those days, and as the Royal College School was renamed the Royal Education System. My principal grievance is that not
were also some of the teachers. College Port Louis (RCPL), and got its own Form VI. enough is done about teaching the English language.
Then onwards, RCC had to compete with RCPL for I shall have more to say about that and some other
We were addressed by Mr André Glover, acting Laureates. But the pupils still had to come to the Royal matters some other time.
Rector. He spoke in English, and we had no College Curepipe to sit for their Cambridge exams. It
difficulty whatsoever in understanding him. On was around this time that Mr D Burrenchobay (later
that first day, we, the First Formers, toddlers Sir Dayendranath Burrenchobay, Governor-General
as we were, were surprised to be joined in the of Mauritius) came into the picture as Physics and
audience by a number of very big, serious- Mathematics teacher. After a short spell at RCC, he
looking boys, some in full suits and ties: they was posted at RCPL.
were, we learnt, from the Royal College School,
Port Louis, where they had already completed Another change that came during my time was the
their School Certificate, and had come to do their award of laureateship to non-government-owned
Form VI at the Royal College, Curepipe, because schools, that is, private secondary schools, one on
there was no Form VI at the Royal College School. each of the classical and science sides.
They were new entrants to RCC, and therefore
needed to be informed about their new school, MEMORIES LESS PLEASANT
just like us. I just happen to remember that one
of these big boys was called Murday: he later During my early years there, the RCC was divided “There was no Form VI at the
became a great mathematics teacher and also into black and white on practically apartheid lines. Royal College School..”
the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education. The central quadrangle was reserved for white boys
who played basketball. The main football field – there
36 used to be a standard-size football ground in those
days, the space now being occupied by buildings –
was for the non-whites. But football matches were
often organised between all-white and all-non-white
teams; needless to say, the non-whites always won.
Even inside classrooms the whites, whose numbers
kept dwindling over the years, sat huddled together,
seldom speaking to the other boys.

Paramanund SOOBARAH
Reproduced with the permission of Mauritius Times (adapted)
Website: http://www.mauritiustimes.com/mt/paramanund-soobarah-13/

37

A GRATITUDE... From Willoughby to RCC and beyond:
A decisive battle
“Be
grateful for On this auspicious day in February 1981, when I or the noble professions. I was suddenly faced with
what you have now. As was proclaimed as the first of the four Science side the reality of having to decide on a field of graduate
you begin to think about all the laureates, I was overwhelmed by a flood of emotions studies that would then lead to a professional career
things in your life you are grateful for, you that were rapidly overtaken by the spontaneous and nothing had prepared me for that. I must say that
will be amazed at the never ending thoughts that celebrations of the day. I was marched into the I sought the advice of my RCC teachers who gave me
come back to you of more things to be grateful for. You have traditional procession on the shoulders of my useful guidance and I am grateful to them.
to make a start, and then the law of attraction will receive those grateful enthusiastic friends to voice our joy and pride to Despite some apprehension, I was filled with hope
thoughts and give you more just like them.” - Rhonda Byrne, The Secret our friendly neighbours in Commerford Street. I was for the future. My dream to be able to study at one
Obviously, we are aware, these two little words, “Thank You“, are not enough to quantify our debt really touched by the immense joy and pride I felt in of the best universities in the UK was about to be
towards someone. In this sense, we are trying to convey a message. A simple one. That we must set aside all the RCC students present and I really felt on that realised. I wish to express here my deepest gratitude
our ego, open our mouth and say… Thank you. Thank you to anybody who helped you. Thank you to the day a sense of belonging to the great institution to the RCC and the teachers who have supported and
one or the ones that made you “you”. On this note, thank you for reading my words. that is the RCC. encouraged me during my journey at the RCC. I hope
Please stay with us, and read the above document…isn’t it moving? Obviously, I was filled with joy. I was happy to this article can also help to inspire the RCC students
see the pride of the students that the RCC again from modest origins that success only depends
Kyle AH VON / Grade 12 E, demonstrated that it was one of the best and most on talent and hard work and they can also nourish
Arvind Luximan / Laureate 2010 successful schools on the island. I was also very happy legitimate ambitions to become laureates.
38 to see the pride in my parents’ eyes. I come from a
very modest family and my parents were very simple
persons whose only ambition in life was the success
of their children. I know that my success as a laureate
is the proudest moment in their life and I am grateful
that I could provide them with this moment of pride
that they cherished all their life.

“It was an objective that I had set
myself since joining the RCC..”

I also felt an immense relief to be proclaimed a Cyril Tchang Fa WONG SUN THIONG
laureate. It was an objective that I had set myself
since joining the RCC. First, out of necessity, as
winning a scholarship was the only way for me to
pursue university studies abroad. Then there was
constant peer pressure as I joined the RCC hailing
from Willoughby Government School in Mahebourg
as the first of the ‘boursiers de la petite bourse’. My
academic results at the college was excellent as
I generally topped the exams list every year and
this created an expectation that I should become a
laureate. This expectation was sometimes difficult
to cope with but the bright side was that it kept me
motivated to always give the best of myself in my
studies.
Strangely I was also apprehensive about the future.
Suddenly the world changed for me and I did not
have a clue what to do next. I was quite protected
during my school years with the very simple objective
to do the best in my studies. I was quite shielded
from the world of work as my family did not have
much connection to the world of industry or finance

39

LEARNING Education in Mauritius is organised as a Government
Department under the control of the Director of Public
The sight of the word “Education” at the head of a chapter nerves Instruction. Primary education is provided by Government
the ordinary reader for some strenuous skipping. Why this almost schools and by schools assisted by Government. In both
universal shrinking from the topic? Well, it is possibly due to the these categories Government pays the salaries of the
large number of the serious gentlemen who compile the standard teachers and also grants pupils who pass the various
works on education think it respectable to be dull, just as some of standards.
my northern compatriots deem it honest to be rude. That dullness Primary education is free, although not yet compulsory;
is a pledge of respectability that is, of course, a wide-spread belief. and a system of scholarships and free tuition connecting
Earnest conservatives of Mid Victorian days found it hard to reconcile the primary schools with the Royal College enables a clever
Disraeli’s Leadership with his novels, and rather thought that a boy not only to get his whole education for nothing, but
serious statesman ought not to be witty; and the electors of oxford to make money out of it as well. Such a pupil may pass
considered Thackeray too humorous a person to represent them with through the Royal College without costing his parents a
due gravity in Parliament. penny, and even, eventually, win the educational grand
prix of Mauritius – The English scholarship, of which I shall
“The fact remains that books on education have something more to say later.
are usually deadly dull..” The worst fault of almost all the schools in Mauritius is the
system of cramming, and cramming is likely to continue in
Whatever the cause, the fact remains that books on education are full force while grants are paid “by results” – that bad old
usually deadly dull; and though I cannot guarantee that the present practice which has so long been abolished in England.
chapter will not fall under the same condemnation, I can at least assure If a man’s salary depends on the number of boys he can
the hesitating reader that nothing will here be said of the percentage of force through a given standard by a given date, education
passes or average cost per head. My modest aim in these pages being will always degenerate into unintelligent cramming for
merely to offer a few notes on the local educational system in general, that standard. The tree is known by its fruits; and the
on the Royal College in particular, and to jot down some personal fruits of cramming are an overtaxed memory, parrot-like
reminiscences drawn from twenty-three years’ experience of teaching learning by rote, and the habit of reading without really
in Mauritius. understanding what is read – and of being content not to
understand it.
40 Extraordinary results of this cramming system are
frequently supplied, alike by boys and girls in the various
local examinations. Stock essays are written by masters on
subjects thought likely to be set, and these productions are
committed to memory and reproduced word for word in
the examination room –but often with some blunder that
shows the candidate has completely failed to grasp the
meaning of what he has so carefully transcribed; whole
pages of history and geography, too, are thus learned by
rote and faithfully reproduce – sometimes with similar slips
that make nonsense of the passage.
What has been said of cramming in the boys’ schools of
Mauritius applies with equal force to the schools for girls.
There exists a local scheme for the higher education of girls,
and as grants are paid by Government for pupils passing
in the various standards, the temptation to cram the girls
proves irresistible to their teachers.

T.W. EYRE, B.A (cantab.),
Professor of the Royal College

41

COSTA CONCORDIA: our tale of it In my time as a student at RCC, I developed great friendships, played (too much) cards, broke my wrist
and ankle playing (way too much) football, and attended all classes. One of the previous statements is
Obviously, I was filled with joy. I was happy to evacuation was emitted even an hour after the initial obviously not true- I’ll let you guess which one!
Stories of shipwreck survivors are ubiquitous. The impact. The confusion and disarray generated from One’s potential as RCC student is undeniable. However, the way our education system is designed might
Costa Concordia has had its lot of testimonies as this lack of clarity was unprecedented. According to possibly lead to think that academic prowess is the sole gold standard to measure achievements. There is
well as some of the survivors lodging complaints the international maritime law, all passengers are far more that is within our grasp though and limiting oneself to academics will leave much of one’s potential
against the fleeing captain, Schettino. Nonetheless, to be evacuated within 30 minutes, and yet, it took untapped.
and as astonishing as this would sound, the Royal 6 hours for the salvage of Costa Concordia- 6 hours As I reached my final years at college, I became very dissatisfied with my studies. I felt tuitions were taking
College Curepipe shares a unique link with that during which Selven’s life was officially pending. a considerable portion of my time. So, I stopped tuitions. I didn’t receive much support back then since
specific incident in the name of one Mr Armoogum, Hours away from the tragedy, Mauritius still held it was so unusual, and it turned out I was rather unprepared to face up to my own decision. My school
mostly known as Selven. Onboard, the latter was its breath while one of our counterpart was still not performances suffered as a result.
a crew member mainly indulged with the grass- registered as alive. It was one of the most anxious
levelled duties. instant of the family of Selven. From the Costa The experience didn’t go to waste thankfully. The incredible
Not too long ago he was an (un)fortunate victim - Concordia to the RCC crew, it was indeed a great resource that is the Internet proved to be a game changer as well.
depending on perspectives- of Italy’s worst maritime voyage for Selven. We however wish to honour the The take-away here is not that tuition is bad. But when you put in the
disaster since the Second World War. 32 people died lives of those who unfortunately perished in this maths in terms of time spent at school compared to tuition, it isn’t
on this infamous event 13th January 2012. At around accident. May your souls be blessed. logical in most circumstances. Somewhere, either school is failing us
21:45, the passengers were shook. Panic slowly built badly or our priorities have become way too heavily biased towards
as words of a 50 M wide gash spread. A few seconds “A few seconds suffice for the crew to academics.
suffice for the crew to realise its hapless precision: it cut realise its hapless precision: it cut the A student should surround himself with support and like-minded
the engine room. Obviously, it led to dooming power engine room..” peers, work on self-discipline, find a family at RCC. With knowledge
loss- the cruise was now left to the mercy of the waves. so freely available, one can solo many things in life, but with friends,
Ousted from the sea into the shallow water of the it can be a far more enjoyable and rich experience. This can be found
Giglio Island, the cruise grounded minutes later. What at school – in classmates and in teachers. All things worthwhile
astounds most from the story is that passengers were takes time, effort and patience. However, one thing is sure: school
left in the dark literally and figuratively as no order for absolutely and imperatively needs to be more than what it is today.

Roshik Rughunauth / Grade 13E My family: RCC

Shiva MAUREE / Alumnus 2004

“A student should surround himself
with support and like-minded peers,
work on self-discipline,find a family
at RCC..”

42 43

Oh RCC, my precious RCC! Mauritius, my country

12 December 2012: Discovering RCC would be “It was one of the toughest
my home for the next 7 years, I was elated. All of a decisions I’ve ever had to make,
sudden, I was a Royalist, a member of the elite - ‘La but I am thankful that it has been
crème de la crème,’ as my dad would say.
Six years earlier, walking through those huge doors, the right decision.”
I hardly knew I was walking alongside future best
friends. Clueless about our destiny, we resorted to Fazeel Soyfou / RCC Alumnus
staring at the building in awe. At that point in time, we
did not know the prejudice that had been placed upon To stay or to come back to Mauritius after studying Today, with the country opening up and diversifying
our heads as we crossed that threshold: to some, we abroad? It’s a question that every student faces into new sectors such as the ocean economy,
were academic over-achievers while to others we were once the decision is made to go and study beyond innovative finance and technology, there is an
arrogant and too smart for the general population. our shores. I spent fifteen years in London before increasing need for skills and expertise beyond the
However, fellow royalists, you helped me find solace returning to Mauritius a couple of years ago. traditional fields of accountancy, law and medicine –
for only you could understand my plight. In the One of the main reasons for staying abroad is the what I call our “national favourites”.
course of my school life, when times were hard, when breadth of opportunities that are not available locally, Of course, we have to be realistic – we are a small island
I couldn’t deal with life anymore, I knew that I would which help us develop both professionally and also as and the opportunities will not be endless. Yet, with a
always find comfort at school. That there would always an individual. Some of us may have specific aspirations greater attempts given to Mauritians to develop and
be someone to hug me even though it looked gay. or commitments that require a swift return to showcase their talent, we can today influence things
And even today, when life tries its best to tear us apart, Mauritius. I know friends who had family constraints positively and each make our own contribution, little
I know that, at the end of the day, we will be there for that didn’t allow them to spend much time overseas. or large, to the growth and prosperity of this society.
each other, no matter what. After all, we all have our own personal circumstances It is also a conducive environment to nurture and
Each and every individual at that school has always that may influence our decision making. promote entrepreneurship, to bring ideas to life and
encouraged me to give the best of myself. From the For me, coming back to Mauritius was to be closer make things happen.
deep conversations with friends in the silent, empty to my parents whilst at the same time to have the In an age where disruptive technologies such
hall, to the hysterical fits of laughter at nothing in chance to share my knowledge and exp erience as driverless cars and the Internet of Things are
particular or at a very, very stupid joke, I loved it all, locally. Having studied and worked in the relevant revolutionizing lives, the status-quo is constantly
and I am ever so grateful. fields, I was presented with an opportunity to take being challenged. This will also apply to us, our
Thinking next year is my last year at RCC is horrible. up a position in Mauritius that suited my career goals, careers and our personal objectives. The good thing
At RCC we are a fast-moving family, one with shifting which I gratefully accepted. is that our future lies in our own hands. Let’s make the
ideas and comprising students with exceptional most of it.
talents. We are indeed the ‘fruits of a cultivated land’.
Long live the RCC!


Yash PURSUN / Grade 12 S2

“However, fellow royalists, you helped me find
solace for only you could understand my plight..”

44 45

OUR ROOTS… in MEMORIAM…

“From his portrait on stamps, one-rupee coins and In the loving memory
2000-rupee notes, to our international airport named of all Royalists who brought
after him, he was the face of the country and his our legacy till here and to all
achievements were numerous..” those who shaped our island

and made us who we are...

‘Mauritius is a multicultural paradise where different communities live side by side in harmony’ - Almost 47
everyone uses this cliché, from the World Bank to hotel bosses, from the Prime Minister to visiting academics,
from journalists to primary school children – let me tell you guys, all of this was sparked by one man….
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, affectionately called ‘Chacha Ramgoolam’, was the first Prime Minister of
independent Mauritius. His colossal work for the independence of our country still highly revered, earned
him the title of ‘Father of the Nation’. He was one of the main shapers of the modern Mauritian government,
politics and foreign policy.
From his portrait on stamps, one-rupee coins and 2000-rupee notes, to our international airport named after
him, he was the face of the country and his achievements were numerous. Hailing from a family of poor
background, his thirst for success was insatiable and after completing his studies at the Royal College of
Curepipe, he embarked for his tertiary education in the UK. His journey is an exemplary one for all youngsters,
encouraging them to believe in themselves and face all hurdles in their path.
Philanthropist as he was, he returned to his home country and created a movement for equal treatment,
consideration, education and chances for all Mauritians. He then joined the Labour Party and rallied to the
cause of Dr. Renganaden Seeneevasen and other party members for the improvement of the condition of
workers.
He implemented the free universal education, today, taken for granted, free health care services and old age
pensions, for the development and wellbeing of the population and many more.
Ah… A Visionary! Alas, the limits of this article enchain me and the number of words allocated to me run short
to be able to bring to you the true beautiful portrait of Chacha. All that I can say that geniuses like these are rare
and I feel proud to be part of the same institution as he was…

Hansraj Kora VENCIAH / Grade 12 T

46

CONTENTS Enn sel Lepep
Enn sel Nasion

Motherland

Glory to thee,
motherland, oh
motherland of mine
Sweet is thy beauty
Sweet is thy fragrance,
Around thee we gather
As one people, As one nation
In peace, justice and liberty
Beloved country may God bless thee
Forever and ever.

5o ans déjà – Mellino Bégué
Two halves make a whole – Loga Virasawmy
Table Ronde – autour des 50 ans d’indépendance
1968, 1975 et … – Malenn Oodiah
Mauritius as I see it –
Depicting the post-2015 Development Agenda –
Born for such a time as this –
Fêter l’indépendance: entre enthousiasme et désillusions – Zeenat Fugurally
Fête Nationale 2018 Lame dan lame

48 49

50 ANS DÉJA

Quelle est notre identité? Qui sommes-nous vraiment? Effectivement,
ce n’est pas si simple de répondre à une question aussi anthro-socio-
ethnologique! Nous n’en ferons qu’une succincte esquisse.

Mauriciens, oui, nous le sommes ; Agaléens et Rodriguais, inclus. Or, nous verrons que cette identité
rencontre certaines turbulences qui la font tanguer. En marge des 50 années depuis l’indépendance de
notre nation de la souveraineté britannique, où se situe chaque Mauricien par rapport à l’affirmation de
son identité nationale ? Réfléchissons-y ! Sommes-nous Mauriciens le 10,11,12,13 mars de chaque année
uniquement ? Nous brandissons fièrement nos drapeaux (sur nos voitures, nos maisons), nos foulards, et
tout autre matériel quadricolore permettant de faire valoir ce sentiment patriotique si profondément ancré
en nous. Sommes-nous Mauriciens uniquement lors des réjouissances de la brillante performance de nos
athlètes, nos artistes et nos professionnels sur l’échiquier international ?

Sommes-nous Mauriciens uniquement lors de la Ne laissons pas des incidents isolés et des
célébration de Divali, Eid, La fête de L’Assomption, commentaires déplacés nous diviser. Prenons à
La fête du Printemps ? Sommes-nous uniquement titre d’exemple les réactions post-profanation d’un
Mauriciens quand nous nous retrouvons entre temple dans le sud du pays en 2015 pour se rendre
compatriotes à l’étranger et échangeons dans compte de la fragilité de cette unité qui a pris tant
notre « idiome du pays » en faisant usage des mots, d’années à prendre racine surtout après la bagarre
phrases et expressions créoles ? raciale de 1968 et des émeutes de 1999 qui ont laissé
Nous ne sommes pas dans une oligarchie identitaire. des cicatrices indicibles à notre pays.
Au contraire, c’est une construction populaire. Nous, Mauriciens, savons nous comporter en
Construisons-la ! Nous devons apprendre à compatriote. La solidarité à la mauricienne est
revendiquer contre vents et marées cette identité unique. En guise d’exemple, le soutien à la petite
si profonde et dynamique. Nous ne devons pas être Amy en 2017 est parfait. Tant de gens qui passent
versatile à ce niveau. Notre identité est bâtie par par des tribulations et qui ont su tirer profit de
nous. Nous avons remarqué que c’est facile d’être cette unité qui transcende caste, parti politique,
Mauricien quand tout va bien et quand tout réussit religion, langue parlée au sein du foyer, classe
à notre pays. La nourriture sur le territoire local sociale, parmi tant d’autres paramètres réfractaires.
aussi fait partie de cette équation étant le fruit de Quotidiennement, des Mauriciens font des actes qui
la pluralité culinaire découlant d’une multiplicité révèlent la bonhomie mauricienne dans toute sa
culturelle. Nos cœurs se réchauffent par le biais de splendeur.
ce bouillon de culture. Qu’en est-il du revers de la Etre Mauricien n’est pas qu’une nationalité mais une
médaille ? vie ! Portons très haut la bannière qui est à jamais
La contiguïté de nos cultures, religions et gravée dans nos cœurs et notre âme. Ce sentiment
perspectives de la vie donne souvent lieu à pérenne qui guide notre souffle quotidien doit
l’émergence de vieux réflexes néfastes pour l’unité continuer à avoir l’ascendant sur des sentiments
nationale. Or, dans cette idylle, lors de certains gorgés de négativisme. Soyons fiers d’être
conflits entre des groupuscules nous voyons que Mauriciens en tout temps, à toute heure et en toutes
de nombreuses personnes se retranchent dans des circonstances.
pensées sectaires qui non seulement fragilisent
notre unité nationale mais la menacent aussi. Il suffit Mellino Bégué
de se rendre sur des plateformes publiques telles
que des réseaux sociaux pour se rendre compte de la
petitesse d’esprit de certains extrémistes anti-unité
nationale.

50 51

TABLE ROND
AUTOUR DES CINQUANTE
ANS D’INDÉPENDANCE

Journée d’effervescence le 8 mars 2018 au Collège M. Deenoo, profeser fiziks avait déniché dans
Royal de Curepipe. Le Chacal (notre Club littéraire, son labo) derrière laquelle se trouvaient trois
check paz 154) allait célébrer les cinquante panelists (anglicisme forcé), Dr Roshni Mooneeram
(longues?) années depuis que Maurice a cessé d’être (Research & Policy Consultant, Pedagogue &
une colonie britannique. Bon, il nous a fallu quand Corporate Trainer, Gender specialist, Writer) ; Dr
même attendre 1992 (lane kot Moris vinn Repiblik) Sadasivan Reddi (Ex lecturer at MIE and UOM, ex
avant de couper le cordon ombilical de manière advisor Ministry of Education and Historian for
presque définitive. Presque … puisque nous ever) et Malenn Oodiah (sosiolog angaze).
préservons toujours certains acquis (voilà un mot Les grands axes du débat tournaient autour d’une
que nous gardons bien au chaud ici) dont l’accès République de Maurice postcoloniale (peut-on
au Conseil privé de Sa Majesté (oui, ne manquons dire Île Maurice quand nous savons que Rodrigues,
pas de respect par crainte de commettre un crime Agaléga, Saint Brandon et le très revendiqué
de lèse-majesté) la Reine Elizabeth II (en attendant Chagos et le pas très revendiqué Tromelin
la passation à un des fils de Charles – et là on aura constituent l’ensemble de notre territoire ?) et des
un Conseil privé du Roi d’Angleterre). Il y a aussi défis qu’elle est appelée à relever. Des défis pour
nos attachements à la “Cambridge University” la femme, les jeunes, le commun des mortels,
(les incontournables SC et HSC – avec nou bann notre économie, notre océan, notre fibre sociale
lorea). De temps en temps, nous aimons préciser … trop de défis peut-être pour une table ronde !
que nous sommes anglophones, nous prenons Les intervenants, tant écoutés que sollicités par des
le thé (plus à l’indienne qu’à l’anglaise certes !) et jeunes assoiffés de connaissances (outre l’envie de
nous assaisonnons le mot ok quand ça nous chante se faire entendre) ont rempli leur mission ce jour-
(savedir toultan). là : établir un pont avec la jeunesse mauricienne
Une table ronde (il y avait une longue table d’aujourd’hui !
rectangulaire datant de l’époque coloniale que

52 53

TWO HALVES Mauritius is one of the oldest democracies in Africa. cannot report physiological, emotional and economic
MAKE ONE Women represent 52 per cent of the population. And violence.
WHOLE Loga VIRAHSAWMY yetwomendonothaveavoiceinpoliticsorindecision- According to research done by Gender Links “War
making. Women hold only 11.4% seats in parliament at Home – gender based violence indicators”, 25%
June 2018 and 10% seats in cabinet. Despite a high-profile women have known violence. 69% cases of sexual
campaign for improved women’s representation violence remain unreported.
INTRODUCTION in parliament, the number of women in parliament In my journey as a gender activist, I have written
We cannot compare the 200 years since decreased in the 2014 General Elections. Prior to about numerous cases of violence against women.
the Royal College of Curepipe celebrated the local elections in 2010 there were 11% women; The most horrific personal testimonies are about
its first laureate with the 50 years Mauritius we now have 28% women councillors. This did not women who have lost their babies or their children are
celebrated its Independence. But we can reflect happen on its own. The New Local Government Act handicapped because of violence during pregnancy;
on the situation of women after 50 years of was amended to make provision for a gender neutral an 11 year old girl who had a baby from her biological
Independence. There are so many questions approach. But political parties ignored the lobby for father; a 12 year old girl who was sold to an old man
that are unanswered. Why can’t women break a gender-neutral approach for the general elections by her biological grandmother.
the glass ceiling and have to remain on the as well. There has never been a woman as Leader of The battle with the media and advertising agencies
sticky floor? Why are there fewer women in any political party. How can women make their voices have not been easy but at least there are less sexist
politics? Why are so many women subject to heard if they have to ask permission from their male articles and advertisements in the media.
violence? Why are women still lagging behind leaders to talk or to take any political action? And yet
in so many areas? The list is long. without these women political activists the males “..women can enjoy all
Mauritius remains a patriarchal society. Both cannot get elected!!! their human rights and
men and women have not fully welcomed or Women represent less than 10% of the boards of fundamental freedoms.”
understood the concept of gender equality. directors. In the private sector women are more
There is a misconception that women present in the middle management positions and are GENDER AND EDUCATION
empowerment conflicts with social, cultural still struggling to make their way to top management There seems to be a silver lining with girls performing
and religious belief with the result, women positions and to get a seat at the board table. Men are better than boys at primary, secondary or tertiary
being the most affected. more quickly promoted than women with equivalent levels. Mauritius has the highest proportion of women
qualifications. Women are still the ones who interrupt at tertiary level in the SADC region and has largely
LAWS PROTECTING GIRLS AND WOMEN But what do we see? Girls as young as 13 get their careers to handle the requirements of their met the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to
Mauritius is signatory to a number of international religiously married. Had Mauritius signed the SADC family life, usually because of the absence of a support eliminate gender disparity in primary education. Both
treaties promoting and providing for equal rights. We Protocol on Gender and Development and the Model system to help them balance both aspects. Most boys and girls can study the same subjects and are
have ratified the Optional Protocol of the Convention Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting companies are male dominated. On the other hand in exposed to the same pedagogy. Gender stereotypes
on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Children already in Marriage which was passed in the public sector we have witnessed the emergence have been removed from instructional materials.
against Women (CEDAW) in 2008. We have ratified June 2016 by SADC Parliamentary Forum, we would of over 40% women in decision making positions and But working at grassroots level, we are shocked to
the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and not have seen these horrific situations where babies in the judiciary. see that schooling does not necessary mean the
Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa are having babies and some of them losing their lives. During the past six to ten years we have seen many acquisition of literacy. Children go to school without
in 2005. We are a member of the Southern African These Protocols and Laws have been passed so that women breaking stereotypes by joining jobs which becoming literate. The situation on the ground gives
Development Community (SADC) and yet in 2008 member states harmonise national laws to prevent were male dominated, for example, fire fighters, truck another story with young women who cannot even
Mauritius refused to sign the SADC Protocol on Gender child marriage. What has Mauritius done? Nothing! drivers, bus conductors, fishermen, car washers or sign their names.
and Development on the grounds that it goes against GENDER AND GOVERNANCE workers in petrol stations. CONCLUSION
the Constitution which does not allow for affirmative CEDAW provides for “the basis for realising equality GENDER BASED VIOLENCE If we fail to address women’s issues, we are going
action. In 2015, the SADC Protocol was updated and between women and men through ensuring Gender-based violence (GBV) remains the most against the supreme law of our country, the
member states agreed to change “affirmative action” women’s equal access to, and equal opportunities telling indicator of the inequalities between women Constitution. We are going against all the Conventions
to “special measures” to accommodate Mauritius. in, political and public life - including the right to and men. Evidence has shown that very often GBV and Protocols we have signed. When we side-line
What did we see? Mauritius refused to sign. Why? vote and to stand for election, as well as education, is perpetuated by the culture of silence as in some 52% of our population, we cannot claim to have unity
Because of child marriage. According to the Civil health and employment. State parties agree to take instances victims who break the silence run the risk of in diversity; we cannot claim to be a rainbow nation.
Code, the minimum age of marriage is 18 years old all appropriate measures, including legislation and being shamed more than the perpetrators.
but minors aged 16 or more can marry with the temporary special measures, so that women can enjoy Efforts are commendable but amendment and
consent of parents. all their human rights and fundamental freedoms.” enactment of laws and policies do not translate to
enforcement and implementation. Resistance in
recognising various forms of GBV as crime is still
strong in Mauritius. And yet violence forms part of
the everyday life of many women and some of them
have lost their lives. The law prohibits rape but there
is no provision to criminalise spousal rape. Women

54 55

1968,1975 et..

1968
Mai 1968 était une révolution culturelle
menée par la jeunesse occidentale contre une
conception de l’autorité. En France, cela a pris
la forme de manifestations de masse avec les
travailleurs qui se sont ralliés au mouvement. Mai
68 s’est développé pour gagner plusieurs pays,
avant de devenir une contestation de l’ordre
international, de l’impérialisme américain avec
la guerre au Vietnam. Aujourd’hui, cinquante ans
après le bilan est mitigé.

Cette génération ‘68 n’a pas changé la vie, c’est la Mai 1975. Courtesy of L’Express
vie qui l’a changée, dit-on. Elle aurait finalement
intégré le système ; pour certains les participants (en réclamant par exemple l’enseignement de UNE RÉVOLUTION CITOYENNE ?
sont devenus les meilleurs serviteurs du système. l’histoire de Maurice). Ils s’élèvent contre les L’écosystème dans lequel la jeunesse vit a changé
Mais on ne peut réduire Mai 68 à cela. inégalités existantes dans le système secondaire, et avec le numérique, les réseaux sociaux - Facebook,
Cette même année 1968, le pays accédait à contre le système élitiste symbolisé par le système Twitter, Instagram -, l’espace virtuel des jeux, et
l’indépendance. Ils étaient nombreux les étudiants de lauréats : « the cream est en réalité un crime » YouTube. Les communautés et groupes virtuels
mauriciens qui étaient dans les pays d’Europe comme le dit Philippe Fanchette qui anime un se sont développés. Il y a des bouleversements
gagnés par Mai 68. Certains étaient sur les forum au collège Royal de Curepipe en 1973. Au dans la nature même des rapports sociaux avec le
barricades ou dans les grandes manifestations. fil des années, de nombreuses revendications se numérique, et toute la place grandissante que le
De retour au pays, ils vont se joindre à d’autres sont concrétisées, à commencer par l’éducation virtuel est en train de prendre et ses rapports avec
une année plus tard pour créer le Mouvement gratuite. le réel. Le nerf de la guerre est la communication
Militant Mauricien (MMM). Nourri d’idées neuves avec comme champ de bataille l’espace
à sa naissance, le MMM, développe la thèse « “Aujourd’hui, il y a comme une nostalgie numérique, où s’affrontent ceux qui défendent
Lalit de klas bizin remplas lalit de ras ». Il prône la de Mai 75 et beaucoup comparent la le monde qui se meurt et ceux porteurs d’un
décolonisation culturelle autour de la langue créole jeunesse actuelle avec la jeunesse de nouveau monde qui tarde à naître. Et c’est dans cet
et du sé֖ga. Le mouvement se mû en un puissant l’époque..” espace et ce processus plus ou moins dynamique
mouvement politique avec des sensibilités qu’il y un potentiel pour une révolution citoyenne
diverses pour remplir un vide politique et syndical. Toutefois, comme ailleurs, la génération 75 n’a pas autour de thématiques tels que l’environnement,
C’est une véritable révolution intellectuelle et été épargnée par la révolution conservatrice des la pauvreté, les inégalités. Il y a une jeunesse qui
culturelle dans laquelle va baigner la jeunesse qui années 1980, même s’ils sont nombreux ceux qui y est sensible et est déjà partie prenante de cette
est sensible à ces revendications. ont continué à animer les mouvements sociaux, révolution en gestation. La défiance et la méfiance
MAI 75 dont le Muvman Liberasion Fam (MLF), Ledikasyon envers la politique est un réel problème. Seule une
Mai 75 n’a pas été un mouvement spontané, mais pu Travayer (LPT) et le mouvement syndical. refondation de la politique où il faut tout repenser,
le fruit d’un travail de conscientisation dans le Aujourd’hui, il y a comme une nostalgie de Mai réinventer, imaginer autour de l’éthique – la valeur
milieu étudiant pendant plus de deux ans à travers 75 et beaucoup comparent la jeunesse actuelle révolutionnaire du 21e siècle – en viendra à bout.
forums, débats, et échanges sous couverture, avec la jeunesse de l’époque : pour glorifier la
parce que le pays était sous l’état d’urgence avec seconde et critiquer la première. Méfions-nous Malenn OODIAH
une police politique très active. des appréciations fondées sur des généralisations Head of Corporate Communication, Beachcomber
Des milliers de collégiens et d’étudiants de abusives, des stéréotypes, et des préjugés, entre
l’Université de Maurice sont descendu dans la rue autres. C’est connu que chaque génération idéalise Sociologist,
pour se diriger vers Port-Louis. Ils sont stoppés sa jeunesse. C’est souvent un faux procès, simpliste Author of a multitude of books on
sur le pont de la Grande-Rivière Nord-Ouest. et injuste qui fait abstraction des profondes
Les manifestants réclament la décolonisation mutations que le monde et Maurice ont connues Mauritian History & Society
et la mauricianisation du système éducatif durant ces quarante dernières années.

56 57

WORK IS WORSHIP that ideal. And so long as we scoff at our neighbours past a room, you hear a distinct shout, and the next
and feel we are demi gods and others mere devils moment all the class takes up the chorus, to the great
About a month ago, in the course of a more or less hearted argument incarnate, there will be no entente among the people annoyance of the master who sometimes goes red all
about the problems of our country, one of my friends said that although of this island. over.
unemployment and over population are our primary problems, yet, in the
long run; we shall have to deal with something which should already be in Although “Alix” and “Carol” have been great “The chaotic state of the country’s
the mind of everyone in this island: the rush for white-collar jobs. catastrophes, it must be admitted that those two finances, its network of partly bad roads,
cyclones have done more than thousands of “Stella its people divided among themselves,
The urgency of that problem cannot be questioned. It is therefore really unfortunate that the complex of Clavisque” clubs have towards bringing about a its administration far from meeting the
At a time when people should do their best to serve superiority still permeates society. The “marchand de “rapprochement” between the various communities. needs of an increasing population, a
their country, it is a pity that there exists a general gateaux piments”, working under the scorching sun Coloureds, whites and Indo-Mauritians shared one new country will emerge..”
prejudice against non-white-collar jobs. People are of the champ de mars or in the drenching showers room and challenged hostile nature with the message
apt to consider the labourer as an outcast with no of Mangalkhan, is sometimes so foolish as to blush at that would have thrilled H.G. Wells – That in a national
sparks of human intelligence. He is the butt of the his profession. People are apt to think that he plays emergency, all men are brothers – A really remarkable
sneers of countless persons who, having risen by fair an insignificant part in the economy of the island. instance of a blessing in disguise.
means or foul to a good position in life, would not Thousands of men earn their living by following that
dare touch the sickle because such an act would be trade and, had they not done so, the number of the In connection with that entite mauriticienne, and Such misbehaviour, surely, is not likely to impress
degrading. They have developed a sort of superiority unemployed would have greatly increased. A majority in order to avoid a crisis occasioned by the rush for the visitor. You cannot expect someone to sing the
complex to such a point that they cannot brook the of cake-sellers work shift: some are out on the fields white-collar jobs, it is essential to foster, instead of praises of a country whose people are cold towards
idea of a man who only knows how to scribble a few in the morning, devoting their afternoon to their job; frustrating, a love of the soil which will become part strangers and are throwing mud among themselves.
English words spiced with the popular patois, not to others attend College on weekdays and practice their and parcel of our life. As the population increases, Further you cannot rob the tourist by charging
mention the ever-recurring Gallicisms, working in the arduous “hobby” over the weekend. we shall have to devote more attention to the soil, excessive prices for insignificant things and expect
fields. And if you happen to tell them that this man Thus, although there is no equality of opportunity so cultivating the smallest strip of land so as to make us him to spread the news abroad that a remote island
would do better as a skilled craftsman than as a mute far as education and employment are concerned, no a self-supporting as possible. Unless we do away with under the sun of the tropics offers prospects of
Parliamentarian; then better get away if you do not one should be ashamed of something by which he is the one-crop system, our economy will be shattered; delightful trips and souvenirs at moderate prices.
want to be handled roughly. earning his living. Suppose someone tells you: “Oh! and unless there is a check on the rush for white- But out of the chaotic state of the country’s finances,
That may appear strange, but it is the naked truth. You work in the scavenging Department!?”, are you collar jobs, in the future only one person in ten will its network of partly bad roads, its people divided
Someone using expression like “pareille comme” going to change your job when there is no vacancy condescend to work in the fields, one will hold a post among themselves, its administration far from
is likely to create a better impression than one who elsewhere? And even if there were, would you shift in an office while the other eight will starve. Instead of meeting the needs of an increasing population, a new
makes use of his national medium, the patois. Since over? Not all the gold in King Solomon’s mines should giving him wages, the state should see to it by giving country will emerge, where the boss and worker will
men are by nature equal, I am afraid I cannot find any lead someone from a task which has been assigned to him enough money to support his family, that he is be on the best terms, where the labourer will have
reason why man should be so rash as to think that him by his own inclination – A task which it behoves not reduced to sending his wife or daughter to work. adequate wages – why not say salaries? Where the
he will soar over the heads of the other members of us not to pooh-pooh lest our action should divide the People are most inclined to criticize him, without economy will rest on solid basis, where an entente
society if he knows “little Latin and less Greek”. Nor community and ruin the “Entite Mauricienne”. bearing in mind how unfair the practice of levelling will have been possible among the communities and
do I know of any code of behaviour where it is stated Much has been said and written about that “Entite criticisms can be. where Industry and Agriculture will go side by side for
that because a man is whiter than another and can Mauricienne”. But very little has been done to realize In this connection, it is really unfortunate that wide use the country’s benefit and progress.
afford corduroy trousers while the other wears khaki, has been made of nicknames. Everywhere you meet
he must of necessity be superior. a person who is known by a particular “Sobriquet”. D. DUSSAYE
This even applies to this college where some pupils May 1960
58 and masters are involved. As soon as a master walks 59

DEPICTING THE POST- As the MDGs were ending in 2015, the UN announced the entry of the SDGs making sure no
2015 DEVELOPMENT space was left for a retrogression on the recorded progress. With 17 goals, the SDGs are
AGENDA: broader and probably more complicated than the MDGs. In a nutshell, the SDGs
ACCELERATING majorly want a move from a carbon or pollution-based economy to a green
THE SDGS economy.

Financing the SDGs is also a big challenge especially for countries
of the global South. There’s a feeling that developed nations
got there through unsustainable but profitable practices that
involved a lot of pollution and now want to close the path for
developing countries who wish to pursue the same route
to development. It has seen a lot of countries depend
only on international funds or aid to advance the SDGs
without strong national investment.

“Mauritius was One of the most common misconceptions However, the reality is that no country will escape “Private sector
among the three about the term ‘Sustainable Development’ the wave of sustainable development. It’s only a involvement is a
(SD) is that the latter is limited to matter of when not if as any country that wishes crucial strength of
African countries the ‘environment’. For most of us, not to be left behind must pull in the direction the SDGs, without
which were called environment refers to whatever of sustainability. As it is often said: the earlier, private sector funding
upon to conduct the physical we see around us. But SD the better. There’s also reluctance from and integration, SDGs
national consultations is not solely about the physical countries of the global north who sometimes won’t be achieved..”
environment. It encapsulates the don’t feel convinced that they should be
on the Post-2015 inner environment of the individual. obliged to support development in the
agenda..” Sustainable Development is a global south and pay for such nations to
process of development that places pull in the right direction.
the human being at the centre of The argument is that industrialisation
development keeping in mind that of the Western countries harmed the
resources are not overexploited. world considerably thereby hanging the
A truly sustainable society is one responsibility of required funding on
where broader questions of social the neck of developed countries. Private
needs and welfare, and economic sector involvement is a crucial strength of
opportunity are integrally related to the SDGs, without private sector funding
the environmental limits imposed by and integration, SDGs won’t be achieved.
supporting ecosystems. Some Member States have successfully
integrated both, and in some countries, it
In 2014, one year before the phasing out is even the private sector that is driving the
of the Millennium Development Goals, the Sustainable Development Goals. Nonetheless,
international community and stakeholders colossal work remains to be done in financing
around the world were engaged in a process to the SDGs.
negotiate a new global framework known as the
Post-2015 Development Agenda. Mauritius was Equally important is that one of the best things
among the three African countries which were called about the SDGs is that the goals are interlinked and
upon to conduct the national consultations on the Post- crosscutting. There’s no detachment of one goal from
2015 agenda. The African Network for Policy Research another ensuring that it will require a multisectoral
& Advocacy for Sustainability (ANPRAS) carried out the approach to achieve each goal. With the SDGs, the world
countrywide consultations under the aegis of the ‘Stakeholders is galvanised in actions to meet the same target. As we stand
Forum-UNDESA’ initiative. 12 years away from the target year, the big question remains: Is
the world on course to deliver the goals?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals adopted Raj CHINTARAM
by the United Nations for the Member States to advance global development Teacher at the Royal College Curepipe,
building upon the successes of the MDGs of the UN which was primarily aimed Chair Infrastructure & Energy,
at ending abject poverty around the world. More than anything else, the MDGs Economic, Social & Cultural Council
was vital in showing the importance of goal setting in development and how much
countries can achieve when a global goal is set as no one wants to be left behind especially AFRICAN UNION Contributing Author
when other member States are all working towards the same target.
Chiagozie UDEH
60 Member Executive Global Board Plant-for-the-Planet Initiative and Climate Policy
Researcher Selonnes Consult Ltd

61

BORN FOR Fêter l’indépendance :
SUCH A TIME Entre enthousiasme
AS THIS Bernard KWOK YIN SIONG YEN et désillusion

When I joined RCC in 1975, little did I imagine how amazing the next 7 Hier encore, j’étais cette petite fille de six ans. À cet
years of my life would turn out to be. In May of that year, I found myself âge, on prend la fet lindepandans* très sérieusement
joining in with my classmates and others to walk in the streets of Curepipe et on entonne notre “Glo…o..o ry to thee”* à pleins
and elsewhere. It was a nationwide movement by students to protest poumons. Et si le “thee” se transformait en “zee”,
against the government over poor conditions for young people in general. on n’y pouvait rien, car notre langue maternelle, le
I was too young to really understand what was going on but I knew I had kreol mauricien, n’a pas ce son.
to join in rather than sit on the side-lines. I would find out later that this
student movement might have contributed to making education free for all Je me rappelle qu’une semaine avant la fête, on faisait des
in Mauritius from 1976 onwards. répétitions avec la maîtresse d’école qui battait la mesure.
Came October 1981, when I was preparing for my HSC exams. I woke up Nous étions loin de l’ère technologique et donc il n’y avait
one day to find that part of an SC examination paper was published in the pas de CD. Notre hymne, on s’égosillait dessus, on le
newspaper before the examination was due to take place that day! Both répétait, avec les moyens de bord, sur un air d’à peu près,
SC and HSC examinations had to be stopped because of this and other en suivant le mouvement du rotin bazar* de notre maestro
improvisé.
potential leaks in the examination papers. My HSC exams were
eventually postponed to June 1982, giving me six additional Nos préparatifs rimaient aussi avec les fameux lasenn*
months’ preparation but also clashing with many distractions such qu’on concoctait pour décorer nos salles de classe. Notre
as discovering and participating in Cerveau Express (a series of miss*, à qui revenait la charge de collecter des pièces de
mathematical and other puzzles published in L’Express Dimanche), 25 ou de 50 sous, avait déjà acheté plusieurs feuilles de
watching the World Cup (Espana 82 which Italy won after only cet incontournable papier mousseline qui, en ce temps,
starting with 3 dull draws in the group stage) and observing the se vendait à une roupie la feuille. Chacun confectionnait
famous 60-0 win for the MMM/PSM coalition in the General Elections aussi son pavion moris*. Ceux qui pouvaient s’offrir le luxe
that year. de payer plus les fabriquaient avec des bandes de papier
When the results came in August 1982, mousseline savamment découpées par notre miss*. Une
I was astounded to find myself at the top of fois les bandes aux couleurs de notre drapeau placées dans
the Science laureates list for boys. I had not l’ordre voulu, on les liait avec un peu de lakol lafarinn*.
expected such a result and it was only then Quant à moi, je me servais du kitchen paper* offert par
that I started making applications in a l’école et je le bariolais de rouge, de bleu, de jaune et de
hurry to go to university that same year! vert avec des crayons Great Wall*.
I was advised to wait and make proper applications
to start university in 1983 instead, but I did not want 63
to lose time and eventually accepted a vacancy to
study Mathematics and Computer Science at the
University of Liverpool in October 1982. To this
day, I do not regret making that choice and am
grateful for the opportunities that have come my
way out of these singular events at RCC. Truly, I
think I was born for such a time as this!

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C’étaient des moments exceptionnels où les élèves Si j’avais décroché un boulot autre que celui *fet lindepandans: la fête de l’indépendance se fait-il qu’après 50 ans, on ait toujours
travaillaient peu, phénomène rarissime dans un d’enseignante, je crois qu’aujourd’hui, mon histoire *“Glo…o..o ry to thee”: “gloire à toi”. Première ligne de l´hymne national ce même défi à relever ? C’est donc avec un
système scolaire alors très compétitif. Ces quelques avec la fet lindepandans aurait été du passé. Durant mauricien, traditionnellement écrit et chanté en anglais sentiment de tristesse que j’ai redécouvert celle
jours de répit, on les accueillait avec joie. Le jour J, on de nombreuses années, j’ai été la maîtresse de * rotin bazar : canne en rotin utilisée pour frapper les élèves vieille chanson chantée par de nouvelles voix sur les
se parait de nos plus beaux habits – robes de dentelles cérémonie de la fête de l’indépendance dans les * lasenn: guirlande(s) ondes en 2018.
pour les filles et chemise et pantalon ou short à trois divers collèges où j’ai travaillé. Mais depuis quelques * miss : titre pour institutrice à l’époque Après cinquante années, l’identité mauricienne demande
plis pour les garçons. Le gel n’ayant pas encore fait années, alors que c’est moi qui donne le signal pour le * pavion moris : le drapeau de l’île Maurice toujours à être construite. Quand je pense à l’initiative des chefs
son entrée à Maurice et le style décoiffé étant mal vu “Glory to thee”, je ne chante pas de vive voix. Ce n’est * lakol lafarinn : mélange de farine et d’eau religieux de dialoguer au sein d’un Conseil des religions pour
lors des occasions solennelles, les petits se laquaient pas par manque de patriotisme, mais ce sont mes qu’on utilisait pour coller des papiers promouvoir la compréhension et la tolérance, je ne peux que
les cheveux à l’eau ou à l’huile. Pour les filles, c’était réflexions qui viennent jouer un peu au trouble-fête. *Kitchen paper : papier fin grand format pour saluer leurs initiatives. Mais l’effort doit être soutenu. C’est un acte
l’occasion de défaire leurs nattes et, les cheveux au J’observe le quadricolore. Je réfléchis. presentations orales conscient que celui de maintenir la cadence, alors que l’idéaliste en
vent, elles prenaient le chemin de l’école, brandissant Pourtant qu’il est beau, cet hymne qui vante la paix, *Great Wall : Une marque de crayons de cire moi rêve. Je rêve d’un pays où nous n’aurons plus besoin de tout
fièrement leur pavion. la justice et la liberté ! Qu’il a été rude ce combat pour * Alert : Interjection – A vos gardes! (parade) surveiller constamment. Où l’on n’aura plus cet équilibre socio-
Vers neuf heures, place à la cérémonie du drapeau. l’indépendance – les négociations avec les Anglais * Atiz : de l’anglais ‘At ease’ – Repos! (parade) culturel fragile qui s’apparente à un volcan dormant qui peut, à la
Alert*: on se tenait aussi droit que le palmier royal ! Quelle gloire, notre miracle économique ! Mais * fann konfeti : jeter des confettis moindre étincelle, faire flamber l’île Maurice. À l’instant même
et on entonnait l’hymne, les yeux rivés sur notre quand je pense à tout ce qu’on ne m’avait pas dit à *P50 : Mobylette Peugeot 50 où ne nous sentirons plus menacés, Maurice sera plus fidèle à
quadricolore. Atiz* ! Une fois le signal de repos donné, l’école… Quand je pense à la scission du pays entre *tifi Loret: surnom affectueux des l’image de cette île paradisiaque vantée par Mark Twain.
on écoutait le message du Premier Ministre lu par indépendantistes et anti-indépendantistes à l’aube étudiantes du college Lorette, Je me suis souvent demandé si les individus livrés à eux-
l’invité d’honneur. Un message long, très long, en de notre indépendance… Alors même que l’Union renommé à Maurice mêmes, c’est-à-dire, sans la pression venant de leur
anglais. Cela n’avait rien de surprenant si au bout d’un Jack* cédait sa place à notre quadricolore, des anti- *Union Jack : le drapeau britannique appartenance à une communauté ethnique, peuvent
moment, la majorité bâillait ou faisait ostensiblement indépendantistes s’étaient réunis de l’autre côté du *Communalisme : anglicisme créer des conflits. Je pense que l’individu délivré
preuve de d’efforts surhumains pour braver la chaleur Champ de Mars, leurs mouvements surveillés par le couramment utilisé à Maurice, de cette pression exercée par des associations et
tropicale. renfort de l’armée britannique. ce mot signifie“communautarisme.” autres groupuscules deviendra un vrai Mauricien.
* Donne to lamé pran mo lamé : Beaucoup pointent du doigt certains agissements
Dans les années 80 à Maurice, beaucoup de parents En ce 12 mars 1968, alors que le quadricolore flottait Donne-moi ta main, prends et surtout les ingérences de ces mouvements
n’avaient pas de moyens. C’est pourquoi on ne dans le ciel mauricien, je me demande combien la mienne dans la politique du pays. Certains politiciens,
mangeait des pâtisseries et ne buvait du Pepsi ou du se sont posé la question du choix de ce drapeau. *“Anou batir nation morisien” : sempiternels crève-les-votes, se laissent influencer
Coca-Cola que lors des fêtes ou des pique-niques. Lorsque j’étais enfant, on m’avait fait apprendre par allons bâtir la nation mauricienne et pratiquent l’ethnopopulisme.
Nul besoin de mentionner que nous attendions le cœur le poème “Rouge des flamboyants/Bleu de la * [The] Overcrowded Barracoon :
moment de ces collations comme de vrais petits mer Indienne/ Jaune des sables d’or et Vert des cannes roman de V.S Naipaul. Ce titre
voraces. C’était, je le pense vraiment, le moment le à sucre.” C’était bien la version poétique de mon pourrait être traduit par :
plus important pour beaucoup. Puis venait l’instant île Maurice qu’on m’avait présentée, et ce n’est que Le barraquement surpeuplé
haut en couleurs du fann konfeti*, une pratique que récemment que j’ai été exposée à une cruelle version de forçats
je n’ai jamais personnellement appréciée, mais qui : ces couleurs seraient celles de partis politiques !
était néanmoins inéluctable. Dans le sillon de l’indépendance, n’avions-nous pas Ce qui m’amène à cette réflexion : le secret
Quelques années plus tard, forts de nos connaissances déjà semé le communalisme*? Certains diront que d’une identité mauricienne ne se fera pas sans
en Environmental Studies, matière qui comportait, le démon communal existait déjà – on en fit l’amère les associations et groupuscules, mais si certains
entre autres, l’histoire de Maurice, nous commencions expérience en janvier 1968. Du jour au lendemain, doivent être plus progressistes dans leurs visions
à sentir plus de fierté lors des célébrations de tout un quartier de Port-Louis, auparavant uni alors et leurs actions, d’autres doivent carrément
l’indépendance. C’est avec un sentiment de que très divers, s’est métamorphosé en un champ de disparaître. Ainsi, tout en gardant nos différences,
patriotisme naissant que nous nous mettions en bataille. La situation a dégénéré si bien que l’armée on peut promouvoir le multiculturalisme. Au lieu
rang pour chanter l’hymne national. Les pages de britannique a été mandée sur place, et ceci alors de se méfier l’un de l’autre, apprenons-nous à nous
notre manuel d’histoire parlaient de Sir Seewoosagur même que nos dirigeants disaient qu’on pouvait connaître mutuellement, réellement.
Ramgoolam … gérer notre pays comme des grands !
Cette année, pendant la fête à l’école, j’ai choisi de me
À l’adolescence, comme tant d’autres de mes Pour nos 50 ans d’indépendance, n’est-il pas ironique concentrer sur tout ce que nous avons accompli en tant
camarades de classe, je n’avais plus beaucoup de que des artistes de générations différentes chantent que nation indépendante. Alors que qu’une légère brise
temps ou d’enthousiasme pour la fête nationale, de nouveau la même chanson “Donn to lame du Sud-Est faisait danser notre quadricolore, j’ai soudain
bien qu’entretemps, Maurice ait accédé au statut de pran mo lame”*? Cette chanson, composée après senti une fierté monter en moi. Fierté car Maurice a pu faire
République. La cérémonie du lever du drapeau au l’indépendance encourageait le vivre-ensemble, ou le démentir les prédictions funestes de deux hommes, deux
lycée, je voulais qu’elle soit vite terminée car j’avais “revivre ensemble”. On retrouve toujours cette ligne prix Nobel : James Meade (économie) et V.S Naipaul (littérature).
hâte de retrouver mes amies pour une virée dans les dans la chanson : “Anou batir nasion morisien”*. La L’un avait même prédit que notre “Overcrowded Barracoon”* allait
arcades Salaffa ou pour sillonner les rues de Curepipe nation mauricienne – cette identité commune que sombrer dans la pauvreté. Contre toute attente, le quadricolore flotte
sur ma P50* comme les autres tifi Loret* de cette nous avons. Si l’un des deux défis de la jeune île victorieusement sur une majorité de maisons et institutions mauriciennes
époque. Maurice indépendante était d’apprendre à revivre chaque 12 mars depuis 50 ans.
ensemble (l’autre étant le défi économique), comment
À ce moment précis, j’ai compris que bâtir notre nation mauricienne ne relève
pas de l’impossible. Ce sera notre autre miracle, encore plus grand et encore plus
beau. Cela commence par moi et par vous. Ici et maintenant.

Zeenat Fugurally

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