Mauritius paid tribute to the Father of the Nation on his 126th birth anniversary

The life and enduring contribution of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) were honoured, yesterday afternoon, at the SSR Memorial Park in Kewal Nagar, with a wreath laid at his bust to mark his 126th birth anniversary.

The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam and his spouse, Mrs Veena Ramgoolam; Cabinet Ministers and Junior Ministers; Members of the National Assembly; and other personalities.

Earlier in the day, tribute was paid to the Father of the Nation at his Samadhi at the SSR Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses. The programme also included the inauguration of the SSR Museum in Plaine Verte, as well as a wreath-laying at his statue at the Port Louis Waterfront.

Speaking at Kewal Nagar, Prime Minister Ramgoolam reflected on the life journey of SSR, marked by hardships and struggles from childhood to adulthood. Born into a poor family, SSR was able to make the most of the opportunities that came his way through hard work, he said, emphasising that success in life requires good character and strong conviction. He also recalled SSR’s belief in unity in diversity and his commitment to a society where no one is discriminated against on the basis of religion, colour or other differences.

Dr Ramgoolam also pointed to education and the health of the population as the two main areas of focus of SSR’s political career. He noted that SSR introduced free education in Mauritius, driven by his conviction that education was essential to the progress of the country. Referring to SSR’s life as an example of perseverance, he urged the population never to give up in the face of difficulties, emphasising that choosing the more difficult path can sometimes lead to the best outcomes.

The Prime Minister also underscored the role of adversaries, experience and character in the development of a political leader. He stressed that the life and legacy of SSR continue to offer important lessons in perseverance, conviction, unity, education and commitment to the nation.

19 September 2026

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Topics: Culture