A segment dedicated to decorated professionals who were born, bred and educated in India and eventually moved to the foreign land to achieve their professional aspirations. Doing so, they became ‘foreigners’, for namesake to their motherland. In this segment, we wish to explore their journey from Desh to Videsh and try to peek into their hearts as to where it beats.
From the realm of imagination,
Lost in the realms of imagination
I am Kalpana, a daughter of India residing in Mauritius for the past forty years. Greetings to all from this small island of Mauritius. As we all know, our destiny is written in every grain, just like how the eater’s name is written on the food. We cannot predict which soil calls us to its embrace; it’s all a matter of fate, something beyond our control.
I, Kalpana Lalljee, came to Mauritius to fulfill my familial and social responsibilities after getting married. It’s commonly said by our elders that God writes about all these things in the lines of your palm during your birth or even before. We can call it destiny, and fulfilling it becomes our duty. Similarly, my destiny led me to Mauritius to fulfill my roles. As we all know, a woman’s life is synonymous with struggle, whether it’s in her own country or abroad.
The only difference is that in our own land, we have the fragrance of our mother’s lap and our surroundings act as a shield, but abroad, it’s a tough test. Every woman has to face the challenging life abroad. I’ve had my share of struggles. Facing a new country, a new environment, and encountering languages like Creole and French was akin to facing iron nails. My journey began with a job in college along with writing articles and poems for a newspaper called “Swadesh.” The success of which not only brought me internal happiness but also gave me a purpose.
After that, I received recognition for my poetry from institutions like Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Hindi Pracharini Sabha, Hindi Sangathan, and Indradhanush. Following this, I never looked back. Today, I’m happy to say that by God’s grace, I have dedicated eight books to the feet of Goddess Saraswati and am currently on my ninth, which includes Mauritius’ first two-part epic poem, “Amar Geet” and “The Life of Mauritius’ President Sir Shivsagar Ramgoolam,” along with a historical epic poem about Mauritius called “Girmitiya Mahakavya,” along with a collection of stories and other poems.
I take pride in being an Indian and am happy that though I couldn’t serve my country directly in this lifetime, I didn’t leave any stone unturned in nurturing the essence of Indianness in this foreign land. I’m proud to have contributed to preserving Indian culture and literature in Mauritius through my works in these forty years of my life.
Can you share your thoughts on the progress of the Hindi language in Mauritius despite the presence of various organizations?
It fills us with pride to know that in a country where organizations like Arya Sabha, Arya Ravived Pracharini Sabha, Rajput Gahlaut Mahasabha, Hindu Mahasabha, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Ramayana Center, Hindu House, Gayatri Sabha, and Brahmin Mahasabha are active, there should be no fear. Because in the history of the past 150 years, the progress of the Hindi language in Mauritius has been such that its promotion and propagation will undoubtedly continue in the future.
How significant is the role of Hindi language in Mauritius?
The development and promotion of the Hindi language through radio and television play a crucial role in Mauritius as well. Broadcasting centres have left no stone unturned here. The radio broadcasting centre in Mauritius began in 1944, initially gaining popularity through devotional songs, recitation of poems, Vedic mantras, and news. Gradually, with the advent of films, people of all ages became enthusiasts of radio. In such circumstances, who could stop Hindi from advancing? Now, the remaining gap has been filled by mobile phones, laptops, and tablets.
Also, I’m thrilled to highlight the “Mauritius Hindi Authors Association,” founded on December 9, 1961. This esteemed organization is dedicated to preserving Hindi language and culture through various activities and publications.
Recently, it celebrated its 60th anniversary with a grand poetry symposium as part of the Amrit Mahotsav, honoring India’s 75th year of independence. This event showcased the association’s commitment to promoting Hindi literature.
Its core mission is to safeguard Hindi, promote literary development, and foster a love for Hindi. Through initiatives like competitions, radio programs, and honoring authors and poets, the association continues its noble work with dedication.
Living in Mauritius for forty years, I’ve encountered numerous challenges, yet each obstacle became a stepping stone towards my growth. Adapting to a new culture, learning new languages, and assimilating into a diverse society weren’t easy tasks. However, with perseverance and determination, I embraced these challenges as opportunities to broaden my horizons and enrich my experiences.
Despite being away from my homeland, my heart always beats for India. The memories of my motherland, its rich heritage, and vibrant culture are deeply etched in my soul. Through my writings and endeavors, I’ve endeavored to keep the flame of Indian identity burning bright in the hearts of the diaspora here in Mauritius. Whether through poetry, prose, or community initiatives, my aim has always been to instill a sense of pride and connection to our roots among fellow Indians living abroad.
As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities and support that have come my way. From humble beginnings to becoming a recognized figure in the literary and cultural circles of Mauritius, the path has been challenging yet immensely rewarding. With each passing day, I am reminded of the power of resilience, the importance of staying true to one’s roots, and the beauty of embracing diversity while cherishing one’s heritage.
