A segment of Cafe Social Magazine dedicated to celebrating the stories of distinguished professionals who were born, raised, and educated in India and later moved abroad to achieve their professional dreams. Though they have become ‘foreigners’ by residing in other countries, their hearts still beat for their motherland, India. In this segment, we explore their journeys from Desh to Videsh and delve into the depths of their hearts to understand their connection to India.
A Journey of Passion and Dedication
Dr. Hemraj Sunder’s journey is one of passion, dedication, and an unbreakable bond with his roots. Born and raised in Mauritius, he embarked on an educational voyage that took him to new heights, eventually leading him to India, where he has made significant contributions in the fields of literature and culture.
Question: Dr. Hemraj Sunder, where did you study in India?
Answer: In 1977, I received a scholarship from the Government of India to pursue my B.A. studies. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Jabalpur University in 1979. In 1981-82, I again received a scholarship from the Government of India and obtained a postgraduate degree in Applied Linguistics from the Central Hindi Institute, New Delhi. I completed my M.A. in Hindi from Punjabi University in 1989. In 1998, I earned my first Ph.D. in Hindi from the University of Mauritius, and in 2009, I received a D.Litt. from Dr. Ambedkar University, Agra. I am honored to be the first person in Mauritius to earn a D.Litt.
Question: You also write children’s poems. Why is it important for children to be interested in children’s poetry?
Answer: Children’s poetry fosters a love for entertainment and also educates them. It instills discipline, aids in making good decisions, and helps in their personality development. Poetry inspires children to add new dimensions to their lives, fills their lives with new colors, and encourages creativity and imagination. It is a vital tool for nurturing young minds and helping them grow into well-rounded individuals.
Question: Dr. Hemraj Sunder, you established the Hindi Sahitya Academy. Can you tell us about the Sahitya Academy?
Answer: To expand my literary journey, I established the Hindi Sahitya Academy in 1996. Its purpose is to work for the development of Hindi literature by organizing literary activities, seminars, poetry readings, and various competitions. The Academy also honors Hindi writers and promotes cultural exchanges. It aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions of esteemed literary figures, ensuring that the rich heritage of Hindi literature continues to thrive.
Question: Dr. Sunder, you mentioned India earlier. What does India mean to you?
Answer: “भारत मेरी आत्मा है, मेरा जीवन है।” India means everything to me. I can’t even imagine my existence without India. It is my motherland. My ancestors migrated from Shahabad, Hardoi, India, on a ship named Shah Jahan, arriving in Mauritius as indentured labourers on June 14, 1883. They endured immense hardships and their greatest sorrow was being separated from their homeland, India. Our blood ties to India are strong. The survival of Indian culture and languages in Mauritius owes much to the significant contribution of the Indian government. I’ve discussed India-Mauritius relations in my poems, such as ‘Bharat-Mauritius Relations’ and ‘The Heaven of Soil: Mauritius,’ where I have praised India wholeheartedly. In essence, we are eternally indebted to India.
Question: Mauritius is always indebted to the Indian government. Why?
Answer: The Indian government has significantly contributed to the development of Mauritius in various ways. Institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Indira Gandhi Cultural Center, and the World Hindi Secretariat, as well as projects like the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, Eye Hospital and metro construction, reflect this support. Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become a beloved figure in Mauritius, symbolizing hope for our continued progress. We have high expectations from his government.
“मॉरीशस में भारतीय संस्कृति का ध्वज सदैव ऊंचा रहेगा।”
Question: Dr. Hemraj Sunder, what message would you like to give to India?
Answer: Language and literature are deeply connected. The language we speak is our own, and it safeguards our identity. Our ancestors arrived here 200 years ago and built their lives in this language, which manifests in the form of literature. Our identity is intertwined with this language. It is crucial to preserve and promote our native languages and literature, for they are the essence of our cultural heritage.
“भाषा हमारी पहचान है, इसे संजोकर रखना हमारा कर्तव्य है।”
Question: What are your published works?
Answer: I have 15 published works in Hindi, including poetry, songs, wildlife stories, editorials, essays, short story collections, and religious scriptures. These works reflect my dedication to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage through literature.
Question: After 46 years in teaching. What are your current responsibilities?
Answer:
- After 46 years in teaching, I retired from the position of Associate Professor in Hindi Studies at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Mauritius.
- Now i am serving
- President of Hindi Sahitya Academy
- Board Member D.A.V College
- Life Member Hindi Speaking Union
- Secretary at Hindi Pracharni Sabha
- Foreign Student Advisor at J.S. University, Shikohabad, India.
- Guiding Ph.D students in Mauritius
- Editor of Pankaj Magazines (H.P Sabha)
Dr. Hemraj Sunder’s story is a testament to the enduring connection between India and its diaspora. His journey from Desh to Videsh is filled with accomplishments that honor his Indian roots while contributing significantly to his homeland, Mauritius.
Are you an Indian professional living abroad with a story to share? We would love to hear from you! Connect with us at Cafe Social Magazine and let us celebrate your journey in our “Calling India” segment. Share your experiences, achievements, and the ways in which your heart still beats for India. Reach out to us at [email protected] and become a part of this vibrant community that bridges the gap between Desh and Videsh.
Ph.D. Be.d .
Delhi
