Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam attended the 126th Birth Anniversary memorial lecture honoring Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR), the Father of the Nation, held on September 16, 2026, at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Moka. The event, jointly hosted by the MGI and the Rabindranath Tagore Institute, brought together government officials, diplomats, and citizens to celebrate SSR’s enduring legacy.
University of Mauritius Chancellor Dr. Neerunjun Gopee delivered a compelling lecture that highlighted SSR’s remarkable journey—from his humble beginnings and academic pursuits abroad to his deep-rooted commitment to democracy, socialism, and social justice. The lecture vividly recounted how SSR’s exposure to poetry and Hindu scriptures shaped his moral compass and leadership style, fueling his lifelong mission to achieve political emancipation through peaceful means.
It emphasized SSR’s ability to unify a divided society, overcoming racial and ethnic divisions to lead Mauritius to independence. His vision extended beyond liberation; he founded a welfare state emphasizing free healthcare and education, establishing vital institutions and socio-economic reforms that laid the groundwork for the nation’s industrial growth.
The event also marked the launch of “Maati Main Amar Naam”, a tribute song composed by the MGI to honor SSR’s profound impact on the nation’s identity. Concluding the ceremony, speakers reflected on SSR’s legacy as a leader whose humility, perseverance, and humanity continue to inspire generations and offer timeless lessons for national unity and progress.