Dr SHUBHANKAR MISHRA*
Meet Dr Sarita Boodhoo – An Indologist & Philanthropist of Mauritius
Melinda Gates, a philanthropist and women’s rights activist, once said, “A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” It’s true that finding one’s voice can be challenging, especially for women who are often denied access to education in many parts of the world. However, there are women who have defied these odds and used their voices to make a difference in male-dominated environments. Dr Mrs Sarita Boodhoo is one such woman, the author of Kanya Dan, Geet Gawai, and many other works. Her sincerity, self-belief, and tenacity in advocating for her causes can inspire us to find our voices and use them to effect change.
Dr Mrs Sarita Boodhoo is a well-known figure in Mauritius who has dedicated her life to the socio-economic and cultural development of the country. She has been actively involved in this field since a young age and has significantly contributed to society. Her knowledge and expertise in the Vedic way of life have been instrumental in her work, and she has shared her insights with others through lectures on Hinduism, the socio-cultural history of the Girmitiyas, and Indian diasporic studies.
Dr Boodhoo, a fourth-generation daughter of Bihar, has been recognised for her exceptional contributions to society and has received several distinguished awards. She was conferred with the Vishwa Hindi Samman by the Indian Government at the 9th World Hindi Conference held in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa, in 2012. The following year, the Government of Bihar bestowed upon her the Vishwa Bhojpuri Samman. In 2016, she was honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Award by ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) for her remarkable accomplishments in her field and exceptional contribution to fostering understanding, goodwill, and friendship between India and Mauritius. Dr Boodhoo has conducted comparative studies on the origins of Mauritians of Indian descent by visiting villages in UP, Bihar, and other parts of India.
It is truly inspiring to learn about Dr Boodhoo’s immense contributions to preserving Indian culture and heritage. As Chairperson of the Bhojpuri Speaking Union, she has been instrumental in promoting Indian languages and culture. Her establishment of the Mauritius Bhojpuri Institute in 1982 has served as a hub for cultural activities and learning. Dr Mrs Sarita Boodhoo’s tireless efforts to set up the World Hindi Secretariat for the Government of Mauritius from 1997 to 2001 are admirable. She is a true grassroots leader who has always advocated for critical issues related to diaspora and Hindu culture.
Dr Sarita Boodhoo’s dedication to promoting Indian culture and languages is truly inspiring. Her efforts led to the inclusion of the Bhojpuri Folk Songs of Mauritius – Geet Gawai in the UNESCO heritage list. Her hard work was crucial in steering the Nomination Dossier, which resulted in recognizing the Bhojpuri Folk Songs of Mauritius – Geet Gawai on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Dr Boodhoo’s contributions have made her a true inspiration to many, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. It is essential to teach the Bhojpuri language at formal and non-formal institutions to ensure that Geet Gawai is passed down to future and younger generations. This language is rich in etymology and oral literature, deriving 60% of its words from Sanskrit. As urged by UNESCO, we must take action to safeguard and transmit this invaluable cultural heritage to future generations.
Solah Sanskaras, or sixteen sacraments, are an integral part of Hindu life, believed to bring out the best in an individual’s personality. These sixteen rites of passage are performed at different life stages and are considered crucial for overall development. Each ritual holds immense significance and is believed to impact one’s life positively. The Hindu wedding ceremony is a deeply cherished and intricate Sanskar, marking the beginning of the householder life. Focussing on the Hindu wedding ceremony, Dr Boodhoo’s voluminous creation “Kanya Dan” is an excellent resource for those interested in learning about this sacred ceremony. The book takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the recorded ritual history of five thousand years, providing a concise and captivating account of the coming together of man and woman in the Hindu tradition. Based on extensive research and personal interviews, “Kanya Dan” is a well-documented and scholarly book drawing on a substantial bibliography and comprehensive support for the Vedas, the Smritis, the Ramayana, the Grihya Sutras, and other scriptural documents.Ramayana, the Grihya Sutras, and other scriptural documents.
Dr Boodhoos’s other scholarly creation, ‘Geet-Gawai’– Bhojpuri Folk Songs in Mauritius, is a fascinating book that sheds light on the historic-cultural heritage of Bhojpuri Sanskar Geet, which are the folk songs of the Bhojpuri region of India and were brought to Mauritius by the geetharines during the Indentured Labour Migration. The book presents these enchanting songs in Devanagari script Roman script and translated into simple English, making them accessible to a broader readership. It is an invaluable resource for researchers and scholars of anthropology, musicology, and linguistics who seek to explore the study of folk songs, folk tales, puzzles, folk beliefs, and practices as the heritage of mankind. In today’s fast-paced world, where modernity and commercialization threaten to swallow up this valuable cultural heritage, this book stands as a hope for those who wish to preserve these traditions. With its vast spread of information and material, Geet-Gawai is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in ethno-cultural and linguistic studies.
Besides, Dr. Boodhoo has written a couple of other books as well. These books have significantly impacted Mauritius’s language and culture enthusiasts. What’s Wrong with the Hindus? (1981), The Primer for Bhojpuri, ‘Speak Bhojpuri- Bhojpuri Bola (2010), and An Easy Approach to Bhojpuri Grammar (2010) have been instrumental in promoting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Dr Mrs Sarita Boodhoo’s unwavering dedication to language and cultural preservation in Mauritius is truly inspiring. It is amazing to see how her tireless efforts and numerous books have helped the people of Mauritius to understand and appreciate their cultural roots better. Her work is a shining example of empathy and compassion towards preserving a country’s identity.
* The writer is the Deputy Secretary General at the World Hindi Secretariat in Mauritius, having previously served as a Joint Director in the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Views expressed in the article are personal.