In the rich, multicultural fabric of Mauritius, one name shines as a relentless champion of heritage, culture, and identity — Sarita Boodhoo, the Mauritius cultural icon who has spent a lifetime nurturing the soul of a nation through the preservation of its Indian roots.
From the moment she set foot into the world of socio-cultural activism, Sarita Boodhoo has stood as a living bridge between the past and the present, reminding a nation of its sacred cultural origins. Raised in the Vedic tradition, her life has been an offering — a yajna — in service to the preservation and propagation of Indian culture, Bhojpuri language, and the profound history of the Girmitiyas.
Sarita Boodhoo: A Visionary in Cultural Renaissance
In 1982, when the world was shifting toward modernity and global integration, Dr. Boodhoo looked back with reverence, not to remain stagnant, but to empower the future through cultural identity. She founded the Mauritius Bhojpuri Institute, a pioneering NGO that laid the foundation for the revival of the Bhojpuri language and traditions. It wasn’t just an organization — it was a movement. The release of the legendary Bhojpuri anthem Pani Nai Ba ignited a wave of cultural awakening across the island.
Her tireless organization of hundreds of Bhojpuri Weeks in rural and urban communities was not just about song and dance; it was about reclaiming a fractured identity, restoring dignity to a language often dismissed, and instilling pride in descendants of indentured laborers.
Leadership Through Scholarship and Advocacy
Currently the Chairperson of the Bhojpuri Speaking Union under the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage (since August 3, 2012), Dr. Sarita Boodhoo has transformed advocacy into action. Her leadership helped achieve one of Mauritius’s greatest cultural milestones: the successful inscription of Geet Gawai — Bhojpuri Folk Songs of Mauritius — on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
But her influence goes far beyond borders. As a respected scholar in Indian Diasporic Studies and Indology, she has represented Mauritius across continents, lecturing on Hinduism, the historical trauma and triumph of the Girmitiyas, and the linguistic journey of Bhojpuri.
Sarita Boodhoo: A Scholarly Powerhouse Rooted in Vedic Wisdom
Dr. Boodhoo’s academic journey mirrors her dedication. She holds a BA Honours in Geography from Lady Brabourne College, University of Calcutta, through a Government of India cultural scholarship. Her pursuit of wisdom continued with a Master’s and PhD in Hindi from Varanasi — the spiritual heart of India — coupled with advanced journalism training from Germany and France.
Her intellect isn’t just encyclopedic — it’s purposeful. Through her writings, she weaves knowledge, history, and emotion into narratives that resonate with scholars, activists, and ordinary citizens alike.
Books That Breathe Life Into Heritage
Among her celebrated works, two stand tall as cultural treasures. Her masterpiece, “Kanya Dan”, is more than a book — it’s a spiritual and anthropological journey through the Hindu wedding ceremony, meticulously researched and rooted in Vedic, Smriti, and epic traditions. It deciphers the Solah Sanskaras, showcasing how rituals shape character and consciousness in Hindu life.
Her other jewel, “Geet Gawai – Bhojpuri Folk Songs in Mauritius”, immortalizes the voices of geetharines, the women who preserved the Bhojpuri oral tradition during the era of indentured labor. By transcribing songs in Devanagari, Roman script, and English, she ensured accessibility while elevating these folk expressions into scholarly discourse. This work is an essential guide for researchers of musicology, ethnography, and linguistics.
Sarita Boodhoo: The Cultural Warrior with a Global Footprint
Dr. Boodhoo’s cultural influence has been recognized globally. In 2012, she received the Vishwa Hindi Samman at the 9th World Hindi Conference in South Africa. The following year, the Government of Bihar awarded her the Vishwa Bhojpuri Samman, a proud moment for a fourth-generation daughter of Bihar. In 2016, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) honored her with the Distinguished Alumni Award — a testament to her lifelong diplomacy between India and Mauritius through culture.
Her fieldwork in villages of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and other Indian states has offered comparative insights into the origins of Mauritians of Indian descent. This dedication to original research sets her apart as not only a leader but also a truth-seeker.
Preserving Language, Protecting Identity
For Dr. Boodhoo, Bhojpuri is not just a language — it is memory, emotion, and heritage. With works like “Speak Bhojpuri – Bhojpuri Bola” and “An Easy Approach to Bhojpuri Grammar”, she equips the younger generation with the tools to preserve their linguistic heritage.
Her early publication, “What’s Wrong with the Hindus?”, was a bold critique of internal challenges facing the community, revealing her fearless voice even in her younger years.
Through formal and non-formal education, she continues to advocate for teaching Bhojpuri, reinforcing UNESCO’s call to safeguard intangible cultural heritage.
The World Hindi Secretariat: Her Silent Gift
Between 1997 and 2001, Dr. Boodhoo played a central role in initiating the creation of the World Hindi Secretariat in Mauritius. Though often working behind the scenes, her commitment shaped national policy, ensuring the cultural link with India remained institutional and thriving.
Also Read : Niraj Baxi: Pioneer of the Indian Global Community and Diaspora Movements