Roshan Jhummun: "I Will Never Forget Where I Come From"

Roshan Jhummun: "I Will Never Forget Where I Come From"
November 30, 2025 - 18:30

From the dusty paths of Plaine-Magnien to the sugar cane fields, and now to the National Assembly: Roshan Jhummun, a member of the Labour Party (PTr), recounts his journey of hard work, sacrifices, and unwavering faith in education as the only ladder to dignity.

He remembers running barefoot on the dusty roads of Plaine-Magnien, a worn-out ball at his feet. This is the image Roshan holds of his childhood, a boy playing football in the alleys between two days spent in the sugar cane fields. Today, as a deputy for Constituency No. 13 (Rivière-des-Anguilles/Souillac), he openly states: "I come from far away."

As the fifth of eight siblings, he grew up in a small two-bedroom house with six beds for the whole family. Both his parents were laborers who worked tirelessly from dawn till dusk to provide for their children. "We had nothing. Poverty was everywhere, but so was solidarity," he recalls.

He remembers attending his sister's wedding barefoot, in shorts and a T-shirt: "I didn’t even own a pair of shoes. But I wasn’t ashamed. I was a happy child, full of hope." There wasn’t even a table in their home; he did his homework on his bed. From a young age, he helped his parents in the fields, planting, harvesting, and clearing land. "Working the land shaped me. It taught me perseverance."

"I knew that if I wanted to change my life, I had to be first in class. Not second."

Football remained his escape. He played in vacant lots, dreaming of different horizons. A huge fan of Liverpool FC, he carries a philosophy from that time: "With Liverpool, I learned that a team can fall but rise stronger. That’s a bit like my philosophy in life."

Early on, he realized that education would be his only way out. "I knew that if I wanted to change my life, I had to be first in class. Not second. I knew education would be my staircase to dignity." At Imperial College, he achieved good results: first the School Certificate, then excellent results at the Higher School Certificate. His principal, Mr. Boodhoo, played a crucial role in his development.

"If I am where I am today, it’s also thanks to Mr. Boodhoo. He saw me, he believed in me." His impressive performance led the college to offer him a teaching position at just 18 years old, where he taught economics, mathematics, and additional maths. "I was only 18, but I already loved teaching." After three years of teaching, he went to India on his own and earned a degree in economics. Later, he received a scholarship for an MBA at Bangalore University.

But fate had other plans. Just a few months later, his father passed away. Roshan had to choose between pursuing his dream or staying with his family. He chose his family. "I couldn’t leave my mother alone. She is my pillar. My strength." He turned down the scholarship. "Studies can wait. A mother cannot."

"Nobody gave me anything. I worked for everything."

Back in Mauritius, he joined Imperial College and then state colleges as an economics teacher. This sacrifice didn’t prevent him from continuing his studies alongside teaching. He earned two MBAs: one in Marketing from the University of Mauritius, the other in Educational Leadership. "I love learning. And I love teaching even more."

In his classes, many students excelled. One case particularly stood out: "A student scored 9 in economics the first year. I worked with him, transformed him. The next year, he achieved a Grade 1. I understood that there are no incapable children, only children waiting for someone to believe in them."

In 2002, in Curepipe, he met Nishi. They married two years later and started a family with a daughter and a son. "Nishi is my light. She has accompanied me in all my battles." With his teacher's salary, he gradually built his life: his home, his cars. "Nobody gave me anything. I worked for everything. And I will never forget where I come from." His mother remains at the center of his gratitude: "My mother is my heroine. It’s for her that I push myself."

His political engagement came later but has roots in an early encounter. At 16, Roshan met Navin Ramgoolam in Plaine-Magnien, before Ramgoolam entered politics. He treasures the photo from that moment. "He wasn’t in politics yet, but I could already feel his strength." When Ramgoolam launched his campaign, Roshan naturally followed.

In the last elections, he received a nomination in Constituency No. 13 and won the deputy seat. "Serving the constituency where I was born is an honor that I measure every day." He aims to stay close to the ground, with families, youth, and vulnerable individuals. "Politics should relieve, otherwise it’s pointless."

Despite his new responsibilities, he hasn’t abandoned teaching. He continues to give economics lessons. "When I teach, I remain connected to the youth. And they will shape Mauritius tomorrow."

From a barefoot child to a deputy, his journey reflects social mobility made possible by education, hard work, and sacrifices. "I am a product of the faith that was had in me." He repeats: "I come from a long way, but every step was worth it."

His Passions
Outside of teaching, Roshan Jhummun nurtures other passions. He devours books by Paulo Coelho and Robin Sharma. "These books taught me patience, resilience, and self-belief." He enjoys cooking, especially his favorite dish, lamb briyani. "Cooking is another form of creativity. It relaxes me." In his garden, which he designed himself, he takes care of his koi pond. "Seeing something grow thanks to your care... it’s magical."