Richard DUVAL and Vishwani CAHOOLESSUR: A Story Simply Lived
Five years after their meeting, Richard Duval and Vishwani Cahoolessur have built a relationship based on truth and loyalty. Facing judgment, their couple stands strong through transparency and a deep attachment to human values.
Five years of friendship. Three years of living together. Richard Duval and Vishwani Cahoolessur move forward together with simplicity, loyalty, and a clear mutual understanding. Their story is not a fairy tale; it is that of two clear-headed adults who found a new breath in an unexpected encounter. For Richard, that day was a turning point; for Vishwani, it was confirmation that destiny places the right people at the right moment.
When Richard recounts their meeting, his smile says it all. “I believe in destiny,” he says. “And that day, everything changed.” Vishwani sees it as a sign: life, even with its obstacles, always has a beautiful surprise for those who keep a pure heart. “When you are good, when you have a good foundation, life eventually returns what you give,” she confides. This gift, for her, is named Richard.
What strikes you first is their simplicity. No luxury, no pretenses. The small joys of everyday life matter: a meal prepared together, a workout session, a walk, a quiet evening. In the home they’ve shared for three years, normalcy, serenity, and complicity reign.
The kitchen, for instance, is Richard's playground. He loves to prepare his favorite dish: white beans and salted fish, a Mauritian classic that reminds him of childhood and family. The aroma wafts through the house like a symbol of comfort and authenticity.
Vishwani doesn’t need grand gestures. A box of chocolates, a cake, a spontaneous act is enough to light up her face. For her, what matters is the intention. “I’m simple. I don’t ask for much. For me, love and sincerity matter.” She does not seek the extraordinary; she cherishes the real, the natural, the spontaneous.
Exposed to public scrutiny, they have encountered detractors. Words, judgments, attacks. Nothing has stopped them. For Vishwani: “Despite the gossip, we move forward. We know why we are together and have a common goal. When there is sincerity, nothing can destabilize us.” What protects them is their transparency, sense of duty, and shared vision. They do not seek to convince; they understand, respect, and support each other.
Richard loves horses. For him, they are not just animals; they are companions, symbols of nobility and freedom. The couple also shares a love for dogs, their sweetness and loyalty reflecting their sensitivity. Vishwani could spend hours immersed in a book. Reading nourishes and centers her. Together, they enjoy music, a refuge that sets the rhythm for their evenings and journeys.
Despite a busy life, Richard remains committed to his constituency, number 17, Curepipe-Midlands. Being a deputy is, for him, a duty, not a privilege. Every Saturday, he takes Vishwani's car to meet his constituents. He listens, advises, conveys, and seeks solutions. On Wednesdays, his office remains open; he receives, notes, analyzes, connects the field with administrative decisions. He also organizes sports activities and supports local initiatives. For him, politics is primarily a human commitment.
Vishwani describes him as diligent, organized, and precise. “He does things seriously.” Whether in politics, projects, or daily tasks, he applies the same rigor and method. Even his daily prayer is a discipline he never misses. Spirituality is for him a foundation, a reference point, a balance. Vishwani shares this same inner connection.
What unites them most are not just their shared passions or habits, but their values: sincerity, loyalty, family, simplicity, respect, spirituality, and a constant desire to progress. They do not seek perfection. They seek peace, stability, and truth.
Five years after their meeting, three years after moving in together, they walk hand in hand. Nothing has been forced. They have simply let life take its course. Richard sees Vishwani as a strong and gentle companion. Vishwani sees Richard as a caring, diligent, generous, and deeply human man.
They have found each other, complement one another, and uplift each other. Despite the criticism and the tumult of public life, they maintain their course, calmness, and sincerity. Because some encounters do not just change a life; they reveal it.
The Legacy of a Father
Richard never speaks of his political journey without mentioning his father, Sir Gaëtan Duval, an iconic figure in Mauritian history. As a child, adolescent, and young adult, Richard accompanied him everywhere: in Mauritius, abroad, on diplomatic, cultural, and political stages. He met singers, actors, great leaders, but above all, he observed his father.
“My father is the man who inspires me the most,” he says. “Not just for what he accomplished, but for what he was: generous, humane, whole.” He often recounts an anecdote that marked him for life. One day, Sir Gaëtan gave him a watch from Japan, a precious gift he keeps as a treasure. A few days later, his father tests him: “Give this watch to a guest,” he tells him.
Richard hesitates, feeling a pang in his heart, but complies without protest. Then, his father opens his safe and tells him: “Choose any watch. Generosity always deserves a reward.” This lesson, Richard carries within him. It guides his way of being, serving, and representing those who trust him.
Following in his father’s footsteps, he understood early on that politics is a full commitment, a responsibility to the nation. He never speaks of his duties without expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. “I am happy and grateful,” he says, aware of the trust placed in him.
In terms of tourism, Richard is not afraid of challenges. He often says he will “take the bull by the horns”: working on abandoned or under-exploited markets, revitalizing international ties, further opening Mauritian skies, and increasing the number of visitors while preserving the island's cultural authenticity. He desires market diversification, modernization of offerings, and a broader, more strategic, and inclusive approach.