Sunita Remembers Christmas with the Ramgoolams
Title: Sunita Remembers Christmas with the Ramgoolams
On December 21, 2025, Ajagen-Koomalen shared an article titled "Sunita Remembers Christmas with the Ramgoolams." In the article, Sunita Ramgoolam reminisces about the magic of Christmas celebrations at her family's home on the former Desforges Street, where her brother, the Prime Minister, also grew up.
Sunita recalls the vibrant atmosphere of Port-Louis, with the scents of festive cakes and warm wax filling the air. Christmas was a time of enchantment for the children. The family home, simple and welcoming, was filled with the joy of reading, as their father, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, would read his newspaper each afternoon, instilling in them a love for books by example. On Christmas, he would gift them books, saying that reading was like traveling without leaving home.
Sunita and her brother Navin shared a close bond, always looking forward to Christmas Eve traditions, where they could unwrap gifts at midnight. Navin would insist on seeing Sunita's smile before opening his own gift. The Christmas tree was adorned with simple decorations, yet to them, it sparkled like something out of a fairy tale. They cherished the love that made everything else meaningful.
Sunita shares a humorous anecdote about how their father would receive turkeys as gifts for Christmas lunch but refused to kill them, raising them as pets instead. This led to a home where turkeys lived harmoniously with the children, reflecting their lifelong love for animals.
As they grew older and studied abroad, the Christmas celebrations transformed, but the essence of being together remained. Now, Sunita decorates a Christmas tree for her cats, who love to play beneath it. She continues to gather with Navin and his wife Veena for Christmas lunch, emphasizing that simplicity is at the heart of their celebrations.
In a nostalgic moment, she reflects on how lighting the tree brings back memories of their childhood, the simple decorations, their father reading, and the joy of family gatherings, concluding that Christmas is the most beautiful memory life has given them.
The article also features Alain Teycheney, who, at 78, reminisces about his own Christmas memories filled with friendship and simplicity. He recalls the joy of being with friends in Port-Louis, where laughter and freedom meant everything. Cyril Empeigne shares similar memories, highlighting the bonds formed during their school years and the warmth of Lady Sushil's hospitality.
As they reflect on their past, both Alain and Cyril emphasize that Christmas represents more than just a date; it embodies emotions, connections, and cherished memories that last a lifetime.