Commemoration of the Centenary of Dunputh Lallah's Election to the Legislative Council

In a solemn atmosphere, the Mauritian community celebrated, on Saturday, January 24, at Ebène, the centenary of a significant turning point in its political history. On January 22, 1926, Dunputh Lallah and Dr. Rajcoomar Gujadhur entered the Legislative Council, marking the beginning of political representation for Indo-Mauritians in the country's institutions.

The ceremony, attended by President Dharam Gokhool, featured a roundtable discussion where several historians analyzed the journey, values, and legacy of this iconic figure. It was also an opportunity to re-launch the biography "Dunputh Lallah: Walking with Kings, Standing for the Voiceless," published in 2013 by Pravesh Lallah, which serves as a reference work on the life of this visionary politician.

A Milestone in Democratic Evolution

In his speech, President Gokhool described the historic election of Dunputh Lallah to the Legislative Council on January 22, 1926, alongside Dr. Rajcoomar Gujadhur, as a fundamental milestone in the political evolution of Mauritius. He emphasized that the event "marks a century of political representation for Indo-Mauritians, while also celebrating the values of dignity, resilience, and inclusion that Dunputh Lallah advocated." "Lallah’s life reminds us that true leadership is measured not by personal gain but by how we uplift others while elevating ourselves," said Dharam Gokhool. He recalled that Dunputh Lallah embraced the philosophy that "political power should be exercised to advance justice and the well-being of all, with a spirit of humility."

A Builder in the Shadows

The head of state also highlighted Dunputh Lallah's contribution and influence within a network of pioneers whose conversations, debates, and ideals shaped the political consciousness of Mauritius. Referring to the biography relaunched on Saturday, the President stated that it "serves as a valuable reference celebrating the collective memory of his life and legacy, emphasizing a set of values: fairness, inclusion, solidarity, social justice, and unity." According to him, the biography "restores to Mauritius a figure who did not seek glory but built the foundations of freedom." "By honoring Dunputh Lallah today, we renew our commitment to the values for which he lived: social justice and democratic inclusion," concluded President Gokhool, reminding everyone of the enduring relevance of this centennial message.