Sarita Boodhoo, a prominent cultural scholar and thought leader from Mauritius, visited Kolkata on Wednesday. She participated in a special program celebrating 'Geet Gawai'. This traditional Bhojpuri pre-wedding ritual holds UNESCO recognition as an intangible cultural heritage.
Key Role in UNESCO Recognition
Boodhoo played an instrumental role in securing the UNESCO heritage honor for Geet Gawai. Her efforts have brought global attention to this rich cultural practice.
Personal Connection to Kolkata
Boodhoo first came to Kolkata as a student at Lady Brabourne College. She later pursued her Masters and PhD in Hindi at Banaras Hindu University. She has returned to the city multiple times over the years, not as a student but as a respected advocate for language and cultural preservation.
"It is always a pleasure to visit Kolkata," Boodhoo remarked with a smile during her Wednesday evening interaction. "While it has changed in many aspects, the traffic snarls remain the same."
Founding the Mauritius Bhojpuri Institute
In 1982, Boodhoo founded the Mauritius Bhojpuri Institute. She established this organization with a clear mission: to keep the Bhojpuri language alive among the Indian diaspora in Mauritius.
"I promote Bhojpuri as a pulsating language with its lores, verbal art, proverbs, metaphors, folk songs, and kahani kissas," she explained. The institute actively hosts workshops and publishes Bhojpuri literature. It has emerged as a vital cultural hub for the community.
Engaging with Younger Generations
During her Kolkata visit, Boodhoo met with students from various educational institutions. She emphasized the crucial role younger generations must play in sustaining linguistic traditions. Her message focused on the importance of active participation and cultural continuity.
Sarita Boodhoo is also known as the wife of former Mauritian Prime Minister Haresh Boodhoo. Her work continues to influence cultural preservation efforts both in Mauritius and internationally.
