Mauritian Leader's Daughter Returns to Hazaribag Ancestral Village After 200 Years
Sachita Boodhoo (50), the daughter of former Mauritius Deputy Prime Minister Harish Boodhoo, made an emotional pilgrimage to her ancestral village in the Barkagaon block of Hazaribag district on Thursday. Accompanied by her husband, Ajay Bandhu, Sachita visited Simratari village, where she was greeted with a grand and heartfelt welcome by the local community.
A Journey from Mauritius to Jharkhand
The couple arrived at Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi and traveled by road to Simratari village, reconnecting with roots that span continents and centuries. Ajay Bandhu operates a driving training center in Mauritius, while Sachita serves as an officer and is also recognized for her literary contributions, having authored several books.
The historical context of this visit is profound. In 1986, Harish Boodhoo traced his lineage to this village with assistance from the then Union government, led by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and the Bihar Chief Minister at the time, Lalu Prasad Yadav. Harish's family had departed from the village approximately 200 years ago.
Emotional Ties and Lasting Legacy
Deeply moved during his first visit, Harish paid tribute to his ancestors and later returned in 1991 to establish a trust dedicated to local development, with a particular emphasis on promoting girls' education. Inspired by his efforts, former Barkagaon pramukh Gurudayal Mahto subsequently founded a girls' high school in the area, furthering this noble cause.
Sachita shared a poignant family history: "Around 200 years ago, Boodhoo's great-grandfather, Buddhu Mahto, was reportedly taken to Mauritius by the British as an indentured laborer at the age of 15, after being lured with promises of prosperity." This narrative underscores the deep connections between India and Mauritius, shaped by historical migrations and enduring cultural bonds.
Community Engagement and Future Prospects
The visit not only celebrated familial heritage but also highlighted ongoing community initiatives. The trust established by Harish Boodhoo continues to support educational and developmental projects, fostering a legacy of empowerment and progress in the region.
This reunion serves as a testament to the enduring ties that bind diaspora communities to their ancestral homelands, promoting cross-cultural understanding and collaborative growth.
