Multi-pronged strategy for the creation of a local Tamil community
KRISH PONNUSAMY
FORMER SENIOR CHIEF EXECUTIVE
GOVERNMENT OF MAURITIUS
Abolition of Slavery and Importation of Indian indentured labour
The size of the Tamil community gave a new impetus to their multiple talents. Since the immigrants and the businessmen came from different backgrounds in Madras, Tiruchirapalli, Nagappattnam, Salem, Pondicherry, Melur, Tirunelvedi, Coimbatore, Thanjavur, Madurai, Vellore, Krishnagiri and Kariakkal, they had to work out a strategy to remain united to improve their living conditions and to preserve their identity. 
Common actions
As the Tamil workers were separated and scattered in different regions of the island and had to work alongside workers from other parts of India and Africa and China, speaking different languages, they had to rely on their own solidarity and undertake common actions to be effective as a community.
Two Immediate unifying conditions:
Construction of Kovils and Pallis
The Kovils also provided for a classroom for the teaching of Tamil language and traditions. While Tamil language was widely spoken by workers and businessmen, it gradually fell prey to the emergence of the creole language, considered as a broken French, blended Tamil and Hindi words. Today, Creole language is identified as the language of national unity.
The language issue will be dealt with later in the light of the emancipation of the workers, the national education policy, improvement of living conditions, the political struggle for Independence.
Was the plight of the Tamils better Under the British?
There is no denying that the working conditions were very harsh in the sugar cane fields both for men, women and children. The Tamils were the ones in the front line of the struggle for the improvement of working and housing conditions for all workers. One of the Tamil Educators, Rajaratnam Mudaliar, worked at the prestigious Royal College in 1870s and was very active on the social front. The Tamil leaders did not hesitate to raise their voice against the glaring injustice and used their mighty pens to petition the British governor for the appointment of Royal Commissions to deal with their concerns and those of other workers. They succeeded in their venture. However, the implementation of the recommendations for the improvement of living conditions did not happen easily. At the risk of their own lives during numerous public demonstrations, the workers pressed hard for changes. New Labour and Education laws were enacted. More Tamil parents were encouraged to send their children to both the Pallis and the government schools. This resulted in a phenomenal awareness to education investment.
The role of female Tamil Immigrants
The Tamil women were an example to follow. They toiled very hard to become small shopkeepers, hawkers, small landlords and were involved in various semiskilled jobs. They got married locally and raised their family according to Tamil traditions but had to take on board the presence of other communities. They played a pivotal role in the propagation of the Tamil language by speaking Tamil at home, kovils, places of work and social gatherings. The preservation of Tamil values, the organisation of religious ceremonies both at home and in kovils were very much within their domain. They saved whatever they could to send their children to government primary schools. The best students would go to secondary schools.
Impact of Gandhi’s unannounced visit
The unscheduled and short visit of Mahatma Gandhi, a fearless lawyer, to Mauritius in 1901 was extremely beneficial to the whole Indian community. He advised them on the importance of language, culture, education and their dedication to serve loyally their adopted country. The Tamil merchants contributed with others to enable Gandhi to make a first-hand assessment of the pressing needs of the community. On his departure, he urged the prominent Indian leaders to take a sustained interest in the economic, social and political issues and promised to send another Indian advocate, Manilal Doctor, with a clear mandate to alleviate the plight of all indentured workers. From 1907 to 1911, Manilal Doctor met workers in all parts of the island and acted as their spokesman before the Swettenham Royal Commission of 1909. His relentless actions helped to shape the consciousness of the Indian workers. The Tamil workers followed his precious advice and a few years later, several Tamil students went overseas for University studies. The first Tamil lawyer to return to Mauritius was Renganaden Seeneevassen in 1940. He immediately became a leading national political figure and a genuine guide for the Tamil community. Other graduates shone in their different professional fields and more importantly in Public Service.
Tamil Newspapers
Tamil articles and notices for funerals and weddings appeared in the newspaper Le Mauricien as far back as 1843. Tamil newspapers would later be published under different names, e.g. The Peacock, Eclaireur, Tamil Voice, La Lumière, Sakthivel and Vanakkam. The articles focused not only on Tamil language, religion and culture but also on socio economic and political developments. Today, with the evolving technology, Tamil newspapers like the Pathirikai appear online only.
Dream of Tamil leaders
Following closely the involvement of the Tamils in India in the epic struggle for the independence of India, Tamil leaders in Mauritius wisely decided to join forces with other leaders to develop a strategy for the gradual political emancipation, leading to the full independence of Mauritius. The Tamils were inspired by such Tamil Nadu freedom fighters like Subramania Bharatiar and Sarojini Naidu, and they took the lead on many fronts. The boldest ones assumed the role of trade unionists and negotiators. In September 1943, one Tamil lady worker by the name of Anjalay Coopen did not hesitate to participate in a major strike at Belle Vue Sugar Estate with hundreds of workers, demanding an increase in wages and better working and living conditions. Police ruthlessly opened fire on the unarmed strikers. Anjalay Coopen was shot dead along with three other Tamil workers. Later it was known that Anjalay Coopen was pregnant, and her baby also died. Her martyrdom has since become a vibrant symbol of the workers’ struggle for their legitimate rights. Today we can see her statue right opposite the Supreme Court building. Furthermore, her name has been given to an important stadium.
The struggle for Independence
Renganaden Seeneevassen was a staunch leading politician, canvassing for the Independence of Mauritius. He was spotted for his charisma and sharp intelligence and was appointed as the first Minister of Education. It was he who came forward with the policy of teaching oriental languages, including Tamil in primary schools. As a towering politician of the Labour Party, he galvanized the Tamil community in the fascinating journey to Independence. The main Labour party agents were Tamils. Unfortunately, Seeneevassen did not live long enough to witness that unique event. He died unexpectedly at the young age of 48 in 1958. His funeral procession drew one of the largest crowds of the time. The fight for full emancipation went on with renewed vigour. Mauritius proudly became independent on 12th of March 1968. One significant recognition of Tamil contribution is the printing of Tamil characters on all bank notes and the effigy of Seeneevassen on one bank note. On the 12 March 1992, Mauritius became a Republic, with Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo, a Tamil, as the first President.
[End of Part 2]
