A Mauritian man’s emotional search for his ancestral roots ends successfully

Jajpur

A deep desire to trace his roots brought Mauritian citizen Ramrup Jagannath to a small village in Odisha’s Jajpur district. After three unsuccessful visits, his fourth attempt proved fruitful when he finally discovered his ancestral home with help from the district administration and his faith in Lord Jagannath.

Overcome with emotion, Ramrup collected soil from the village to take back to Mauritius, calling it a symbol of his connection to India. “Today was special for me. I’m taking the soil with me,” he said.

Ramrup’s ancestors were taken to Mauritius in 1870 by the British as indentured labourers, known as “Girmityas.” Historical records revealed their place of origin as Mulgaon in Jajpur district, part of undivided Cuttack.

Despite finding his ancestral village, Ramrup expressed sadness that his family no longer lives there. “I have found the village, but my family has left it,” he said. Still, he remains hopeful that, with administrative support, he will one day reconnect with his long-lost relatives.

Ramrup also appealed to the Indian government to help build a Jagannath Temple in Mauritius for the 3,000-strong Indian-origin community there. “We want to build a Jagannath Temple. I request the government to help us,” he said.

Jajpur District Collector Ambar Kumar Kar assured him of full support and invited him to return to Odisha whenever he wished to continue his search.