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Nurturing Marathi Language, Literature & Culture Since 1969
१९६९ साली स्थापन झालेल्या मराठी साहित्य परिषद – मॉरिशसची स्थापना स्पष्ट ध्येयसमोर ठेवून करण्यात आली होती—मराठी भाषा याची जोपासना करणे, तिचा प्रसार करणे आणि मॉरिशस भूमीवर महाराष्ट्राच्या इतिहास, साहित्य आणि संस्कृतीविषयी अधिक अभिमान व जाणीव निर्माण करणे. आज मराठी साहित्य परिषद ही बेटावरील मराठी संस्कृतीचे प्रतिनिधित्व करणारी अधिकृत आणि सर्वाधिक सक्रीय संस्था म्हणून उभी आहे. तिच्या सदस्यांमध्ये शिक्षक, कलाकार, लेखक, विद्यार्थी तसेच मराठी समुदायाचे नेते यांचा समावेश आहे.
गेल्या अनेक दशकांपासून मराठी साहित्य परिषद ही बेटावरील भाषिक व सांस्कृतिक वारशाचे एक प्रमुख आधारस्तंभ आहे. समुदायसेवा आणि संस्कृतीसंवर्धनाच्या भावनेतून रुजलेली ही संस्था आजही मॉरिशसमधील मराठी शिक्षण, साहित्य आणि सांस्कृतिक अभिव्यक्तीसाठीची सर्वात मजबूत व्यासपीठ म्हणून योगदान देत आहे.
The Marathi Sahitya Parishad (Mauritius) is a proud educational and cultural institution dedicated to promoting the Marathi language and heritage in Mauritius. Initially, it was affiliated with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, Pune (India). The Marathi Sahitya Parishad, Mauritius stands as the first and largest registered educational body offering Primary and Secondary Marathi Education on the island.
Founded in July 1969 by Prof. Gajanan Purushotam Joshi, a visionary educator and then-lecturer at the Teachers’ Training College, Marathi Sahitya Parishad has played a pioneering role in shaping generations of Marathi teachers and students.
A Legacy That Shaped Generations
The Marathi Sahitya Parishad stands as the earliest registered educational institution in Mauritius dedicated to the teaching and preservation of Marathi language and literature at the secondary level. Its roots reach back to July 1969—a time when the Marathi-speaking community longed for a formal space to nurture its linguistic and cultural heritage.
It was in this climate of aspiration that Prof. Gajanan Purushotam Joshi, a visionary lecturer at the Teachers’ Training College, sowed the seeds of a movement that would become a cornerstone of Mauritius’ cultural fabric. With dedication and foresight, he trained the earliest generations of Marathi teachers, igniting a flame that continues to burn brightly today.
The Humble Beginnings
The Parishad’s first classes opened their doors in Beau Bassin at Cambridge College (now New Devton College), followed by Rose Belle High School and the Marathi Dharmic Sabha in Vacoas. These modest classrooms soon became sanctuaries of language, identity, and aspiration. The journey of the institution mirrors the perseverance of its people. From its early headquarters at Tennyson College in Quatre Bornes (1970–1983), to Aryan Vedic School in Vacoas (1984–1990), the Parishad finally found its home in 1991 at Dr Maurice Curé State Secondary School, where its heartbeat continues to thrive.
Pillars of the Foundation
Among the early torchbearers were Mr & Mrs Bajirao Babajee, Mr Mahadeo Gunnoo, Mr Marotty Ragoo, Mr Babooram Gunesh, Mr Jayram Mulloo, Mr Jayram Naojee and many other stalwarts who believed in the cause long before it bore fruit.
In a defining moment of courage and determination, Mr. Mahadeo Gunnoo, the first President of the Parishad, travelled to Maharashtra to seek help for the budding institution. His efforts opened doors that changed countless lives—ten scholarships were offered by the Maharashtra Government for Mauritian students to pursue a one-year teaching course at Panvel Teachers Training College in Mumbai.
Nine aspiring teachers seized this opportunity: Messrs Daiwoojee Paddia (present President of the MSP), Sadanand Bhiwajee, Babooram Gopal, Madan Goorwappa, Luxmee Ittoo, Devyanee Nageea, Ooma Nageea, Mala Gondeea and Mrs Pursuram.
One more, Mr Sonah Dhurmea, had to forgo the journey due to financial constraints—a reminder of the sacrifices and challenges woven into our collective past.
Expanding Horizons
From those early years, the Marathi Sahitya Parishad grew into a cultural institution that reaches communities across Mauritius. Historically, Marathi education flourished in Mauritius through numerous Parishad centres, namely
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Dr Maurice Curé State Secondary School
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La Rosa Government School
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Melrose Government School
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Chamouny Vishwanath Mandir
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St Hubert Dus Avtar Mandir
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Mont Fertile Marathi Oopkaree Sabha
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Baie du Cap Kailashnath Mandir
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Vinayak Mandir, Beau Bassin
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Camp Benoit Marathi Sabha
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L’Escalier Marathi Sabha
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Cluny Marathi School
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Dagotière Marathi School
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Belle Rose Marathi School
And many more spaces where language and culture continue to find new life.
Celebrating Excellence
Each year, the Marathi Sahitya Parishad Parishad proudly celebrates its anniversary by honouring its students with certificates and prizes—recognising not just academic achievement, but dedication to cultural continuity. Over decades, these halls have witnessed countless competitions in Quiz, Elocution, Essay Writing, Drawing, and Sloka Recitation, nurturing creative and intellectual excellence among the youth.
A Mission for All Mauritians
In its fifty-six years, the Marathi Sahitya Parishad has shaped generations of graduates, teachers, and scholars, all proudly rooted in Marathi literature and culture.
Today, Marathi Sahitya Parishad stands open to every Mauritian, guided by a singular mission:
to propagate, preserve, and celebrate the Marathi language, its culture, its proud traditions, and the religious heritage that binds communities together.
The story of the Marathi Sahitya Parishad is not just the history of an institution.
It is the story of a community’s resilience, a language’s identity, and a legacy that continues to inspire Mauritius.
First International Marathi Examinations
In 1984, the Mauritius Marathi Mandali Federation organized an examination in collaboration with the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, Poona (India). The classes were conducted under the dedicated guidance of late Guruji Daiwoojee Paddia. Students from various branches of Parishad enthusiastically participated — a total of 22 candidates appeared for the examination. Among them, Mr. Homrajen Gowreea achieved First Class, while three students obtained Second Class. This milestone marked an early step in strengthening formal Marathi education in Mauritius.
Jagatik Marathi Sahitya Samelan
The First World Marathi Conference held in 1988 was another historic moment. The Mauritian delegation was largely represented by members of the Marathi Sahitya Parishad. It included prominent members such as late Guruji Daiwoojee Paddia, Mr. Homrajen Gowreea, Mr. Ram Maloo, Mrs. Saraswatee Cahaneea, Mr. Amroota Cahaneea, Mr. Balraj Narroo, and Mrs. Santabye Narroo, among others.
During the Second World Marathi Conference held in Mauritius, Marathi Sahitya Parishad played a major role in the planning and organization of the event. The occasion was graced by the presence of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra as the Chief Guest, further strengthening cultural ties between Maharashtra and Mauritius.
Later, when Hon. Sheila Bappoo was invited to Maharashtra by the Bharat–Mauritius Brotherhood, under the Presidentship of Dr. D.Y. Patil. She was accompanied by Guruji Daiwoojee Paddia and Mr. Homrajen Gowreea as part of the Mauritian delegation. During this visit, Hon. Sheila Bappoo proposed the idea of hosting a World Marathi Conference, an initiative that received the blessings and support of Shri Sharad Pawar, the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra — paving the way for the successful realization of this significant cultural event.
Our Guiding Purpose
Our Mission & Vision
Mission
To provide accessible Marathi language education and cultural programs across Mauritius, empowering learners of all ages to connect with their linguistic roots. We aim to support teachers, develop educational resources, and promote Marathi through classes, events, and community initiatives.
56 Years of Educational Service
in Mauritius
Vision
To preserve, promote, and pass on the beauty of the Marathi language and culture to future generations — enriching Mauritius with the wisdom and values of Maharashtra.
What We Do
Areas Of Contribution
Uniting Marathi Minds Across Mauritius!
One Story, One Voice
People Behind the Mission
Meet the Executive Committee
The Parishad is guided by an elected executive board comprising educators, scholars, cultural promoters, and community representatives devoted to preserving Marathi heritage in Mauritius.
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Office Bearers Since 1969
The office bearers of the Marathi Sahitya Parishad since 1969 have played a pivotal role in promoting and preserving Marathi literature and culture. Their dedication and leadership have fostered a vibrant literary community, encouraging writers and to share their work and engage with readers.
Through various programs, events, publications, these office bearers have significantly contributed to the growth and recognition of literature on both national and international platforms. Their commitment continues inspire new generations of literary enthusiasts.
Make a Difference
Keep Marathi Alive
Whether you are a student, teacher, parent, or cultural enthusiast — your participation strengthens the legacy of Marathi in Mauritius. Become a member, volunteer, donate, or collaborate with us in shaping the next chapter of our cultural story.