Mauritian Athletes Discover Ancestral Roots at World Yogasana Championships

A Journey of Rediscovery

For numerous young individuals in Mauritius, India is a land spoken of in family tales but rarely experienced firsthand. Names of ancestral villages in regions like Bihar and Tamil Nadu have faded over time, with family records lost, leaving only fragments of a journey that began over a century ago when their ancestors traversed the Indian Ocean in search of a better life.

This week, the inaugural World Yogasana Championships in Ahmedabad served as an unexpected link between these distant memories and a new generation eager to explore their heritage. Among the participants were Mauritian athletes Chethnaa Reesaul, Parineeti Kalkah, and Ganisha Bajah, all of whom have roots in Bihar. Aarya Chelumbrun's family hails from Tamil Nadu, while Dakshesh Sai Joorun's mother is also from Tamil Nadu, with his father's lineage tracing back to Bihar. For these five athletes, the trip to Ahmedabad was about more than just competing; it was their first chance to step into the land their ancestors once called home.

Beyond Competition

For 19-year-old Reesaul, who participated in the senior category, the championships transcended mere competition. "I know my family has roots in Bihar, but I’m not sure exactly where they originated. My grandmother shared stories about our Indian heritage, but I never delved into it as I was focused on my studies and sports," she shared.

Like many of their peers in Mauritius, Chethnaa and her 13-year-old friend Ganisha Bajah grew up hearing tales of India from their grandparents. However, India felt like a distant concept—part history, part family lore. Visiting Gujarat changed that perspective. Walking through Ahmedabad, hearing Indian languages, and experiencing the culture firsthand transformed their abstract notions into tangible realities.

"Now that I’ve visited India, I’m eager to learn more about my roots. I would love to return, visit Bihar, and perhaps bring my family along to explore our heritage together," Chethnaa expressed.

Ganisha echoed similar sentiments, stating, "We always knew our ancestors came from India, but it felt like a distant past. Being here has made that connection feel real and has ignited my desire to learn more about my family history and where our story began."

Cultural Connections

Accompanying the Mauritian athletes were Deputy Rector Reena Dewkarun and educator-coach Disha Nekitsing, both of whom also trace their lineage to Bihar. Their presence highlighted a broader narrative shared by many Mauritian families whose ancestors migrated from India generations ago, yet continue to uphold elements of their heritage through traditions, language, cuisine, and family stories. For them, this visit held significant emotional value.

The World Yogasana Championships not only provided guidance for young athletes but also allowed them to visit the land their ancestors once departed from. Their journey underscored the lasting cultural ties between Mauritius and India—connections that have endured across oceans, time, and generations.

Yoga as a Reconnection Tool

Ironically, it was yoga—a practice originating in India and embraced globally—that facilitated this cultural reconnection. Chethnaa began practicing Yogasana only in January this year. What started as preparation for competition soon blossomed into a passion. "Yoga has made me calmer, more patient, and more focused. It has instilled discipline and balance in my daily life," she noted.

This journey reflects the larger narrative of the Mauritian delegation. Yoga traveled from India to distant lands, became part of communities abroad, and has now brought descendants of Indian migrants back to their ancestral homeland.

A Homecoming Experience

Delegation members noted that many young Mauritians of Indian descent are aware of their ancestral ties to India but often lack detailed information about their specific villages or regions. Over generations, records have been lost, and family memories have faded. Events like the Yogasana World Championships are thus creating opportunities for younger generations to reconnect with a heritage largely preserved through family narratives.

Inside the competition arena, athletes from various continents competed for medals. Outside, some quietly rediscovered aspects of their identity. For the Mauritian team, the inaugural World Yogasana Championships became more than just a sporting event; it was a homecoming—a chance for athletes, coaches, and educators to reconnect with a heritage that had long existed in stories and family conversations.

As Chethnaa, Parineeti, Ganisha, Aarya, and Dakshesh return to Mauritius, they will carry back more than just competition experience and international exposure. They will return with a renewed curiosity about their roots and a deeper connection to a land they had previously known only through their grandparents' stories.

"For me, this is one of the most unexpected legacies of the inaugural Yogasana world championships. It’s not just about uniting nations through sport; it’s also about helping a new generation rediscover where our story began," Ganisha concluded.