Late Mr Hurrylall Rughooputh (13 Sep 1911 - 23 Mar 1984)
Educational Qualifications
Career in a nutshell
HR Hobbies
HR was born on the 13th Sept 1911 at La Louise in Colonial Mauritius and grew up as a young intelligent lad, well aware of the poverty-stricken society he was living amidst at Palma.
He attended the Church of England Aided School (now Palma Government School); HR ranked 13th in the national junior scholarship competition; unfortunately, only 12 awards were made in those days; HR could not make it to RCC. He lost his Mum (aged 35/36) at the tender age of 13. HR's dad was taken aback by this tragic loss and his life became miserable. HR attended the Department of Agriculture (now the University of Mauritius) at Reduit to undertake certificate courses; he used to narrate how he was studying near the waterfalls - holding a branch to keep mosquitoes off whilst reading his books. HR won several medals while at the Agricultural Dept. Despite he topped his class, HR was, nevertheless, refused the "Mechanical Engineering ???" Scholarship (like many other Hindus in those days). His relentless efforts rewarded him as he excelled in Hindi.
Young intellectual HR was appointed as teacher of the Church of England Aided School; the appointment lasted till he married a Hindu girl. HR married Doorputteea (alias Rasmat) when he was 27 (considered late in those days). The strong bond between Doorputteea and her brother (Ankoor) led the latter to stay with her right from young age (7). More so, HR's father-in-law, being a planter with his plantations in the district of Flacq had little time to devote to Ankoor. His father-in-law managed to get HR a job - to assist Mr Bundhun - in a shop at La Louise. The young couple together with Ankoor moved to their new house in Jenningham road, Belle Rose. Didi / Vijay born where .................. ?
After some time, they sold the house and shifted back to Palma for good - initially residing in what would later become the Palma Village Hall/Council - well-known for holding petanque (national) competitions. HR helped his cousin, Charan (who married HR's wife sister) in managing his shop. Slowly, HR revived is part-time teaching. Soon after they moved to a thatched house (Rughooputh Lane). Ankoor left for UK by sea (ship - Labourdonnais) in 1951 to graduate in Law (the latter settled back in Mauritius in 1966 and later became judge). In 1953, HR and grown family moved into a concrete house on the main road facing the school (behind the thatched one). Out of his marriage, there are 8 siblings - 4 boys and 4 girls that are still alive till today (September 2011) - a century after HR's birthday.
In the mean time (after cyclone Carol), the Church of England Aided School changed its name to Palma Government School; the latter was headed by Mr Bundhoo (residing in Port Louis) - who became very close to HR. In the mid50s (date???), HR was on the permanent establishment of the Palma Government School where he remained most of the time till his retirement in 1970. Amongst his peers were Mr Stephen Makoonah, Mr Beesoon Beekharry, Mrs Dorah and Luc Chellemben, Mrs Bansoodeb, Mrs Alice Derblay and Ms Mootoosamy. His rich experience was considered exemplary by his peers so much so that Mr Ram Prakash (Ministry of Education) used HR's methods to boost Hindi learning techniques all around the country; this was promulgated at the time via the Teacher's Training Centre (Beau Bassin).
HR was an open-minded person and believed in education as a tool for success in life. He made no distinction between his own kids and other school children. He conducted extended classes everyday - free - at school and in his own house even during school vacations (at the detriment of his family - but with full support from his wife) - see extract from P. Soobarah in Mauritius Times; so much so, that his output was never too far off 100% (if not 100%) for all cohorts he taught. HR was highly respected even by all teachers and the heads of school as a disciplined person who loved his work and well-conditioned in his work environment. Amongst his students are well-known engineers, scientists, economists, academics, lawyers holding top positions; and even, Prime Minister and President (Hon Sir Aneerood Jugnauth). If it were not for HR, many children like (KC and others) would have joined his parents in the fields instead of going to school, for free, which HR had arranged with the school's principal (his secondary school, I think, was in Belle Rose). Some children (like KC) even had access to our library at home and was allowed to take any books he needed. KC is now a retired accountant! He would chase kids around and made sure they went to school!!! Since he lived opposite the School, HR was given the responsibility to take care of refugees of cyclones; HR would distribute blankets and food to the refugees.
HR was proud father of Miss Mauritius (her daughter, Indira); the latter also won beauty contest in UK and was given the title Miss Outspan.
After his retirement, HR was approached to establish a cooperative society for small planters. Thus, he was a founder member of the Palma Cooperative Produce Thrift and Credit Society (also known as Palma CCS) in June 1973; HR was instilled as the secretary of this society - a position he occupied till he departed from this world.
HR's contributions were so much appreciated by one and all that the Cabinet announced the naming of the Palma Government School after him in 1984 in recognition of the services he provided to the community. HR is recognised as a "gluing" agent for the local community of Palma. People approached him anytime for solving their problems, advice and/or assistance.
HR was fluent not only in Hindi but also in English and French. His handwriting was second to none - as shown here. HR had a very sweet character despite him being a strict person. To meet the needs of his growing family, HR also worked part time - in his sugarcane fields (assisted by his family) and in a local bar. HR loved all. Perhaps, his best local friend was "France" Jean's father, the Chinese shopkeeper.
School Trips: These are special events. During school trips, HR would make his wife cook "briani" for all teachers going with the children - aiming to make things easy for them. No wonder, why all the teachers loved it. HR believed that school trips would be beneficial if the children were allowed to plant trees around the coastal areas (and to be proud by doing so) - an experiment for them to put their hands on the dirt and feel mother earth; this request of his was rejected by the authorities!! He would constantly quiz the children - anywhere.
The Village Council often called upon HR to distribute toys to the children of the community on Christmas day.
Habits corner: Many would remember HR for his cigarettes - which he used to split into half - and smoke them separately. He also had the habit of giving a double tap when speaking to people.