Representing a considerable percentage of the population, the Rajput Community had to claim its own identity under the rainbow of multi-cultures and joining hand in hand with other Communities in Mauritius.
Sreechrishnalall Auliar, Jankeeparsad Bundhoo, Hurrydial Auliar, Luckputtea Juglall ,Chatturgoon Dabydial (Goon Sirdar) ,Panchoo Persad ,Chitdeo Bundhoo ,Narain Chittoo and other relatives were very instrumental in the setting up of the Gahlot Rajput Maha Sabha (GRMS) on the 8th of February 1965. Very soon afterwards the team was followed by the unflinching support of Messrs Iswardeo Seetaram ,Balram Soukhee and Soobashchan Moorar ,Pandith Ramanand Seebun and other well-wishers.
The Sabha was duly registered at the Registrar of Associations. The GRMS has more than 50 Branches affiliated under its aegis.
In May 1982, the Foundation Stone was laid by Shreematee Rookmeen Bundhoo, the widow of Mr Jankeeparsad Bundhoo, a founder member of GRMS.
The GRMS is recognized as a distinct community with a specific religious identity. The GRMS has its official seat at 28, Maharana Pratap Street, Port Louis.
Chatturgoon Dabydial (Goon Sirdar) residence was usually used for meetings before the setting up of GRMS.
From 1965 to 1985 the office of GRMS was found at the residence of Jankee Parsad Bundhoo at Poudre d’or Hamlet.
It is to be highlighted that in 1970s GRMS committee members struggled hard with the municipality of Port Louis to proclaim La Butte junction as Maharana Pratap Singh square. Later, due to practical reasons it was shifted to Bell Village.
In 2008, the statue of Maharana Pratap Singh was laid at the junction of Bell Village and the same junction was named Maharana Pratap Singh square and became a cultural site of the Rajput community.
Following the recommendation of the National Heritage Fund and Cabinet Decision on 07 April 2016, the site was proclaimed as National Heritage Site. It is the unique statue of Maharana Pratap Singh which is found outside India.
On the 9th of May, every year, the Gahlot Rajput Maha Sabha celebrates the birth anniversary of the Great Hero, and First freedom fighter Maharana Pratap Singh.
The objectives of the Sabha are as follows:
1) To disseminate the Vedic Dharma (Vedic Religion);
2) To promote the socio cultural, educational and religious advancement of the Gahlot Kshatriya Community in Mauritius.
3) To encourage the philosophy, literature, arts, science and history and to propagate the Vedic Culture.
4) To establish and manage, charitable and philanthropic institutions, temples, schools and colleges.
5) To organize meetings and to arrange lectures, workshop on health, social ills and environmental issues amongst others.
6) To run press for the printing of books, newspapers, magazines, in English, French Hindi and Sanskrit.
7) To operate a Special Benefit Section for the provision of Educational Grants, Funeral Benefits and Marriage Allowances.
8) To undertake all such activities that would help the needy.
The GRMS celebrates the following religious Vedic and other activities at National level on a yearly basis:
1) The Rishi Bodh Mahotsav.
2) Satya Prakash Maas.
3) The Ved Maas.
4) Holi.
5) Shravani Upakarma;
6) Deepawali.
7) Ganga Ashnan;
8) Guru Veerjanand Shradhanjali Diwas
9) Celebration poornimah Yaj
10) Maharana Pratap Jayanti is celebrated at National Level with great pomp and enthusiasm.
The GRMS runs the Maharana Pratap Residential Care Home duly registered under the Residential Care Home Board of the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity.
The Residential Home is situated at Coastal Road, Belle Mare, where we presently accommodate 22 elderlies. The inmates are comprised of all communities.
The GRMS strives hard to inculcate education on human values ,community service, patriotism to our new generation and we believe in our Vedic tradition “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam “ “the World is One Family”.
Our Executive Members
