There is no finish line . . .
The Food Forest Journey
The Food Forest adventure began during Covid. We were forced, because of the sudden lockdown, to forage for food in the garden, and what a discovery! Such an amazing, abundant, and varied supply! We lived off green papaya in all its wonderful preparations, dug up sweet potatoes, enjoyed fresh fruits, herbs, and 'Bred" of all types! Later, as part of the Fairy Women Entrepreneurs Coop, I started a one-acre organic farm, which lasted about a year, until I decided, with my family, to transfer the whole farm idea to our very own yard, did some edible landscaping, and voila! Today we always find something delicious to put on the table, fresh and wholly organic. We use a rainwater harvesting system and make all our compost, liquid fertiliser, and mulch. We also make it a matter of principle to keep the traditions going, as in bringing back forgotten veggies, such as "Pois Carré" (or Bombay bean), Embrevattes, Bred Gandol, and the kinds of veggies and fruit we consider as important components of our Mauritian culinary "patrimoine", like jackfruit and "carambole" (or starfruit), manioc and arouille, angive and margoze! Did you know papaya flowers make a wonderful stir-fry?! We are also champions of preserves and processing, as we make our our turmeric powder, jams and marmelades, tisanes, chips, cakes, pickles, carri-masala, and so many more. Our Food Forest is our happy place, shared by the doggies, kitties, birds, and all manner of garden critters.
Angive ek so brinzel
Organic Manioc (cassava)
Beautiful Turmeric
Dans le potager
Miss Mauritius 1989-1990
A time to remember that life's about JOY
One hilarious mix of circumstances while at Uni in 1988, and suddenly I was whizzing off to Tokyo for the Miss University contest, marking the beginning of what was to be a whirlwind of travel, discovery, personal grooming, glamour and fun.
I went on to win the Miss Mauritius title, and to the Miss Universe pageant in Los Angeles in 1990, and then to an entire life of joyful conversation-starters and heart-warming anecdotes of my Miss adventures.
From that time, I have found that people are simply such fascinating creatures wherever you go. Some you’ll easily make friends with and others are like ships passing in the night. I’m deeply grateful to the organisers of all these contests for allowing me to carry the joy with me during all these years, well beyond the events themselves.
Family tree
I have a strong connection with my ancestral roots, even as I negotiate the intricacies and dynamics of my own superbly mixed family today.
My parents — the roots from which everything grew.
My Father's Lineage
Jyekrishna Ramgutty Mauritius, 1929–2008
My family name I get from my hard-working entrepreneur dad, Jyekrishna Ramgutty — and what a name! Ram (Lord Rama) and Gati (speed, or path). The recognition of my surname as embodying these qualities is as intrinsic to my life’s journey as many of the major choices I have made.
Jyekrishna was the eldest son to Ramsaroop Ramgutty, whose father “Ramgutty” (one name, no surname) came to Mauritius at the tender age of six, just 3 feet 11 inches tall, tagging along with his parents Seeburuth and Lafooee as indentured Indian immigrants desperate for a better life in Mauritius. Seeburuth (or Seburuth)’s village back in India was Ageaw and Lafooee’s was Chorooea, and they were married in India before their great new adventure.
The small family boarded the MV Latona on 21st October 1876 at the port of Calcutta and reached the Aapravasi Ghat immigrant depot in Mauritius on 17th November 1876. Today, four generations later, I live in comfort and ease, and it’s hard to imagine that journey those young parents made with their little boy, their hearts very likely filled with a mixture of doubt, fear, anticipation and hope.
My father Jyekrishna worked round the clock, growing the family business so that every one of all his brothers and sisters and their children would lack of nothing. I owe so much to him for that warrior spirit.
My Mothers's Lineage
Hilda Mary Baker Dublin, Ireland, 1929–2016
Hilda was the daughter of Bridget and Martin Baker, of Dublin. From an early age, she worked hard, carrying with her the steadiness and humour of her Irish roots. Looking for independence, she instead met the love that would define her life: Jay was studying at Trinity at the same time that she worked at the university library.
They moved to London, then to Mauritius, where Jay joined his father in business and built the ‘Dhanush’ empire. Hilda was known by many as Madame Anglais. She had a ninety-fifties “Theresa Brown” aura of beauty about her that never failed to impress people wherever she went, slim and elegant in her floaty sarees and short wavy hair. The marriage was a brave one — a union that crossed social and cultural lines — yet she faced it with grace and unshakable kindness. Hers is a touching story of quiet courage and abnegation, of soul-mate connection, loyalty and dedication, and I think of her almost every day with gratitude and tenderness as I go about my own affairs, even though I feel that I got my stubbornness from those Irish roots. My brothers Robin and Rajess would probably have a story or two about that!
Hilda liked my name because it “travelled well”, she said. Well, I’m still travelling, physically and mentally. Thank you, Mum.
I’m thrilled about my Irish roots, and I feel so lucky to have lovely cousins both in Dublin and in London! I would love to learn more, whether through photographs or information, so if there’s anyone who would like to share something and who doesn’t mind me posting it here, please let me know!
Continuing the Story
Together, Hilda and Jay left behind not just a story, but a presence and a consciousness — each had their own strength and values that shaped me.
I married into even further cultural richness: François, of Chinese ancestry, brought with him his own story of parents struggling to keep their laboutik afloat as they raised their family, and together, we raised three beautiful, exemplary children. Serena, Sonia and Loïc are my pride and joy.
As we continue to navigate life in this contemporary time and place, my desire is strong to carry forward the essential historical and cultural legacy associated with Jay’s and Hilda’s own life stories, and, to a significant extent too, my years with François. Coffee lover that I am, one word comes to mind as I watch my children evolve, laying down their own new roots as they go forward in life: percolation. Tributaries to each one’s own soul journey, influences and choices, all that has come before nevertheless carries metaphorical twigs and branches from a myriad of stories, from young Ramgutty, gorgeous Hilda, brave Jyekrishna, and my own ongoing journey, emerging into a unique, aromatic brew!
Mauritius is the best place ever to be in when you are keen to honour your historical and cultural legacy and continue to experience an ever-enriching multi-cultural life as the days go by.
Tá mé beannaithe ! (I am blessed!)
