Dr. Sarita Boodhoo’s contributions embody a profound commitment to cultural preservation and community service, making her a deserving recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
Dr. Sarita Boodhoo of Mauritius has been awarded the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) for 2025, the highest honor conferred on overseas Indians. This recognition celebrates her exceptional contributions to community service, particularly in preserving and promoting Indian cultural heritage, with a focus on the Bhojpuri language and traditions.
The award was presented at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8–10, 2025. President of India, Droupadi Murmu, conferred the honor during the event’s Valedictory Session, underscoring the enduring bond between India and its global diaspora.
A Distinguished Cultural Advocate
Dr. Sarita Boodhoo, a fourth-generation descendant of Bihar, is a revered Indologist and cultural preservationist. Her work bridges India’s cultural heritage with its diaspora in Mauritius, earning her recognition as a stalwart of Bhojpuri traditions.
Academic Prowess
Dr. Boodhoo’s academic journey is marked by diverse accomplishments. She earned her B.A. Honours in Geography from Lady Brabourne College, Calcutta University, under a Government of India Cultural Scholarship. Her academic credentials also include a Master’s and Ph.D. in Hindi from Varanasi, along with a Diploma in Advanced Journalism from Germany and France.
Leadership in Cultural Preservation
In 1982, she founded the Mauritius Bhojpuri Institute, a pioneering NGO dedicated to preserving Bhojpuri culture. Through initiatives like the acclaimed Bhojpuri song “Pani Nai Ba” and numerous Bhojpuri cultural weeks, the institute has significantly raised cultural awareness in Mauritius. As Chairperson of the Bhojpuri Speaking Union since 2012, she has strengthened institutional efforts under the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Boodhoo’s tireless efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including:
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Vishwa Hindi Samman (2012) at the 9th World Hindi Conference in Johannesburg.
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Vishwa Bhojpuri Samman (2013) from the Government of Bihar.
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Distinguished Alumni Award (2016) from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
Notable Publications
Dr. Boodhoo’s scholarly contributions include several acclaimed works:
“Kanya Dan”: A comprehensive study of Hindu wedding rituals spanning 5,000 years.
“Geet-Gawai: Bhojpuri Folk Songs in Mauritius”: A historic documentation of Bhojpuri Sanskar Geet in multiple scripts.
“What’s Wrong with the Hindus?” (1981): An exploration of cultural issues within the Hindu diaspora.
“Speak Bhojpuri – Bhojpuri Bola” (2010) and “An Easy Approach to Bhojpuri Grammar” (2010): Tools for linguistic preservation.
UNESCO Recognition
A landmark achievement was her successful nomination of Bhojpuri Folk Songs of Mauritius – Geet Gawai to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This international recognition has amplified the significance of Bhojpuri traditions globally.
Bridging India and Mauritius
Through extensive research on the origins of Mauritians of Indian descent, Dr. Boodhoo has documented migration patterns and cultural connections between India and Mauritius. Her comparative studies across Indian villages and her focus on Bhojpuri traditions, with 60% of their vocabulary derived from Sanskrit, have strengthened the understanding of shared heritage.
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