The first-ever World Yogasana Championships in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, have unexpectedly served as a cultural bridge for young Mauritians of Indian descent, helping them reconnect with their ancestral roots. For many in Mauritius, India is a distant land known only through family stories. The championships provided a tangible link to a heritage that had faded over generations.
A Journey of Discovery
Among the participants were Chethnaa Reesaul, Parineeti Kalkah, Ganisha Bajah, Aarya Chelumbrun, and Dakshesh Sai Joorun. Chethnaa, Parineeti, and Ganisha trace their origins to Bihar, while Aarya's family hails from Tamil Nadu. Dakshesh has roots in both Tamil Nadu and Bihar. For these athletes, the trip was more than a competition; it was their first visit to their ancestral homeland.
Nineteen-year-old Chethnaa Reesaul said, "I know my family has roots in Bihar, but I don't know exactly where. My grandmother told me about our Indian connection, but I never explored it due to studies and sports."
From Stories to Reality
Like many Generation Z Mauritians, Chethnaa and her 13-year-old schoolmate Ganisha Bajah grew up hearing stories about India from elders. However, India remained abstract. Experiencing Ahmedabad firsthand—hearing Indian languages and seeing the culture—made the connection real.
Chethnaa added, "Now that I have visited India, I want to learn more about my roots. I would love to return, visit Bihar, and bring my family to explore our heritage together."
Ganisha echoed this sentiment: "We knew our ancestors came from India, but it felt like the past. Being here makes it real. I want to learn more about my family history."
Guidance and Reflection
Deputy Rector Reena Dewkarun and educator-coach Disha Nekitsing accompanied the team. Both also trace their origins to Bihar. For them, the visit held deep emotional significance, highlighting the enduring cultural ties between Mauritius and India.
The athletes represent the diversity of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius. While Chethnaa, Parineeti, and Ganisha proudly acknowledge their Bihar roots, Dakshesh embodies connections to multiple Indian regions. Twelve-year-old Aarya Chelumbrun, from Grand Bois, traces her ancestry to Tamil Nadu, showcasing the varied Indian influences in Mauritian society.
Yoga as a Vehicle for Reconnection
Ironically, yoga—an ancient Indian practice—became the medium for this cultural reconnection. Chethnaa began practicing Yogasana only in January 2025. "Yoga has made me calmer, more patient, and focused," she said. "It has helped me develop discipline and balance."
This mirrors the delegation's larger story: yoga traveled from India abroad, and now it has brought descendants back to their ancestral land. Many young Mauritians know their ancestors came from India but lack precise details about villages or regions. Over time, records were lost, and memories faded. Events like the Yogasana World Championships create opportunities for younger generations to reconnect with their heritage preserved through family stories.
A Homecoming Beyond Sport
Inside the competition arena, athletes vied for medals. Outside, they quietly rediscovered pieces of their identity. For the Mauritian team, the championships became a homecoming—a chance for athletes, coaches, and educators to reconnect with a heritage long embedded in stories and conversations.
As they return to Mauritius, they carry not only competition experience but also a renewed curiosity about their roots and a deeper connection to the land of their ancestors. Ganisha concluded: "For me, this is one of the most unexpected legacies of the inaugural Yogasana World Championships. It is not just about bringing nations together through sport, but also about helping a new generation rediscover where our story began."
