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The Man

Born in Central Flacq on 13th June 1930, Mr Ramnath Jeetah GOSK started his career in education in 1951 as a member of the teaching staff of Bhujoharry College.

In 1973, following his demand, a commission of enquiry on the sugar industry was set up and the findings of the commission came as a blessing to the small sugar cane planters. Thus, the community of small planters was saved from bankruptcy and disaster.

There was major improvement in the economic conditions of small planters and their children were able to afford university education.

Mr. Jeetah has always believed that education is not the privilege of a few but a right for all. Accordingly on 31st August 1976, as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, he recommended free education for all in the country, which became a reality in 1976.

Mr. Jeetah fought a relentless battle to further certain ideals in education - the fight against illiteracy, the provision of an education that aims at the development of the overall personality of the child, the concept of equality, the dismantlement of the elite system and the democratisation of education in Mauritius.

In harmony with the above philosophy and very much conscious of our cultural heritage he has made a tremendous contribution in the uplifting of Hindi, Sanskrit and the Indian culture in Mauritius.

He founded in 1956, the Eastern College, which was renamed on 4th September 1991, Professor Basdeo Bissoondoyal College as a tribute to Professor Basdeo Bissoondoyal for his immense contribution in the campaign against illiteracy and ignorance.

The Beginning

The school started in a small building of 2 rooms, both of which were used as classrooms. The adjoining yard served as a playground.

Today from a mere 47 sq.m building it has grown into two three storeyed buildings of 9,290 sq.m which house about 120 rooms.

This college was founded with an aim to open avenues to education for

• • The less privileged section of the population.
• • Girl students, largely neglected at that time.

Being a secondary school teacher, he had felt the need to bring secondary education within the reach of the inhabitants of Flacq and its neighbouring regions.

In 1957, upon recommendation of the Ministry of Education, the college was upgraded to 'B' status, Arts.

The school also offered scholarships to pupils having best results at the end of the year examinations.

Today, following a remarkable improvement in infrastructure, the school offers education to 2,000 students with the help of 180 teaching staff and some 60 non-teaching staff.

The college ranks among the best of Private Secondary Schools in Mauritius.

Professor Basdeo Bissoondoyal Colleges was awarded the National Education Award - 1993 - 4 for Best Private Secondary School in the country by the Ministry of Education and Science.

The Trust

Ramnath Jeetah Trust is a domestic charitable Trust formed on 5 November 2003. It is regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

Amongst the objects of the Trust are:

1. a. Relief of poverty
2. b. The advancement of education
3. c. The protection of the environment and
4. d. The advancement of human rights & fundamental freedoms.

Recognition

In 2011, the Government of Mauritius conferred the prestigious title of G.O.S.K to him recognizing his contributions towards education in Mauritius.

Family

He leaves behind his wife Savitree Jeetah (born Fowder) and his 6 sons, 3 daughters, 17 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. His 9 children in order;

1. 1. Damanyantee Beharee (daughter)
2. 2. Radha Jeetah (son)
3. 3. Dr Rajeshwar Jeetah (son)
4. 4. Vikram Jeetah (son)
5. 5. Govind Vasant Jeetah (son)
6. 6. Shyamnath Jeetah (son)
7. 7. Sunil Jeetah (son)
8. 8. Nandinee Jeetah (daughter)
9. 9. Saraswatee Dina Jeetah (daughter)