Honoring Yousuf Mohamed: Book Launch Unveils His Journey and Values

On July 9, 2025, at Ébène, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam launched a new book dedicated to Yousuf Mohamed, calling him “a man of light.” The book, titled The Journey of Yousuf Mohamed, Jurist, Politician, Humanitarian, was written by Ibrahim Alladin, who has previously authored biographies of Sir Anerood Jugnauth and Philip Ah-Chuen.

The event gathered many notable figures from politics and the judiciary, including Vice Prime Minister Paul Bérenger, Ministers Boolell, Damry, Ramful, Sukon, Meeah, and Uteem, as well as the Chief Justice and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

During his speech, Ramgoolam admitted he didn’t know Yousuf Mohamed very well.

Mohamed was a former Minister of Labour in Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam’s government—a role also held by Ramgoolam’s father, Sir Abdool Razack Mohamed.

Ramgoolam described Mohamed as fearless, noting this trait was clear during his cross-examinations in court.

He recalled Mohamed’s surprise when lawyer Ravi Yerrigadoo seemed to lack basic knowledge during his arrest and court appearances. Despite this, Mohamed was humble and attentive to guiding his junior lawyers.

The Prime Minister also shared that Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam once expressed concern when Mohamed was appointed Minister of Labour after the 1976 general elections.

Ramgoolam remembered Sir Seewoosagur criticizing Mohamed for having strong opinions on every issue during a cabinet meeting.

Ramgoolam also said he once saw Yousuf Mohamed cry when his son Shakeel was arrested. However, he mentioned that he never saw him cry again after that.

The Prime Minister also noted that Yousuf Mohamed practiced pro bono law, providing services free of charge regardless of his clients’ social backgrounds.

Release of Activists

Shakeel Mohamed, Minister of Labour and one of Yousuf Mohamed’s two sons (his other son, Zakir, is also a lawyer), spoke about his father’s strong sense of justice.

He recalled that Yousuf Mohamed was willing to call for the release of MMM militants, even though he was part of the government. “He was loyal, but he stood against abuses,” Shakeel said.

He also mentioned that his mother was against him entering politics. Yousuf Mohamed would tell her that he acted according to his conscience, even though he knew politics can sometimes involve “dirty games.”

A man of culture and faith

Author Ibrahim Alladin described Mohamed as a man of diverse interests, elegant and well-educated. “He read everything—from Voltaire and Molière to Milton.

He loved painting, whether Impressionist or Romantic. He admired actors like Alain Delon, Dilip Kumar, and Amitabh Bachchan. Whenever he went to London, he always went to the theatre to see the latest play.”

Alladin also recalled that Mohamed was deeply religious and held strong convictions. One day, he asked Mohamed if he was afraid of death. Mohamed replied:

“No, I’ve had a fulfilling life. I have a loving family and children who bring me joy. I regret nothing.”

The author emphasized that proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Alzheimer & Demence Association of Mauritius.

Source: Defi Media