A Life of Service, Dharma, and Leadership
“A Soul Devoted to Dharma, Justice, and Humanity.”
-- Dr. Vivay Kanum Pursun
Dedication
This biography is devoted with the highest gratitude to Basdeo Pursun and Soumantee Pursun, the guiding stars in the life of Dr. Vivay Kanum Pursun. Parents are the first teachers of a child, and in their steady and wise support lies the very bedrock of life lived purposefully.
Basdeo Pursun, a man of great principle, was an excellent man-in-the-community servant who led by example from selfless service. Soumantee Pursun was the nurturer who left values of devotion and compassion for devotion into her children’s hearts, thus collectively leading to a man dedicated to life service for the welfare of others.
Their lessons did not come through mere words but through action—through evenings of yajnas and prayers, through community gatherings where unity was fostered, and through an unshaken belief that service to humanity is service to God.
As Dr. Pursun walks the path of dharma, justice, and service, he carries within him the legacy of his parents. Their teachings are not just memories; they are the very pillars of his existence.
The Hands That Serve
Not for gold, nor glory gained,
But for justice, love, and name.
A voice for all the world forgot,
A guiding light in desperate days.
A priest, a leader, wise to teach,
Bringing hope where deep darkness breeds.
His hands have served, his soul has led,
A thousand hearts by wisdom fed.
The world may change, the years decay;
But service lasts—and is made to stay.
Phase 1 : Early Life and Childhood
For a person, it is often childhood where character and values are molded, and in the case of Dr. Vivay Kanum Pursun, his early years were deeply rooted in tradition, discipline, and spirituality. Growing up in Mauritius, he was nurtured in an environment where service and devotion were not just preached but practiced daily. His parents, Basdeo Pursun and Soumantee Pursun, played a crucial role in shaping his worldview. Immersed in Sanatan Dharma from an early age, Dr. Pursun grew up attending yajnas, bhajans, and Hindi classes under his father’s encouragement, who was the president of the Navyuvak Sanatan Sabha.
Beyond spiritual learning, Dr. Pursun was a vibrant and active child, showcasing leadership and teamwork through sports. He played for the Hindu Progressive Football Club in Mauritius’ second division, reflecting his competitive spirit and discipline. Yet, his education extended beyond the classroom and sports ground — it was found in everyday adventures: climbing mango trees, tending cattle (while stealing moments for football), and exploring life with a lively curiosity, all underpinned by the deep sense of responsibility instilled by his family.
A defining influence during his formative years was his regular interactions with Hindu priests and spiritual leaders. Sitting beside them during yajnas, offering ahuti (sacrificial offerings), and listening to sacred chants profoundly shaped his spiritual journey.
This early exposure to devotion and religious rituals laid the foundation for his later life, where he not only became a priest but also an advocate and teacher of Hindu philosophy, dedicating his life to preserving and spreading these ancient traditions.
Academically, Dr. Pursun’s brilliance shone early on. His passion for Hindu studies earned him top grades at Cambridge School, demonstrating that his pursuit of knowledge was driven not just by intellect but by a deep reverence for his culture and religion. Reflecting on his childhood, Dr. Pursun’s early life beautifully intertwined playfulness, devotion, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to learning — elements that have continued to define his inspiring journey.
A Child’s Journey
In fields of green, I ran so free,
A child of earth, of sky, of tree.
With books in hand and faith so bright,
I sought the truth, I chased the light.
The hymns of past, the lessons told,
In yajnas’ fire, my dreams took hold.
Not just to learn, but to impart,
A world of wisdom in my heart.
The games of youth, the laughs we shared,
Yet duty’s call, I was prepared.
For from the start, the path was laid,
A life of service, truth displayed.
Phase 2 : Spiritual Awakening and Hinduism Journey
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Dr. Vivay Kanum Pursun’s journey of the soul is a testament not only to worship but to transformation, enlightenment, and service. Deeply rooted in Sanatan Dharma from childhood, thanks to his father’s involvement with Hindu organizations, Dr. Pursun’s early exposure to yajnas, bhajans, and sacred scriptures laid the foundation of his spiritual path. However, his true awakening came when he found deeper solace in the Hare Krishna movement, ultimately leading him to become an initiated devotee of ISKCON, receiving the spiritual name Prabhu Vishnu Dass from Swami Krishna Dass Maharaj. His commitment to Krishna consciousness became not just a personal pursuit but a lifelong mission to lead, teach, and uplift others.
Driven by his passion to preserve and spread Sanatan Dharma, Dr. Pursun founded the Swastika Ramayana Group, a spiritual collective that emphasizes the teachings of the Ramayana and the Bhagavad Gita. For over three decades, he has been conducting weekly satsangs—Tuesdays dedicated to the Ramayana and Fridays to the Bhagavad Gita—creating a powerful space where families come together to chant bhajans and immerse themselves in the timeless wisdom of Hindu scriptures. These gatherings are more than religious events; they are cultural revivals aimed at strengthening generational bonds and ensuring the continued vibrancy of Hindu traditions in contemporary society.
With profound knowledge of Vedic scriptures and rituals, Dr. Pursun also embraced the role of a Hindu priest, performing yajnas and sacred ceremonies that transcend mere ritualistic practice. For him, rituals are not just traditional duties but acts of spiritual purification and connections to divine energy. His ceremonies are grounded in authenticity, respect, and a commitment to preserving the sanctity of Hindu rites, bringing spiritual meaning and divine presence to every occasion he leads.
Beyond celebrations and rituals, Dr. Pursun’s spiritual journey is defined by his selfless service to the community. Recognizing the importance of a dignified final journey, he has conducted over 100 free Antyesti Sanskar (Hindu funeral rites), offering bereaved families comfort and assurance that proper Vedic rites are performed. For Dr. Pursun, spirituality is not about personal gain but about giving, serving, and living one’s dharma. His tireless dedication has earned him immense respect, embodying the true spirit of karma yoga—selfless action performed with devotion.
Phase 3 : Academic and Professional Journey
Education and professional development have been the twin pillars driving Dr. Vivay Kanum Pursun’s journey toward justice, empowerment, and meaningful social change. His academic pursuits began with a strong desire to fight for the underprivileged, inspired by challenges he faced while managing his cleaning business. Graduating with an LLB Honours from Wolverhampton University, UK, and completing his legal training at the Mauritius Supreme Court, he specialized in labour legislation and administrative law. His expertise enabled him to advocate for worker rights on the National Remuneration Board, guide community members through legal disputes, and promote ethical compliance across government institutions.
Seeking broader impact, Dr. Pursun furthered his education by earning an MBA from MANCOSA, South Africa, strengthening his leadership and strategic management skills. This academic growth propelled him into key leadership roles, including Deputy General Manager at the Outer Islands Development Corporation (OIDC) and Chairman of Casino de Maurice. His leadership across governmental and corporate sectors emphasized ethical governance and the responsible exercise of authority, reinforcing his belief that true leadership is rooted in service to the community.
Entrepreneurial success followed when he founded PSN Cleaning Company—Productive Services with Neatness—providing employment to over 70 individuals. His company secured major contracts, including with British American Tobacco Mauritius, standing as a model of ethical business practices. Beyond profits, Dr. Pursun’s entrepreneurial journey reflected his core belief that economic empowerment must uplift communities, reinforcing the importance of fair wages, decent working conditions, and dignity for all workers.
Parallel to his legal and business achievements, Dr. Pursun dedicated over 30 years to teaching Hindi, preserving cultural and linguistic heritage in Mauritius. His Hindi classes transcended grammar and vocabulary, offering students a profound connection to Indian culture and philosophy. Many of his students went on to pursue successful careers in education and translation. As Dr. Pursun often says, “Knowledge is power, but wisdom is using it for the greater good.” His life’s work—spanning law, business, and education—stands as a legacy of intellectual depth, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to community empowerment.
