Indiren Ramasawmy, driver and karate master
Since his humble beginnings at Eclosia in 1999, perseverance, discipline, and a passion for sports have shaped the journey of Indiren Ramasawmy, a driver in the Chick Catching department at Avipro. At the age of 27, he started his career at Eclosia as a Farm worker in the three buildings of the Breeding department in Moka, which have since been transformed into offices.
An athlete from a young age, he regularly participated in cross-country races and marathons organized by the Arts, Culture, and Sports department (ACS). However, over time, with increased professional and family responsibilities, he preferred to dedicate himself to karate, a discipline he began in 2016 at the age of 45.
"I no longer had the time to train properly for marathons. Karate emerged as a sport more suited to my life," he explains. At 51, he now holds a black belt, 1st Dan in karate, proving that perseverance pays off. "I love karate for the values it instills. It is not just a combat sport; it is an art and a way of life. It promotes discipline and self-control."
Indiren wanted to share his passion for karate. For the past few years, he has been teaching this martial art in community centres in St-Pierre and Quatre-Bornes, affiliated with the World Shotokan Karate Federation in Japan. His classes, mainly composed of girls, focus on teaching Kata, martial arts gestures, and techniques. The first lesson, non-violence: "No matter the difficulties you face, never resort to violence."
His enthusiasm for karate has led him to participate in international competitions. First in the United Kingdom, where his son Davilen, whom he introduced to karate at a young age, accompanied him. Then in Japan in 2023, where he went for the World Championship. "Even though we lost to Kazakhstan, it was a wonderful experience for my students and me... A dream come true," he recounts. "We were impressed by the progressive and disciplined Japanese society." All eyes are now on the World Karate Championship in November 2024 in Côte d’Or. Indiren's students are eager to participate. "They will all be there. They are motivated and train hard!"
For his colleagues, having someone like Indiren on the team is a source of pride. Some tease him by saying, "Do you know who you're dealing with? Our driver is a black belt in karate!" This amuses him greatly.