We mourn the passing away on the 22nd October 2008 of Ram Ruhee, 81, fighting courageously against an unrelenting and unforgiving illness, that was destined to win the final battle ? the end of someone who became a living legend in this present world.

A teacher, with a brief stay in Information, he soon turned his attention almost exclusively towards youth: athletics, table tennis and volley ball generally, striving to Spur his Cadets in football, and in horse-racing, prior to responding to growing international calls for his time, efforts and immense administrative talents.

To have become the Secretary-General of the Sports Association and of the Football Association of Mauritius, both prestigious bodies, in 1963, at the age of 36 were feats unheard of and unexpected, even after sterling service involving the Commonwealth Youth Council, and the World Assembly of Youth. Thereafter, came his horse racing stable, a popular one, and, later, his stewardship at the local Turf Club.

He could then have rested on his laurels. But greater glory beckoned: the African Football Confederation and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA; and the local, African and International Olympic Committees ? along with membership or chairmanship of vital committees, such as finance, women -and -sport, sport- for- all, protocol, and such like.

Inevitably, innumerable cups and prizes marked that glittering career ? from OBE to Palme Olympique, 2008 (Beijing Olympiad).

Presumably, he was highly gratified by such an unprecedented harvest; yet he remained remarkably equable by it all, notwithstanding spells of adversity, sometimes long. A genial host, with a huge worldwide stock of delightful anecdotes and travel lore, as well as his courteous good humour made him a most welcome guest. And he had that uncanny ability to make everyone feel comfortable, even when playing away, with friends, colleagues and family.

Naturally an Olympian; he is now being joyfully greeted by his peers, at the resting fields at, or near, Mount Olympus, or wherever those immortals congregate to analyse, discuss and celebrate major sports events, as he spares a few thoughts to Mystic Snow and Mon(t) Blanc, among others.

He really has epitomised the following lines of the Rig Veda (12. 28) :

May the stream of my life flow into the river of righteousness ? Let not the thread of my song be cut while I sing, and let not my work end before its fulfilment.

Perhaps, he himself, might have put it differently: ?May that mind of mine be moved by the noblest motives? Yajur Veda (34.6).

Or possibly, even simpler, he would have stressed avoiding ?the darkness of ignorance? Bhagavad Gita (Xviii.22).

May his soul go marching on!

Prof. J. Manrakhan 23rd October 2008 </I>