Abdool Cader Kalla, also known by his pen name A.C. Kalla, is an Indo-Mauritian educator, geographer, and historian[1] known for his contributions to academia and involvement in educational and cultural initiatives in Mauritius. With studies in geography and education, Kalla has made strides in promoting intercultural understanding, environmental awareness, and historical scholarship.

Abdool Cader Kalla
Born (1941-01-17) 17 January 1941 (age 83)
Rose Hill, British Mauritius
Occupations
  • Academic
  • geographer
  • historian
Known forContributions to academia and public service in Mauritius
Academic work
Discipline
  • Geography
  • education
InstitutionsMauritius Institute of Education, Independent Broadcasting Authority
Main interests

Personal life

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Abdool Cader Kalla was born in Rose Hill, Mauritius on January 17, 1941.[2][3] He comes from an Indo-Mauritian Muslim heritage. His ancestors migrated from Gujarat, India in the 19th century to Mauritius during British rule.[4]

Career

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Abdool Cader Kalla served as an Associate Professor of Didactics and Geography at the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE),[5][6] where he also held the position of deputy director.[7] His expertise extended to the Geography of Health, an area of study in which he demonstrated a keen interest. During his tenure at the MIE, Kalla authored the environmental chapter of educational materials and co-directed the Teachers and Intercultural Education initiative, emphasizing the importance of multiculturalism and sensitization in educational practices.

In addition to being a professor, in the 1980s, Kalla served as vice-president of the National Remuneration Board (NRB), which set salary guidelines for the private sector. Ivan Collendaveloo led the body and was followed by the late Ewam Juggernauth.[3]

Beyond his academic endeavors, Kalla was actively involved in shaping broadcasting policies in Mauritius. He assumed the role of President of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), succeeding Ashok Radhakissoon in 2004.[8]

In addition to his academic and administrative roles, Kalla has also been recognized for his contributions to cultural heritage. He has served as the Chairman of the Mauritius Museums Council.[7][9]

Contributions

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As a historian, Kalla has delved into the complexities of Mauritius' colonial past, particularly focusing on the evolution of the Muslim community during both French and British colonial rule. His analyses are intended to provide insights into the socio-cultural dynamics that have shaped Mauritius over the centuries and contribute to a better understanding.[10]

Publications

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Papers published on Academia:

References

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  1. ^ Prosper, Jean-Georges (1993). L'Île Maurice au sommet de la vague économique francophone. France: L'Harmattan. p. 96. ISBN 9782738421135.
  2. ^ "Abdool Cader Kalla About". Facebook.
  3. ^ a b "Cader Kalla: "The teacher is no longer perceived as a Role Model"". Lexpress.mu. 26 March 2019.
  4. ^ Kalla, Abdool Cader. "A Gujarati Community of Dukanwallahs (Marchands Arables)of a town-Rose Hill-in late colonial Mauritius.(1861-1920)". Academia.
  5. ^ Waldis, Barbara (2019). Styles of Multiculturalism in Mauritius (A Case Study in Education Policy ed.). Switzerland: Lit Verlag. p. 100. ISBN 9783643802798.
  6. ^ Geographia Medica (Vol. 24 ed.). Hungary: Sectio Medico-Geographica Societatis Geographicae Hungaricae. 1994. p. 159.
  7. ^ a b Journal of Mauritian Studies. Mauritius: Mahatma Gandhi Institute. 2001.
  8. ^ Hilbert, Patrick. "Mauritius: Questions to Abdool Cader Kalla, President of the Independent Broadcasting Authority". allAfrica. Lexpress.mu. Retrieved 3 Apr 2024.
  9. ^ "ECI Files Mauritius". Election Commission of India.
  10. ^ Uteem, Cassam; Taleb, Basheer (2005). Mosquée Al Aqsa (1805-2005). Mauritius: Elp publications. p. VI. ISBN 9789990387025.
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