Sarvesh Lutchmun: Winner of the Outstanding Young Person of Mauritius

An exceptional young leader, Sarvesh has recently won the title of JCI Mauritius Outstanding Young Person (TOYP). With a positive attitude and determination, he has been actively involved in changing his community since college days. Winner of other awards in the past and a national medalist in martial arts, Sarvesh reveals his successful pathway to us. 

Currently, in the paralegal field, Sarvesh has been involved in more than 40 projects. Over the past years, he has been assuming various leadership positions ranging from community NGOs and local sports club to national and regional associations and federations. Founder and promoter of several non-profit sports and youth clubs, he has voluntarily led various projects - at community, regional, university and national levels- in the field of education, sports, recreation, environment and culture in a view to empower children and youth to be active social players.

Winner of TOYP, he is extremely happy. “Honestly, I was not really expecting this award, given the names and profiles on the nomination list. They are all outstanding young persons driving change in their respective fields. I express my sincere appreciation and thanks to JCI and the Jury for this recognition. I am truly honoured to receive this award and it is an even greater honour to be placed among such distinguished ranks as those of the past honorees.”  

Some of his main projects include: the Community Youth Forum on Civic Leadership, the 3-day Youth Event entitled ‘Understanding Small Island Developing States’, the environmental campaign ‘Let’s Clean-up GRSE!’, the Youth Quiz Series, the first-ever Beach Sumo Cup, three editions of the University of Mauritius Gymnastics Championships. 

“I am very positive when it comes to humanitarian and voluntary works. I know that there is nothing in return but there is no stepping back because I know what I am doing and I know that what I am doing is very important. Society needs more volunteers to make things better and this is why I am involved. My engagement is not merely to lead organisations and projects, but ultimately to transform others into agents of change and generate further leaders. The critics and stereotypes will always be here, but I have been proving them wrong with the growing support of the youth, as we take further steps towards our goals,” he says. 

Moreover, he is an ardent advocate for gender equality and his associations often consist of equal numbers of both genders on the Board. “I believe that my associations and projects are platforms, where children and youth can meet, learn, share, socialise, perform, participate, compete and spend their energy and time positively in their personal and social developments. This active participation of children and youth has a multiplier effect in society such that, apart from personal development, youths are shielded from social evils such as drugs and violence, they are less frustrated and, in turn, society is more peaceful.” 

He believes that the platforms he created allowed children and youngsters to be more motivated to engage in voluntarism and to be agents of change. These platforms have also given the chance to several children and youngsters to travel to places such as the United States, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Comoros and Reunion Island for international/regional forums/trainings, and to win national/international educational, environmental, sports and recreational contests. 

International events 

Sarvesh has tasted success not only in Mauritius but he has been able to explore international events as well. He has represented Mauritius proudly in various platforms, for instance representing us at UNESCO's Regional Youth Workshop on Small Island Developing States which was held in Seychelles; the UN-backed Global Forum on Youth Policy held in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2014; the Pan-African Youth Dialogue on Elections and Governance held in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; FIAS Annual Congress in Sofia, Bulgaria; the Conference of Youth on Climate Change (COY11) in Antananarivo, among others. “Each of these events has been a unique experience and has allowed me to have a deeper understanding of the greater picture. I have been able to network with people from all around the world, share views and ideas, learn new perspectives, visit amazing places I probably never thought of going to, and experience other cultures and traditions.” 

His inspirations 

His engagement stems from the grassroots. He operates from a rural resource-poor community, which pushes him to bring innovative solutions and to make things happen with what he has. “Working voluntarily with children and youth may appear appealing, but there are several difficulties associated. From mobilizing resources, motivating members, managing internal and external conflicts, negotiating with sponsors/partners, dealing with negative mentalities and stereotypes, and keeping the momentum, to presiding meetings, completing paper works, liaising with authorities and international bodies, planning and organising events, and representing the youth, I had a very rich exposure in the field since the past five years.”

He is inspired by a lot of things. “I can be inspired by a movie, a conversation, a newspaper article and even a song. What also inspire me are problems as I find that there is nothing more satisfying than solving problems and helping people out. I am also inspired by all those people who are taking actions in their own small corners all around the globe.” 

Upcoming projects 

The young man states that he has always been concerned with keeping the momentum with regards to existing activities and projects. This year, his organisation has major projects like Ocean Week in Grand River South East to commemorate the World Oceans Day 2017 and an event on Mandela Day to enlighten the youth about Nelson Mandela's life, his leadership and his devotion to humanity and to humanitarian causes.

National medalist 

Sarvesh is also a sportsperson and a national medalist in Taekwondo, Karate, Sumo and Sambo. He holds a Black Belt 1st Dan from the World Taekwondo Federation (Korea) and he is a member of the Japan Karate Association (JKA). In 2008, he won the gold medal at the friendly Indian Ocean Taekwondo Meet held in Mauritius. “I have participated in the World Sumo Championships held in Hong Kong in 2012 where I ranked 13th. I took the 7th place at the World Sambo Cup held in Limassol, Cyprus in 2014. Recently, I won the bronze medal at the African Sambo Championships 2017 held in Seychelles.”