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Kailash Purryag
Kailash Purryag is a former Mauritian politician who served as the fifth President of Mauritius from 2012 to 2015. He was elected by the National Assembly and took office on 21 July 2012, succeeding Sir Anerood Jugnauth. Prior to his presidency, Purryag had an extensive political career, serving as a Member of Parliament, Minister, and Speaker of the National Assembly. He began his political career in 1976 and was known for his leadership in various governmental roles.
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RAJKESWUR PURRYAG
Rajkeswur Purryag, widely known as Kailash Purryag, was born on December 12, 1947, in Camp Fouquereaux, Mauritius. Hailing from a Bihari Mauritian family with ancestral roots in Bihar, India, Purryag's family lineage is traced to the Nonia caste. He received his early education at the Shree Shamboonath Government School and later at the Mauritius College. After being sworn in as an attorney-at-law in 1973, Purryag's professional journey quickly intertwined with his political career, as he became a member of the Mauritian Labour Party that same year.
Purryag's political ascent was marked by significant milestones. In 1974, he became a member of the Municipal Commission of the Vacoas-Phoenix Municipal Council. His parliamentary career began in 1976 when he was elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly for the first time, representing Constituency No. 15 (La Caverne & Phoenix). He went on to serve as the Minister of Social Security from 1980 to 1982. In 1981, Purryag played a key role as the leader of a delegation negotiating compensation for the Ilois community from the British Government, showcasing his commitment to addressing historical grievances.
Though his political career faced setbacks in the 1982 and 1987 elections, Purryag's perseverance led to his re-election in 1983 as a representative of the PMSD in Constituency No. 17 (Curepipe-Midlands), where he served as Minister of Health from 1984 to 1986. He continued to rise within the ranks of his party, holding the position of Secretary-General of the Labour Party from 1987 to 1991 and later becoming its president from 1991 to 1996.
Purryag returned to the National Assembly in 1995, where he served as Minister of Economic Planning, Information & Telecommunications. Later, he became the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Trade from 1997 to 2000. Although defeated in the 2000 general elections, Purryag remained a prominent figure in the political landscape, being appointed Speaker of the National Assembly in 2005 and again in 2010, a position he held until 2012.
On July 20, 2012, Purryag was elected as the fifth President of Mauritius, a position he held until his resignation in May 2015. During his tenure, he was known for his diplomatic approach and efforts to maintain stability during a period of political transition. Following the 2014 elections, Purryag agreed to remain in office until 2015, ensuring a smooth handover of power to the new government led by Sir Anerood Jugnauth.
Throughout his distinguished career, Purryag received several honors, including the Grand Officer of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GOSK) in 1998 and the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK) in 2009. He was also awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2013 for his contribution to the Indian diaspora.
In his personal life, Kailash Purryag is married to Aneetah Purryag since 1973, and they have a daughter and two grandchildren. Purryag remains deeply connected to his roots, having visited his ancestral village in Bajeetpore, Patna, during a state visit to India in 2013.
GOVERNING TIME LINE
Kailash Purryag served as the President of Mauritius from January 29, 2015, to January 23, 2016. He assumed office after the completion of Monique Ohsan Bellepeau’s term, following her resignation as part of a transition. Purryag, who was previously the Speaker of the National Assembly, was elected to succeed Ohsan Bellepeau. He left office on January 23, 2016, after completing his term, in accordance with the constitutional limits, and was succeeded by Ameenah Gurib-Fakim.