kids encyclopedia robot

Kailash Purryag facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Kailash Purryag
GCSK
President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr. Rajkeswur Purryag (cropped).jpg
President of Mauritius
In office
21 July 2012 – 29 May 2015
Prime Minister
Vice President Monique Ohsan Bellepeau
Preceded by Monique Ohsan Bellepeau (acting)
Succeeded by Monique Ohsan Bellepeau (acting)
Speaker of the National Assembly
In office
12 July 2005 – 23 July 2012
Preceded by Prem Ramnah
Succeeded by Razack Peeroo
Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius
In office
22 December 1997 – 17 September 2000
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam
Preceded by Paul Berenger
Succeeded by Paul Berenger
Personal details
Born
Rajkeswur Purryag

(1947-12-12)12 December 1947
Camp Fouquereaux, British Mauritius
Died 21 June 2025(2025-06-21) (aged 77)
Political party Labour Party
(1973–present)
Spouses Aneetah Purryag
(1973–present)
Children 1
Occupation Politician
(retired)
Profession Law attorney

Rajkeswur Purryag, also known as Kailash Purryag, was a politician from Mauritius who served as the country's fifth president from 2012 to 2015.

Before becoming president, Purryag had a long and busy career in politics. He was a Member of Parliament, a government minister, and the Speaker of the National Assembly. He started his political journey in 1976 and dedicated many years to public service.

Early Life and Education

Rajkeswur Purryag was born on December 12, 1947, in Camp Fouquereaux, Mauritius. His family originally came from the state of Bihar in India. His ancestors moved to Mauritius to work in the 19th century.

He went to Shree Shamboonath Government School and later Mauritius College. After finishing his studies, he became a lawyer in 1973. In that same year, he decided to enter politics by joining the Labour Party.

A Long Career in Politics

Kailash Purryag's political career began shortly after he became a lawyer. He was passionate about serving his country and took on many important roles over the years.

First Steps in Government

In 1976, Purryag was elected to the Legislative Assembly, which is now known as the National Assembly. This is where laws for the country are made. From 1980 to 1982, he served as the Minister of Social Security, working to help people in need.

He also played a key role in negotiating with the British Government to get fair compensation for the Ilois Community, people who were forced to leave their homes on the Chagos Islands.

Serving as a Minister and Deputy Prime Minister

Throughout his career, Purryag held several other high-level positions. These included:

  • Minister of Health (1984–1986): He was in charge of the nation's healthcare system.
  • Minister of Economic Planning, Information & Telecommunications (1995–1997): He helped plan the country's economy and oversee its communication systems.
  • Deputy Prime Minister (1997–2000): He was the second-in-command in the government, assisting the Prime Minister.

Speaker of the National Assembly

From 2005 to 2012, Purryag served as the Speaker of the National Assembly. The Speaker acts like a referee during parliamentary debates, making sure everyone follows the rules and discussions are orderly. He held this important job right before he became president.

President of Mauritius (2012-2015)

On July 20, 2012, the National Assembly elected Kailash Purryag as the fifth President of Mauritius. The president is the head of state, a role that represents the entire nation. He officially took office the next day.

His presidency lasted until May 29, 2015. After a new government was elected in late 2014, Purryag agreed to step down. This allowed the new government's chosen candidate, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, to become president. His decision helped ensure a smooth and stable transfer of power.

Presidential styles of
Kailash Purryag
2012 to 2015
Presidential seal
Reference style His Excellency, Mr. Kailash Purryag, President of the Republic of Mauritius
Spoken style President Purryag
Alternative style Mr. President

Honours and Awards

Pranab Mukherjee presents the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr. Rajkeswur Purryag
Purryag receives the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman from the President of India Pranab Mukherjee in 2013.

Kailash Purryag received the two highest awards in Mauritius for his service to the nation.

National Honours

  • Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean - GCSK, GOSK, CSK (Mauritius) - ribbon bar.png Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK)
  • Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean - GCSK, GOSK, CSK (Mauritius) - ribbon bar.png Grand Officer of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GOSK)

Foreign Honours

  • India Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Ribbon.png Pravasi Bharatiya Samman: This is the highest award given by India to people of Indian origin living overseas.

Personal Life

Kailash Purryag married Aneetah Purryag in 1973. Together, they have one daughter and two grandchildren.

In 2013, during a visit to India, he went to a village in Patna where his great-grandfather had lived. His great-grandfather had moved to Mauritius in 1869 to work as an indentured labourer, which was a system where people were brought from one country to another to work, often on sugar plantations.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Kailash Purryag para niños

kids search engine
Kailash Purryag Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.