Kailash Purryag facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kailash Purryag
GCSK
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| 5th President of Mauritius | |
| In office 21 July 2012 – 29 May 2015 |
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| 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 |
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| Preceded by | Prem Ramnah |
| Succeeded by | Razack Peeroo |
| 7th Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius | |
| In office 22 December 1997 – 17 September 2000 |
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| Prime Minister | Navin Ramgoolam |
| Preceded by | Paul Berenger |
| Succeeded by | Paul Berenger |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Rajkeswur Purryag
12 December 1947 Camp Fouquereaux, British Mauritius |
| 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 born on 12 December 1947. He is a former Mauritian politician. He served as the fifth President of Mauritius from 2012 to 2015.
The National Assembly of Mauritius elected him president. He took office on 21 July 2012. He followed Sir Anerood Jugnauth, who was president for nine years. Before becoming president, Kailash Purryag was a Member of Parliament. He also served as a Minister and Speaker of the National Assembly. He started his political journey in 1976.
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About Kailash Purryag
Rajkeswur Purryag, known as Kailash, was born in Camp Fouquereaux, Mauritius. His family comes from the Indian state of Bihar. He went to Shree Shamboonath Government School. Later, he studied at the Mauritius College. In 1973, he became an attorney-at-law, which is a type of lawyer. That same year, he joined the Mauritian Labour Party. He became the party's general secretary in 1984. Then, he became the party president in 1995.
Kailash Purryag's Political Journey
Kailash Purryag joined the Labour Party in 1973. From 1974 to 1976, he was part of the Municipal Commission. This group worked for the Municipal Council of Vacoas-Phoenix.
In 1976, Purryag was first elected to the Legislative Assembly. He became the Minister of Social Security in 1980. He held this role until 1982. In 1981, he helped negotiate fair payments for the Ilois Community. This was with the British Government.
He was elected again in 1983 as a member of the Legislative Assembly. He then served as Minister of Health from 1984 to 1986. From 1987 to 1991, he was the Secretary General of the Labour Party. He was also the party's President from 1991 to 1996.
In 1995, Purryag was elected to the National Assembly. He became Minister of Economic Planning, Information & Telecommunications. This was from 1995 to 1997. From 1997 to 2000, he served as Deputy Prime Minister. He was also the Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Trade.
Even when he wasn't actively running in elections, Purryag continued to serve. In 2005 and 2010, he was chosen as the Speaker of the National Assembly. He held this important position until 2012. He resigned as Speaker when he was elected President.
Becoming President of Mauritius
The Constitution of Mauritius explains how a president is chosen. The Assembly elects the President based on a proposal from the Prime Minister. Most members of the Assembly must agree.
On 20 July 2012, the National Assembly elected Rajkeswur Purryag. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam proposed him. Kailash Purryag became the fifth President of Mauritius. He officially started his role on 21 July 2012. His first visit as president was to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden. There, he honored Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, who is known as the father of the nation.
In December 2014, a new political group won the elections. Sir Anerood Jugnauth led this group. It was expected that President Purryag would resign. This would allow Ameenah Gurib-Fakim to become the next president. President Purryag agreed to stay until May 2015. This helped ensure a smooth change of power. He officially resigned on 29 May 2015.
| Presidential styles of Kailash Purryag 2012 to 2015 |
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| Reference style | His Excellency, Mr. Kailash Purryag, President of the Republic of Mauritius |
| Spoken style | President Purryag |
| Alternative style | Mr. President |
Awards and Honours
Kailash Purryag has received Mauritius's highest awards. On 12 March 1998, he became a Grand Officer of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GOSK). He was then made a Grand Commander of the same Order (GCSK) on 12 March 2009. In 2007, he was given the Honorary Freedom of the City of Port Louis.
In 2013, Purryag received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. This is the highest award given to people of Indian origin living abroad.
Personal Life
Before becoming president, Kailash Purryag lived in Camp Fouquereaux, Curepipe. He is the oldest of nine children. He married Aneetah Purryag on 8 December 1973. They have one daughter and two grandchildren.
In January 2013, he visited his ancestors' village in Bajeetpore, Patna, India. His great-grandfather came to Mauritius in 1869. He worked there as an indentured labourer.
See also
In Spanish: Kailash Purryag para niños
- List of presidents of Mauritius
- First Lady of Mauritius
- Vice-President of Mauritius
- Prime Minister of Mauritius
