The 93rd birth anniversary of Late Sir Anerood Jugnauth (SAJ), GCSK, KCMG, QC, PC, was marked by the unveiling of the bust of SAJ by the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth on Saturday 08 April 2023  at the Gandhi Square in Rivière du Rempart.

The Vice-President, Mr Marie Cyril Eddy Boissézon, Lady Sarojini Jugnauth, several Ministers, and eminent personalities were present.

A Green Space to the tune of Rs 4.5 million was inaugurated to pay a memorial tribute to the late statesman, followed by a symbolic planting of a tree by the Prime Minister.

On this occasion, a cultural programme was also organised by the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage, during which a book retracing the life and achievements of SAJ was launched.

Sir Anerood Jugnauth, born on 29 March 1930 in the village of Palma, became one of the most remarkable and respected politicians of the country by serving twice as President of the Republic, and six times as the Prime Minister. SAJ was also the Leader of the Mouvement Socialiste Militant party from 1982 to 2003. He passed away on 03 June 2021 at the age of 91.

In his address, Prime Minister Jugnauth dwelt on the milestones and key moments in the life of Sir Anerood Jugnauth and his significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.

“SAJ has given more than 60 years of his life to serve the country and has left a rich heritage of values such as honesty, discipline, hard work, perseverance and determination to bring the country to new heights of progress and we hope that each and everyone gets inspired by him”, stated the Prime Minister.

He further pointed out that SAJ was a visionary leader while highlighting the latter’s involvement in the fight for the restitution of the sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago to the Republic of Mauritius. His contributions to several sectors such as health, education, innovation and technology, finance, amongst others, were also underlined by the Prime Minister.

He indicated that sustaining development and progress in a country is a challenging task and it is important for each and every one to join hands and to continue to work together.

Prime Minister Jugnauth thus called for a stronger unity and brotherhood to bring more stability in the country and ensure the welfare of the population.