Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (often referred to as SSR) was a prominent political figure in Mauritius, known as the Father of the Nation. He was the first Prime Minister of Mauritius after the country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1968, and he served in this role from 1968 to 1976, and again from 1982 until his death in 1985.

Key Points about Seewoosagur Ramgoolam:

1. Early Life:

   • Born on September 18, 1900, in Triolet, Mauritius, he was educated in Mauritius and later in England. He trained as a doctor and earned a degree in medicine, which helped him gain early recognition.

2. Political Career:

   • Ramgoolam was a member of the Labour Party and played a pivotal role in the island's independence movement.
   • He was a leader of the independence movement, and through his leadership, Mauritius successfully gained independence from the United Kingdom on March 12, 1968.
   • He became the country’s first Prime Minister and worked to establish Mauritius as a multi-party democracy, while balancing relations between the different ethnic communities, especially the Creoles, Hindus, and Muslims.

3. Contributions:

   • Ramgoolam was committed to improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Mauritius.
   • He worked towards establishing a strong economic foundation for the newly independent country, moving it away from reliance on the sugar industry and diversifying the economy.
   • His policies promoted social welfare and economic development, and he is credited with being a symbol of unity for the diverse population of Mauritius.

4. Legacy:

   • Ramgoolam's leadership significantly shaped modern-day Mauritius. He is remembered as a strong advocate for the welfare of the people and a champion of independence.
   • He was also a proponent of non-alignment during the Cold War, positioning Mauritius as a neutral country in global politics.
   • The Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSR Airport) in Plaisance, Mauritius, is named in his honor, as a tribute to his role in the country’s independence.

5. Family:

   • His son, Navin Ramgoolam, also served as the Prime Minister of Mauritius, continuing his legacy in Mauritian politics.

Recognition:

• Seewoosagur Ramgoolam remains an influential figure in the political and cultural history of Mauritius, and his efforts laid the foundation for the island’s continued growth and development as an independent nation.