/ 4 November 2011

Changing societies

Changing Societies

Finalist
Individual Award
Professor Soodursun Jugessur

As a scientist and an engineer, Professor Soodursun Jugessur has worked for more than three decades to ­promote social and economic ­development through better application of science and technology.

He is the chairperson of the Mauritius Research Council and the University of Mauritius Council. He is also president of the Mauritius Academy of Science and Technology, a high-level think tank that advises policymakers on issues such as ­climate change.

The impact of Jugessur’s career has stretched to the United Nations. While he was a professor of industrial technology in Mauritius in 1982, he was recruited by the UN’s economic commission for Africa to serve as the chief of science and technology for the Africa region.

In this capacity his efforts convinced African policymakers to place more emphasis on the application of available science and technology as a priority to enable faster social and economic development. During his tenure many African governments changed their national policies in ­science and technology.

After retirement from the UN he returned to Mauritius, where he plunged headlong into efforts to transform social and economic thinking. He stood as a candidate for the ruling Labour Party to contest the general elections.

The government lost the elections, but Jugessur continued his work as a social activist and consultant in science and technology to local and international organisations. When the Labour Party regained power in 2005, he was selected to head both the University of Mauritius and the Mauritius Research councils.

His fervour to change mind-sets and social thinking led him to found a non-governmental organisation called Sukhi Parivaar, or the Happy Family. Its objective was to make the home the first place of peace, ­harmony, mutual understanding and solidarity by encouraging parents to assume their parental ­responsibilities and ensures daily dialogue between the members of the family.

Sukhi Parivaar’s innovation is in requiring each member, starting with the father, to relate their day’s experiences to the rest of the family. Encouraging this family communion helps to build strong relationships and to monitor family development.

Jugessur has an MSc in physics and a DSc in electrical engineering. He is a fellow and member of several professional institutions and has published in many scientific journals. He has also written six books, the most recent titled Science-based Development. He has received several top awards from the Mauritian government for his achievements and has been ­honoured by the Global Organisation for People of Indian Origin as a great intellectual.

The judges said the professor deserved a Drivers of Change award in recognition of his brilliant career, both locally and in the UN. They also commended his efforts in promoting the use of science and technology for social and economic development in Africa.