As India prepares for its 2025 Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is poised to make history by presenting her 8th consecutive budget. Her journey from a student at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to the North Block, where she now holds one of the highest offices in the government, reflects a career marked by determination and a strong commitment to public service.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 18, 1959, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Nirmala Sitharaman’s early education was rooted in economics. She graduated from Seethalakshmi Ramaswamy College in Tiruchirapalli and went on to earn her master’s degree in economics from JNU, Delhi. Her academic work, including a draft PhD thesis on Indo-European textile trade, laid the groundwork for her future contributions in both the economic and political arenas.
Career and Political Entry
Before her entry into politics, Sitharaman gained experience as a research and analysis senior manager at Price Waterhouse in London, followed by a role at BBC World Service. On her return to India, she became the deputy director of the Centre for Public Policy Studies and later founded ‘Pranava’, a reputed school in Hyderabad. She was also a member of the National Commission for Women, where she advocated for women’s empowerment.
Sitharaman joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2008 and quickly rose through the ranks. In 2014, she was inducted into the Union Cabinet, initially as Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, later adding Finance and Corporate Affairs to her portfolio.
Personal Life
Married to Dr. Parakala Prabhakar, a JNU and LSE alumnus, Nirmala Sitharaman is the proud mother of one daughter.
Her rise from a middle-class background to one of the most influential figures in Indian politics is a testament to her resilience and leadership.
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