As Nirmala Sitharaman marks her 66th birthday today, she stands as a pillar of India’s economic leadership. Known for her firm approach to policy and back-to-back Union Budgets, her story holds far more than meets the eye. Here are some lesser-known aspects of her life and career.
Born in Madurai in 1959, Sitharaman grew up in a middle-class Tamil family. Her father worked in the Indian Railways, while her mother, a homemaker, had a strong love for classical music. This upbringing shaped her values and interests early on.
Before stepping into politics, Sitharaman lived in London with her husband. There, she worked at Habitat, a popular home décor store, and reportedly topped sales during the Christmas rush. She later joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in a senior research role and had a stint with the BBC as well.
She returned to India in 1991, choosing to raise her child in Hyderabad rather than abroad. This decision sparked a new chapter not just personally, but professionally. She laid the foundation for a school that served underprivileged children and paired it with a research center focused on public policy.
Between 2003 and 2005, Sitharaman served on the National Commission for Women. During this time, she worked on policies that supported gender justice and expanded her reach in the social sector.
Her political alignment with the BJP is in contrast with her husband’s family, which has strong Congress roots. Her father-in-law was a Congress minister in Andhra Pradesh, and her mother-in-law served as an MLA. Despite this, she made her own mark in politics.
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Sitharaman is an avid lover of classical Indian music and is a devoted follower of Lord Krishna. Music continues to be her personal retreat from a demanding public life.
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