Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is one of the most talked about ministers from the Modi cabinet. The Madurai-born leader is known for fiery speeches in the parliament, and her stance on several economic policies of the country.
Here are a few interesting facts about the 63-year-old NDA Minister
She is a member of the Rajya Sabha, upper house of the Indian Parliament, since 2014. Credits – CNBC
Only Second to Indira Gandhi!
Indira Gandhi served as a Defence Minister in 1970
When Sitharaman was appointed as Defence Minister in September 2017, she became the only second woman leader to hold that position. Earlier former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had served as a Defence Minister in 1970, for a year. Indira Gandhi took over the portfolio of defence, besides being the Prime Minister of the country.
Most Powerful Woman In India
Nirmala Sitharaman is the top ranked Indian women in the Forbes list of “World’s Most Powerful Women’
Sitharaman has consistently been featured in the Forbes list of the world’s most powerful women. In 2022, she was ranked 36 on the list. Sitharaman is the highest-ranked Indian among the six Indian women on this list.
Sitharaman As A Salesperson?
Nirmala Sitharaman stayed in London for a few years, and during that period she worked as a salesperson for Habitat, a home decor store. During her stay in the UK, she took up several jobs. She also served as an assistant to Economist in the Agricultural Engineers Association in the UK.
Married To A Congressman!
Nirmala Sitharaman and her husband Parakala Prabhakar. Credits – TFI
While completing her Master’s at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Sitharaman met Parakala Prabhakar. The duo got married in 1986. Prabhakar is a Congressman who has also served as a Communication Advisor to the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
A School For The Underprivileged Students
In Hyderabad, Sitharaman has opened a school for underprivileged children. She carried on this venture with the association of a policy research centre.
