Nirmala Sitharaman, a prominent figure in Indian politics, has significantly impacted the nation’s economic and political landscape. This comprehensive biography delves into her life, career, and contributions.
Wiki/Biography
Born on August 18, 1959, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Nirmala Sitharaman’s age (as of 2024) is 65. Her zodiac sign is Leo. Her father’s transferable job with Indian Railways led to a childhood spent across Tamil Nadu. She completed her schooling in Madras and Tiruchirappalli. Sitharaman earned her Economics degree from Seethalakshmi Ramaswamy College and pursued further studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, receiving both a master’s degree and an M.Phil in Economics. She began a PhD but did not complete it due to family relocation to London.
At JNU, her involvement in student politics included campaigning for Nalini Ranjan Mohanty for a student president post. In London, she worked at Habitat, a home décor store, gaining valuable experience.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 4”
- Weight (approx.): 55 kg
- Hair Colour: Black
- Eye Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Husband
Nirmala Sitharaman hails from a Tamil Iyengar Brahmin family. Her father, Narayanan Sitharaman, worked for Indian Railways, and her mother, K. Savitri, is a homemaker. She has one sister. She met her husband, Parakala Prabhakar, a political commentator and communications advisor, while at JNU. They married in 1986 and have a daughter, Vangmayi.
Career
Sitharaman’s career began as an assistant to an economist. She later worked as a senior manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers in London and also had a stint with the BBC World Service. Returning to India in 1991, she served as a Deputy Director at the Centre for Public Policy Studies in Hyderabad. Her association with the National Commission for Women (NCW) during the NDA regime led to her joining the BJP in 2008. She became a party spokesperson in 2010.
Her rise in politics was meteoric. She served as the Commerce Minister before being appointed Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs. She also served as India’s first full-time woman Defense Minister.
In 2024, she presented her seventh interim budget, a record. She decided against contesting the Lok Sabha elections, citing financial constraints and low winning chances in Southern States. She was subsequently sworn in as a Cabinet Minister in the Modi 3.0 government, and presented her seventh straight budget in July 2024, surpassing Morarji Desai’s record.
Controversies
Outrage Over Her Comments On The Death of A Corporate Employee
Sitharaman faced criticism for comments made regarding the death of an EY employee due to workload, suggesting a need for individuals to be closer to God to manage stress.
FIR Filed for Extortion
A Bengaluru court ordered the filing of a complaint against her on charges of extortion related to electoral bonds.
Salary & Net Worth
Her net worth was estimated at ₹2.63 crore in 2019. Her salary as a Member of Parliament includes a base salary and allowances.
Favourites
- Food: Aloo Halwa
- Restaurant: Govinda (ISKCON Temple, Delhi)
Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Hobbies | Reading, writing, classical music, cooking |
| Residence | Plot No. M-6, Green Lands, Telangana |
| College Interests | Globalization’s impact on developing countries |
| Family Background | Married into a Congress-oriented family |
| Early Career | Won a champagne prize for Christmas sales at Habitat |
| Education | Co-founder of Pranava School, Hyderabad |
| Personal Details | Ardent follower of Lord Krishna; loves sarees |
Sitharaman’s personal characteristics reflect a combination of her disciplined nature, inherited from her father, and her love for books, influenced by her mother. Her career is a testament to her hard work, determination, and significant contributions to Indian politics and economics.
