WISHING HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FINANCE MINISTER OF INDIA : NIRMALA SITHARAMAN 

By Anshika Khera

Nirmala Sitharaman is an Indian politician serving as the current Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs in the Government of India. Born on August 18, 1959, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, she studied economics at Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College and later earned a master’s degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University. She began her career in academia and research before entering politics through the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Sitharaman first gained national prominence as a spokesperson for the BJP and was later appointed as a member of the Rajya Sabha. In 2014, she became the Minister of State for Finance and Commerce. In 2017, she was appointed as India’s first full-time woman Defence Minister, a historic milestone that underscored her leadership abilities in a traditionally male-dominated portfolio.

In 2019, she was entrusted with the Finance Ministry, becoming the first woman to hold the post full-time. Sitharaman has since played a key role in shaping India’s economic policies, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, by announcing several stimulus and reform packages. Known for her sharp intellect and clear communication, she is considered one of the most influential leaders in India’s contemporary political landscape.