On August 18, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended warm birthday greetings to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, lauding her as a “hardworking and diligent administrator.” He commended her efforts towards ensuring a prosperous and developed India, wishing her a long and healthy life.
Nirmala Sitharaman’s Political Journey
Nirmala Sitharaman, born on August 18, 1959, is an Indian economist and senior BJP leader. Since 2019, she has served as the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, after previously holding the position of Defence Minister from 2017 to 2019. She is India’s second female Defence and Finance Minister, following Indira Gandhi.
Accomplishments and Recognition
Sitharaman has been consistently recognized for her influence and leadership. She featured in Forbes’ 2022 and 2023 lists of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, ranking 36th and 32nd, respectively. Fortune also named her the most powerful woman in India.
Early Life and Education
Born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Sitharaman pursued her education in Economics, earning degrees from Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College and Jawaharlal Nehru University. Her early academic focus on Indo-Europe trade shaped her understanding of global economic dynamics, which later informed her political career.
