Arvind Kejriwal, an esteemed Indian politician and the current Chief Minister of Delhi, has played a pivotal role in transforming the political landscape of the nation's capital. His journey from a civil servant to a political leader is both inspiring and impactful.
ABOUT
Arvind Kejriwal was born on 16 August 1968 in Haryana, India. Before venturing into the world of politics, Kejriwal was an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer. He is best known for his role in spearheading the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement alongside social activist Anna Hazare, which later led to the formation of his political party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Under his leadership, AAP has made significant strides, especially in Delhi, where Kejriwal has served multiple terms as Chief Minister, focusing on issues like education, healthcare, and anti-corruption.
BEFORE FAME
Arvind Kejriwal graduated in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur in 1989. Post his graduation, he worked with Tata Steel for a brief period before deciding to prepare for the Civil Services Examination. His successful stint as an IRS officer saw him earn accolades for his work, particularly in streamlining income tax processes and advocating for transparency. Kejriwal’s activism roots can be traced back to his involvement with Parivartan, an NGO focused on addressing issues tied to the Public Distribution System, public works, and the electricity board in Delhi.
TRIVIA
Beyond his political and professional pursuits, Arvind Kejriwal has been recognized internationally. He received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership in 2006 for his efforts to empower the poorest citizens in India to combat corruption and work towards greater transparency in government. An interesting fact about Kejriwal is his adherence to a vegetarian diet and regular practice of Vipassana meditation, through which he credits much of his mental discipline and focus.
FAMILY LIFE
Arvind Kejriwal is married to Sunita Kejriwal, a fellow IRS officer from his batch. The couple has two children - a daughter named Harshita and a son named Pulkit. Despite his demanding career, Kejriwal has consistently highlighted the importance of family and has managed to maintain a balanced life. His wife Sunita has retired from civil service and often provides strong support to his political career, particularly during challenging times.
ASSOCIATED WITH
Arvind Kejriwal's association with notable figures in social activism bolstered his credibility in the political arena. His collaboration with Kiran Bedi and Anna Hazare during the India Against Corruption movement played a crucial role in his rise to prominence. Additionally, his challenging stances against prominent political personalities like Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and Sheila Dikshit have entrenched his place in Indian politics as a relentless and determined reformist.
Arvind Kejriwal's influence in Indian politics continues to grow, as he remains committed to his vision of a corruption-free and transparent governance system. His contributions have undeniably left a lasting impact on Delhi and continue to inspire many across the nation.
