The Intellectuals in The Indian Government

Ten top qualified MPs who bring their expertise to the ministries.

Dr. Manmohan Singh: Prime Minister

M.A. (Economics), Punjab University, Economics Tripos, University of Cambridge, U.K., D.Phil, Nuffield College, University of Oxford, U.K.

Singh is a Rajya Sabha member.

He has authored "India's Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth published by Oxford University. He has written numerous articles in economic journals. He was elected Wrenbury Scholar, University of Cambridge, in 1957. He is interested in sports and is an avid reader.

C.P. Joshi: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister
M.Sc.(Physics), M.A. (Psychology), LL.B., Ph.D

Constituency: Bhilwara, Rajasthan

Joshi enjoys travelling. Being a retired professor, he is still an academic at heart, and likes to read on varied subjects.

M.S. Gill: Sports Minister

Senior Cambridge, B.A. (Honours), M.A., Ph.D., Diploma in Development Studies, University of Cambridge.

He is a Rajya Sabha member.

Gill was the first member of the Indian Administrative Service to go to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling and train with Tenzing Norgay, the Everest hero, in 1961. He has scaled 20,000 ft in mountain climbing. He is interested in promoting Indian sports, and led the Indian contingent to the Mexico Olympics in 1968. Gill was president of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation and heads the Himalayan Club.

Pranab Mukherjee: Finance Minister

M.A. (History), M.A. (Political Science), L.L.B.

Constituency: Jangipur, West Bengal

He was a journalist with a Bengali newspaper Desher Dak, and his writing skills found an outlet in the five books he has published on Indian democracy and its economy. Besides diary writing, reading and listening to music, he spends his leisure hours in an unusual pursuit -- gardening. Reading books, listening to music and maintaining a diary are his other pastimes.

P. Chidambaram: Home Minister

B.Sc., B.L., M.B.A., Harvard University, U.S.A.

Constituency: Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu.

Chidambaram is a keen follower of modern literature in general and Tamil literature in particular. He is a trustee of Ilakkiya Chinanai, a literary association in Chennai, and the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. He has given many lectures in universities in India and abroad. A social and cultural activist, and a sports enthusiast, he is a member of several sports clubs in Chennai and Delhi. Chidambaram is widely travelled.

Mamata Banerjee: Railway Minister

M.A., B.Ed., LL.B

Constituency: Kolkata Dakshin, West Bengal

She has published books in Bengali on socio-political issues, written lyrics for Bengali songs, is widely travelled, and likes to paint and listen to music. She is a member of several social and human rights organisations.

Meira Kumar: Lok Sabha Speaker

M.A., L.L.B, Advanced Diploma in Spanish, Madrid

Constituency: Sasaram, Bihar

Meira Kumar has published several poems, edits a monthly magazine Pavan Pasand, paints, and is founder of the All India Samta Movement. She is associated with service organizations like Ravidas Smarak Society and Jagjivan Seva Ashram. Indian crafts and textiles, music, rifle shooting, equestrian and visiting monuments are her other interests.

Mukul Wasnik: Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment

M.A., M.B.A.

Constituency: Ramtek, Maharashtra

Wasnik's interests range from agriculture, law, industry, labour, education and the uplift of weaker sections, to travelling, cricket and athletics. He attended the 12th World Festival of Youth and Students, Moscow, in 1985, and was part of a delegation to the 42nd UN General Assembly session in 1987.

Kumari Selja: Housing, Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, Tourism Minister

M.A., M.Phil.

Constituency: Ambala, Haryana

Her passion is to work for the empowerment of women and disadvantaged groups. Contemporary economic and political issues, environmental concerns, inclusive growth and habitat-related issues animate her. Travelling to untouched estinations, and reading on her pet subjects fill her spare time. Kumari is member, Commonwealth Women Parliamentary Steering Committee.

Kapil Sibal: Human Resource Development Minister

M.A. (History), L.L. M.

Constituency: Chandni Chowk, Delhi

Sibal was Additional Solicitor General of India, 1989-1990. He has written articles in national dailies and magazines on various issues, such as security, terrorism and nuclear proliferation. He is involved in protection of archeological sites of cultural and historical significance, and is keen on spreading scientific knowledge especially among the youth. Sibal has an unusual pastime -- cooking, besides reading, writing and travelling.

Source: India Syndicate