Niramala Sitharaman is all set to present the Union Budget 2024. The Union Finance Minister hails from Tamil Nadu. She is India's second female finance minister after Indira Gandhi. Prior to this, she also managed the
Defence Ministry portfolio.
Born on August 18, 1959, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Nirmala Sitharaman pursued a master's degree in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University and worked in various capacities in the corporate sector before entering politics.
She joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the first full-time female Defence Minister of India in 2017.
Known for her articulate speeches and confident demeanor, she has been a prominent figure in shaping economic policies and reforms, especially during her tenure as Finance Minister. Her initiatives have aimed at boosting economic growth, addressing fiscal challenges, and promoting financial inclusion across the country. Sitharaman plays a pivotal role in India's economic governance, navigating challenges and steering policies to foster sustainable development and prosperity.
Nirmala Sitharaman is married to economist Parakala Prabhakar. The couple has a daughter Parakala Vangamayi who is married to Pratik Doshi.
Who is Pratik Doshi?
Pratik Doshi, a graduate of Singapore Management University married Parakala Vangamayi in 2023. Reportedly, Doshi is a PMO official and holds key positions in the PM's office.
Doshi plays a pivotal role as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) overseeing research and strategy within the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Beginning his tenure in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first term, Doshi has been instrumental in shaping policy initiatives and governmental strategies. His promotion to Joint Secretary in June 2019 during Modi's second term highlights his increasing responsibilities and influence in guiding the PMO's operations.
As per the information available on the PMO's website, Doshi's role is to “provide secretarial assistance to the PM in terms of government of India (allocation of business) rules, 1961 with matters including but not limited to research and strategy."