Biography of Mani Shankar Aiyar
Mani Shankar Aiyar
Born: 10 April 1941, Lahore, Continental India
Career: Politician, Ex-Diplomat, Ex-Union Minister
Mani Shankar Aiyar is an Indian diplomat, politician, and writer, known for his contributions to Indian politics and diplomacy. He was born on April 10, 1941, in Lahore, British India (now Pakistan). After completing his education, he started his career in the Indian Foreign Service in 1963, where he served as a diplomat for almost 26 years.
During his tenure as a diplomat, Aiyar served in various capacities in India’s missions to Belgium, the United States, and the United Kingdom. He also held key positions in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, including Joint Secretary in charge of the Gulf region and Director-General of the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training.
After retiring from the Indian Foreign Service in 1989, Aiyar joined politics and became a member of the Indian National Congress. He was elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, from the constituency of Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu in 1991. He was re-elected from the same constituency in 1999 and 2004.
During his tenure as a member of Parliament, Aiyar served as Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Sports and Youth Affairs, and Petroleum and Natural Gas. He was also appointed as the Minister of External Affairs in 2004, where he played a key role in shaping India’s foreign policy.
Aiyar is known for his contributions to India’s social and economic development. As the Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, he played a key role in decentralizing power to local governments and strengthening India’s grassroots democracy. He also introduced the concept of “Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan” (Rural Local Government Empowerment Program) to empower local governments.
As the Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Aiyar initiated several programs to promote sports and physical fitness among the youth of India. He was also instrumental in organizing the 2010 Commonwealth Games, which were held in Delhi, India.
As the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Aiyar played a key role in implementing several policies to promote the use of clean energy sources and reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuels. He also initiated several measures to promote the use of natural gas as a cleaner and more sustainable fuel.
Apart from his contributions to politics and diplomacy, Aiyar is also known for his literary works. He has authored several books on Indian politics and history, including “Remembering Rajiv,” “Confessions of a Secular Fundamentalist,” and “A Time of Transition: Rajiv Gandhi to the 21st Century.”
In conclusion, Mani Shankar Aiyar has had a long and illustrious career, spanning over five decades. He has made significant contributions to Indian politics, diplomacy, and social and economic development. He is widely respected for his knowledge, expertise, and commitment to public service.
The first step is life.
Mani Shankar Aiyar’s life began on April 10, 1941, in Lahore, British India (now Pakistan). He was born into a family of distinguished lawyers, who were well known for their commitment to social justice and public service. Aiyar’s father, Vaidyanath Shankar Aiyar, was a prominent lawyer and member of the Indian National Congress, who played a key role in India’s struggle for independence from British rule.
Aiyar’s early years were marked by the turmoil and violence that accompanied India’s partition in 1947. His family was forced to leave their ancestral home in Lahore and move to India. Despite the challenges, Aiyar’s parents instilled in him a strong sense of social responsibility and a commitment to public service.
Aiyar’s first step towards a career in public service came when he joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1963. As a diplomat, he served in various capacities in India’s missions to Belgium, the United States, and the United Kingdom. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to promote India’s interests and strengthen its ties with other countries.
Aiyar’s decision to join politics in 1989 marked another important step in his life. He became a member of the Indian National Congress and was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1991. Over the years, he served in various ministerial positions and played a key role in shaping India’s foreign policy and promoting its social and economic development.
In conclusion, Mani Shankar Aiyar’s life has been marked by a deep commitment to public service and social justice.
Biography of Mani Shankar Aiyar
A career in Foreign Service
Mani Shankar Aiyar is an Indian politician, diplomat, and writer who has served as a member of the Indian National Congress party and held various ministerial positions in the Indian government. Before entering politics, he served in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) for over two decades.
Aiyar joined the IFS in 1963 after completing his education at the University of Delhi and Cambridge University. During his diplomatic career, he served in various Indian missions abroad, including Belgium, Tanzania, and the United Kingdom. He also held several positions at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, including Joint Secretary (West Asia and North Africa) and Chief of Protocol.
After leaving the IFS in 1989, Aiyar entered politics and was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, in 1991. He went on to serve in various ministerial positions in the Indian government, including Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. He is also known for his advocacy of social and economic reforms in India, particularly in the areas of education and health care.
In addition to his political career, Aiyar is also an accomplished writer and journalist. He has written several books on Indian politics and foreign policy, including “Confessions of a Secular Fundamentalist” and “Pakistan Papers.” He has also written for various newspapers and magazines in India and abroad, including The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Hindu.
Life in politics
Mani Shankar Aiyar’s life in politics has been marked by his active participation in the Indian National Congress party and his advocacy of social and economic reforms in India.
Aiyar was first elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1991 and has since held various ministerial positions in the Indian government, including Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Minister of Panchayati Raj. He has also been a member of various parliamentary committees, including the Committee on External Affairs and the Committee on Defence.
Throughout his political career, Aiyar has been a vocal advocate of social and economic reforms in India, particularly in the areas of education and health care. He has championed the cause of universal access to education and has called for increased investment in public health care to ensure that all Indians have access to quality health services.
Aiyar has also been a strong proponent of India’s secular values and has spoken out against communalism and religious extremism. He has been a vocal critic of the Hindu nationalist movement and has argued that India’s diversity and pluralism are its greatest strengths.
Despite his contributions to Indian politics, Aiyar has also been a controversial figure, with some of his comments and actions drawing criticism from his political opponents. However, his commitment to social and economic reform and his advocacy of India’s secular values have earned him a loyal following among many Indians.