Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal is an Indian politician, social activist, and the current Chief Minister of Delhi. Known for his work in the field of governance and public service, Kejriwal has made a significant mark on Indian politics, particularly in Delhi, through his leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and his efforts to fight corruption. His journey from an IIT engineer to a political leader is a remarkable one, characterized by resilience, determination, and a commitment to social change.

Early Life and Family Background

Arvind Kejriwal was born on August 16, 1968, in the city of Hissar, Haryana, India, to a middle-class family. His father, Gobind Ram Kejriwal, was an engineer in the Indian Electrical Service, while his mother, Gita Kejriwal, was a homemaker. Arvind was the eldest child in the family, having a younger brother and sister.

His family was highly disciplined and values-driven. Arvind’s father, a government officer, was known for his dedication and hard work, and he instilled these values in his children. Arvind’s mother, on the other hand, was a supportive and loving figure who encouraged him to excel in his studies.

Growing up in a humble, value-oriented family, Arvind developed an affinity for science and social issues from an early age. His parents were both educated and believed strongly in the importance of education as a means of achieving success and improving one’s quality of life.

Education and Early Career

Arvind Kejriwal's education began at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, a prominent school in Delhi, where he completed his schooling. From a young age, he exhibited a keen interest in academics, particularly in subjects like physics and mathematics. His aptitude for science led him to pursue engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, one of the best institutions for technical education in India.

Kejriwal earned a B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur in 1989. He was known for his academic excellence at IIT, where he developed a reputation as a focused and diligent student. After graduating from IIT, Kejriwal worked for a brief period as an engineer in Tata Steel in Jamshedpur.

However, his yearning for social justice and a desire to contribute more directly to society led him to leave his well-paying job at Tata Steel. Instead of pursuing a corporate career, Kejriwal decided to join the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). He entered the civil services and worked as an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer in the Income Tax Department.

Social Activism and the Anna Hazare Movement

Kejriwal’s life took a significant turn when he became involved in the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement in 2011, led by social activist Anna Hazare. The movement aimed to address widespread corruption in Indian politics and demanded the establishment of a Lokpal (ombudsman) to oversee governmental corruption. Kejriwal played a pivotal role in organizing protests and mobilizing support for the movement.

It was during this time that Kejriwal's leadership qualities and commitment to fighting corruption were recognized by the public. His efforts alongside Hazare brought together thousands of people, making it one of the largest civil society movements in India’s recent history.

Political Career and the Founding of AAP

Arvind Kejriwal's experience in the IAC movement led him to the conclusion that the fight against corruption could not be won without political change. Therefore, in 2012, Kejriwal took the bold decision to enter politics. He founded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with the goal of providing an alternative to the traditional political parties, focusing on transparency, honesty, and the welfare of common citizens.

The AAP contested its first major election in Delhi in 2013, where Kejriwal emerged as a prominent figure. In a stunning upset, the party won 28 out of 70 seats, and Kejriwal became the Chief Minister of Delhi. His rise in Indian politics was rapid and unexpected, as he managed to break the dominance of established political players.

During his first term as Chief Minister, Kejriwal focused on implementing anti-corruption measures, improving education and healthcare systems, and ensuring better public services for the people of Delhi. His government introduced initiatives like free water supply, subsidized electricity, and improvements in public schools and hospitals, which earned him widespread recognition and support.

However, his first tenure was brief, as he resigned after just 49 days in office, citing the failure of his anti-corruption bill in the Delhi Assembly. Despite the setback, Kejriwal and the AAP continued to build their base, and in the 2015 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, the party achieved a historic victory, winning 67 out of 70 seats. This overwhelming support marked a new phase in his political journey.

Family Life and Personal Information

Arvind Kejriwal married Sunita Kejriwal in 1994, who is an officer in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) as well. The couple has two children: a son, Harsh Kejriwal, and a daughter, Garima Kejriwal. Sunita, like her husband, is a dedicated and disciplined individual, and together they have led a relatively low-profile, simple life despite Kejriwal’s growing political fame.

Kejriwal’s family has been supportive of his political career. His wife, Sunita, has often stood by him through thick and thin, providing both emotional and practical support in his efforts to change the political landscape. The Kejriwal family is known for their relatively modest lifestyle, preferring privacy over public attention.

Political Achievements and Leadership

Arvind Kejriwal’s second tenure as the Chief Minister of Delhi, starting in 2015, was marked by significant reforms in education, healthcare, and the public sector. Under his leadership, Delhi saw the establishment of model schools and improved public healthcare systems, with initiatives such as the Mohalla Clinics for primary healthcare. His government also focused on women’s safety, urban infrastructure development, and providing free water and electricity to residents of Delhi.

Kejriwal’s leadership was instrumental in pushing for policies that prioritize clean governance and public welfare, and he emerged as a key political figure at the national level. His stand against the central government, especially with regard to the Delhi Police and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, further amplified his image as a champion of states’ rights and self-governance.

Challenges and Controversies

Throughout his career, Kejriwal has faced criticism and controversies. His style of politics, characterized by his aggressive stand against corruption and established political norms, has earned both praise and scorn. He has often been accused of being inconsistent in his political strategies, particularly with his decision to resign from his first term as Chief Minister in 2014.

Despite the challenges, Kejriwal has remained focused on his goal of creating a corruption-free, transparent political system. He continues to be an influential figure in Indian politics, challenging the status quo and pushing for changes that benefit the common man.

Conclusion

Arvind Kejriwal’s journey from an IIT graduate and IRS officer to the Chief Minister of Delhi is an inspiring one. His unwavering commitment to social justice, transparency, and fighting corruption has made him one of India’s most prominent and controversial political leaders. Through his leadership of the AAP, Kejriwal has transformed Delhi’s political landscape and remains a key figure in shaping the future of Indian politics. His ability to rise above adversity and remain focused on the welfare of the people has earned him both admiration and criticism, making him a significant figure in India’s political history.