New Zealand recently got its Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who was sworn in for a second term on Friday. While a capable woman leading a country is itself great news, what makes me ecstatic is the fact that Priyanca Radhakrishnan, hailing from India’s Kerala, became the first Indian to be appointed as a minister in the New Zealand government’s cabinet, reports NDTV.
From Paravoor in Ernakulam district, Priyanca went to school in Singapore before moving to New Zealand for her education. She became a Member of the Parliament in 2007 in Jacinda’s party.
Born to Malayali parents, Priyanca Radhakrishnan was appointed as Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities, and Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment on Monday.
Several people, including Indian politician Shashi Tharoor, congratulated her.
Congratulations to @priyancanzlp on becoming the first NewZealand Cabinet Minister of Indian origin. Keralites taking great pride in this news!https://t.co/nUpRfahYZZ.
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) November 2, 2020
It gives us immense happiness to learn that Priyanca Radhakrishnan (@priyancanzlp) became the first-ever Indian-origin minister of New Zealand. The Labour party leader has her roots in Kerala. On behalf of the people of the State, we extend our warmest greetings.
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) November 3, 2020
Amul India also lauded her by dedicating a creative doodle.
#Amul Topical: First generation immigrant becomes New Zealand’s first ever Indian origin minister! pic.twitter.com/zrEYEuZy1P
— Amul.coop (@Amul_Coop) November 3, 2020
An undated video of the newly appointed Minister speaking in Malayalam inside New Zealand’s parliament has also been doing rounds on the internet. Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently shared the three-year-old video.
Doing India proud, the Indian origin minister in New Zealand @priyancanzlp addresses her country's parliament in Malayalam.@IndiainNZ @NZinIndia @VMBJP @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/f3yUURW2Em
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) November 5, 2020
Earlier, a Himachal man got elected as MP in Jacinda Ardern’s cabinet. It is delightful to see people with their roots in India making it big around the world. You go, girl!