New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday.
In a social media post, the PM commended Pradhan’s efforts and contributions to the implementation of the National Education Policy in India during his tenure.
“Birthday wishes to Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji. He is making commendable efforts towards the implementation of the National Education Policy, which seeks to make India a hub for knowledge, learning and innovation. Praying for his long and healthy life,” PM Narendra Modi wrote on his X account.
The Prime Minister wished for a long and healthy life for the Union Minister.
Dharmendra Pradhan was born on June 26, 1969, to Dr. Debendra Pradhan, a former BJP MP. His leadership qualities were evident from his college days, where he earned an MA in Anthropology from Utkal University in Bhubaneswar. He is married to Mridula Pradhan.
In 1983, Pradhan became an A.B.V.P activist while studying at Talcher College in Odisha and later served as the president of the Student Union in Talcher. He was appointed National Secretary of ABVP in 1995 and joined the BJP party in 1998. He began his political career by contesting in the 2000 Odisha assembly election from the Pallalhara constituency, achieving his first electoral victory. From 2011 to 2013, he served as in-charge of Bihar and Karnataka for the BJP.
Pradhan has held several notable positions, including:
- 2001: President of BJP Youth Wing (BJYM), Odisha
- 2002: National Secretary, BJP
- 2004: Elected to the 14th Loka Sabha from Deogarh constituency, serving on the Committee on Energy and the Committee on Petitions
- 2004-2006: National President of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha
- 2007: Member of the Standing Committee on Energy
- 2010-present: All India General Secretary
- 2012: Elected to Rajya Sabha from Bihar, participating in various committees including Government Assurances, JPC on telecom licenses, Rural Development, and Agriculture
- 2014: Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, visiting over 24 countries and attending numerous international summits
- 2019: Reappointed as Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and also Minister of Steel
Political observers note that Pradhan actively engages with various sections of society, especially the youth.
