Popularly known as the 'Aam Aadmi' (common man), Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal turned 51 on Friday. He is the seventh Chief Minister of Delhi and has been serving the post since February 2015. He also held the post of the CM from December 2013 to February 2014, stepping down after 49 days of assuming power. Kejriwal, who is known for his simplicity, is a firm opponent of corruption. In 2006, he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his leadership qualities, but he donated his prize money to an NGO. In 2014, Kejriwal also earned international recognition when the famous Time magazine mentioned his name in the list of the 100 most influential people around the world.
Politicians from across the country wished Kejriwal on his birthday. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote on Twitter "Wishing you a very happy birthday, Arvind ji."
But how well do we all know Kejriwal? Here are a few lesser-known facts about the Delhi CM that you should know.
- Kejriwal was born in Hisar, Haryana on August 16, 1968. An IIT Kharagpur graduate, Kejriwal joined as an Indian Revenue Service officer in 1995 but quit his high profile job in 2012 to form the Aam Admi Party (AAP).
- After completing his schooling in 1985, he went to pursue Mechanical Engineering from one of the top most institutions in India- IIT Kharagpur. He cleared the IIT-JEE entrance exam in his first attempt!
- Kejriwal initially wanted to be a doctor. But he rebelled against his family to study at IIT-Kharagpur, where he opted to study mechanical engineering.
- He began his professional career at TATA Steel and worked for almost four years from 1989 till 1992, after which he appeared for the civil service examination. Until the results came out, he worked with Mother Teresa and then at Ramakrishna Mission and Nehru Yuva Kendra.
- Kejriwal is a staunch vegetarian and keen practitioner of the 'Vipassana' for many years now. He even meditates regularly.
- Anti-corruption crusader and social activist Anna Hazare was the main person behind the Jan Lokpal movement in 2012, but Kejriwal played an equally important role in drafting the Lokpal Bill along with former IPS officer Kiran Bedi and other members.
- Even after becoming the CM, Kejriwal refused to accept the 'lal batti gaadi' (red-beacon car) and other facilities meant for his security.
