Priyanca Radhakrishnan on Monday became the first Indian-origin politician to be sworn in as a minister in New Zealand as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern unveiled her new cabinet. The 41-year-old has been sworn in as the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector. There are an estimated 240,000 ethnic Indians in New Zealand, the fastest growing ethnic group in a population of 4.7 million 

Radhakrishnan, born in Chennai and brought up in Singapore, has her roots at Paravur, Kochi, in Kerala where her grandfather was a medical professional as well as a Communist.

A two-time MP from Auckland, she reached New Zealand to pursue her higher studies, following which she became a New Zeland national hailing from Christchurch and since 2004 has been in active politics in the Labour Party.

She shot into prominence and became a household name in Kerala during the last Onam festival when she went live with Ardern to extend her greetings on the occasion.

Radhakrishnan professes her love for Malayalam songs and said her most admired singer is none other than popular Keralite playback singer K.J. Yesudas.

(IANS)