Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Born On: 5 March 1959
Born In: Jait, Madhya Pradesh
Career: Politics

Shivraj Singh Chouhan is among the most respected politicians of Madhya Pradesh whose work has spoken more than his mouth, a rarity in words itself! He is one those rare, thoughtful and educated politicians who has brought in significant changes in the state with his mission to create a better living place. His most significant contribution has been towards the upliftment of the women of the state. Due to his immense contribution for the upliftment of society, he was elected as the minister for two consecutive elections (2005 and 2009). Representing the Bhartiya Janata Party, he also owns the distinction of being the five-time member of the Lok Sabha. Although Shivraj Singh's career was initially that of a farmer, his family business, it did not take him long to switch into politics. And once he did, there was no turning back. He has proved to be one of the most adored and ingenious Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh.

Early Life
Shivraj Singh Chouhan was born on 5 March 1959 to a Shri Prem Singh Chouhan and Smt. Sundar Bai Chouhanin the Jait village of the Sehore District in Madhya Pradesh. Shivraj Singh grew up learning all about farming and even working on the fields before he went on to join politics. He earned his bachelors and masters degree in Philosophy, from the Bhopal University. He has been fighting for the rights of people from a very early age. It was as early as 1975 at the age of sixteen when he was made the President of Model Higher Secondary School Student's Union-and just a year later, he was a part of the movement against Emergency and was even jailed in the process. He has since continued his struggle to find solutions for the problems of people.

Career
Shivraj Singh Chouhan ventured into mainstream politics in the year 1977 after he joined hands with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (R.S.S.). In the in the meantime, he served as the Organizing Secretary of Akhil Bharitiya Vidyarthi Parishad (A.B.V.P.) and was later appointed as the General Secretary of the same in 1980. In the following years, he was elected as the National Executive at A.B.V.P. Considering his dedicated service, he was made the Joint secretary of Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha in 1984. He was elected to the State Assembly from Budni Constituency in 1990. Eventually, he was appointed as the General Secretary of Bhartiya Janata Party, Madhya Pradesh. In the meantime, he became the Member of Consultative Committee on Labour and the member of Hindi Salahkar Samiti. Over the years, he was appointed as the Member of Committee on Urban and Rural Development and of Consultative Committee, Ministry of Human Resources Development. He also served as the National President of Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha and the Chairman of House Committee and National Secretary of Bhartiya Janata Party. Mr. Singh was also the member of Consultative Committee in the Ministry of Communications from 2000 to 2004.

After being elected yet again in the 14thLok Sabha elections (5th term) in 2004, Shivraj Singh Chouhan was appointed the President of Bhartiya Janata Party in Madhya Pradesh in the year 2005. Later in November of the same year (2005), he was elected as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. In 2009 state elections of Madhya Pradesh, he was re-elected as the Chief Minister of M.P.

Contribution
Talking of his contributions, Shivraj Singh's assistance towards the upliftment of women have been the most significant. Movements like the 'Ladli Lakshmi Yojna', the 'Kanyadan Yojna', 'Janani Suraksha Yojna' have not only ensured economic support to women hailing from poor families, but has also helped Shivraj Singh to hold on to his office for long sans any opposition.

Awards And Accolades
Indian of the year award by NDTV 2011

Timeline
1959: Born in the village of Jait in Sehore District, Madhya Pradesh
1975: President of Model Higher Secondary School Student's Union
1977: Struggled against the Emergency
1978: Became the organizing secretary of A.B.V.P.
1978: Was appointed the joint secretary of A.B.V.P.
1980: Elected the general secretary of A.B.V.P.
1982: Became the member of National Executive at A.B.V.P.
1984: Elected the joint secretary of Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha
1985: Appointed the general secretary of Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha
1988: President of the Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha
1990: Elected to the State Assembly from Budni Constituency
1991: Became the convener of Akhil Bharatiya Keshariya Vahini
1992: Became the General Secretary of Bhartiya Janata Party, Madhya Pradesh
1992: Got married to Smt. Sadhana Singh
1993: Was elected the member of Consultative Committee on Labor and Welfare
1994: Member of Hindi Salahkar Samiti
1999: Member of the Committee on Agriculture and member of Committee on Public Undertakings
2000: National President of Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha and the Chairman of House Committee and National Secretary of Bhartiya Janata Party
2005: Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh
2009: Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh
2011: Indian of the year award by NDTV