In the realm of British politics, few figures stand as tall and resilient as Thakur Artha Niranjan Joseph De Silva Deva Aditya, commonly known as Nirj Deva. Born on May 11, 1948, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Deva’s journey to becoming a prominent British politician is a testament to his unwavering dedication, resilience, and inspirational leadership.
As a member of the Conservative Party, he served as a Member of the European Parliament for South East England from 1999 to 2019 and as a Member of Parliament in the British House of Commons from 1992 to 1997 for Brentford and Isleworth. Deva’s life and career are not just stories of political success but also of breaking barriers and setting new precedents.
Family Background and Education of Nirj Deva
Nirj Deva was born into a leading family of Rajasthani descent, deeply rooted in political and medical fields. His grandfather was a senator in the first Sri Lankan Parliament, and his father, Dr. Kingsley De Silva Deva Aditya, was a renowned eye surgeon in Colombo.
His mother, Zita, was the daughter of Dr. M. G. Perera, another significant political figure in Ceylon’s Senate. Growing up in such an environment, Deva was naturally inclined towards public service and leadership.
Educated at St. Joseph’s College in Colombo, a prestigious Catholic school, Deva was instilled with values of discipline, integrity, and excellence. His academic journey led him to Loughborough University in the UK, where he earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and later became a Postgraduate Research Fellow in Economics. This solid educational foundation equipped him with the skills and knowledge that would later define his political career.
Rise in British Politics
Deva’s first foray into British politics was marked by his candidacy in Hammersmith during the 1987 general election. Despite losing by a narrow margin, his determination remained unshaken.
In the 1992 general election, Nirj Deva made history by being elected to the House of Commons as the MP for Brentford and Isleworth. This achievement marked him as only the fifth Asian-born person to be elected to the House of Commons and the first to represent the Conservative Party in this capacity.
During his tenure, Nirj Deva served as a Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) at the Scottish Office, contributing to significant legislative processes and representing the interests of his constituents with diligence and dedication. However, his political journey in the Commons was cut short in 1997 when he lost his seat to the Labour candidate, Ann Keen.
A Pioneering Role in the European Parliament
Nirj Deva’s political career took a new turn in 1999 when he was elected to the European Parliament as a Member for South East England. This election was notable as it marked the first time the UK used a closed party-list proportional representation system. Deva’s election to the European Parliament was historic; he became the first Asian-born Conservative member of the European Parliament.
Throughout his tenure in the European Parliament, Deva held several significant positions. In 2005, he was appointed Chairman of the European Parliament’s delegation to the UN Commission on Sustainable Development in New York. His contributions extended to delivering influential papers on the future of the United Nations and leading delegations to high-level UN conferences on global aid financing.
Deva’s leadership qualities were further recognized when he co-chaired the European Parliament’s Delegation to the World Summit at the United Nations’ 60th General Assembly, alongside former French Prime Minister Michel Rocard. His efforts in fostering international cooperation and sustainable development were widely acknowledged, enhancing his reputation as a global statesman.
Advocacy and Impact
Beyond his formal political roles, Nirj Deva has been an ardent advocate for several causes. As a coordinator on the Committee on Overseas Development and Cooperation and a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament, he has championed issues related to international development, foreign policy, and human rights.
Nirj Deva’s commitment to these causes is reflected in his establishment of an online campaign advocating for a referendum on the European Constitution and engaging with his constituents on the future of the EU.
Deva’s journey has not been without challenges. His bid for the presidency of the European Parliament in 2011, though unsuccessful, showcased his ambition and the respect he commanded among his peers. Despite the setback, he continued to serve with distinction, being re-elected to the European Parliament in subsequent elections and maintaining his influence in European and global politics.
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