Priyanca Radhakrishnan : In the ever-evolving landscape of global politics, the story of Priyanca Radhakrishnan stands as a beacon of inspiration. Born in Chennai, India, in 1979, Priyanca Radhakrishnan embarked on a remarkable journey that eventually led her to become the first person of Indian origin to serve as a Minister in New Zealand.
Early Life and Career of Priyanca Radhakrishnan
Priyanca Radhakrishnan’s roots trace back to India, where her great-grandfather, Dr. C. R. Krishna Pillai, played a pivotal role in the formation of the Kerala state and was associated with Left-wing politics. However, Priyanca’s journey took her beyond the shores of her birthplace. She spent her formative years in Singapore before making the life-altering decision to move to New Zealand.
While in Singapore, her passion for education and community engagement became evident. At the tender age of 16, she took on the role of an educational entertainer, using skits to educate kindergarten children—a glimpse into her future commitment to empowerment and education.
Her educational pursuits led her to Victoria University of Wellington, where she obtained a master’s degree in development studies. Armed with her academic prowess, she was poised to make a difference in the world.
After completing her education, Priyanca Radhakrishnan chose the path of a social worker, focusing on the Indian community in Auckland. Her dedication to helping the marginalized and vulnerable communities set the stage for her future political career.
Entrance into Politics
In 2006, Priyanca took a significant step by joining the New Zealand Labour Party. From the outset, she displayed a strong commitment to the party’s ideals and values. Her involvement extended to contributing to the party’s internal policy development process and active participation in local and regional party organizations.
During the 2014 election, Priyanca’s dedication was recognized when she was ranked 23rd on the Labour Party list, making her the highest newcomer. Though narrowly missing a seat in Parliament that year due to a drop in the party’s vote share, her determination remained unwavering.
In October 2016, Priyanca Radhakrishnan was selected as Labour’s candidate for the Maungakiekie electorate for the 2017 election, positioning her for a crucial role in New Zealand politics. She was also ranked 12th on Labour’s list, signifying her as the highest-ranked Labour member not yet an MP.
Although she didn’t secure the Maungakiekie electorate, Priyanca’s journey to Parliament was far from over. She entered Parliament via the Party list, where she would soon make an indelible mark.
A Journey Marked by Resilience
Priyanca Radhakrishnan’s path to political success was not without its trials. In a stark reminder of the challenges faced by public servants, she was mugged in broad daylight on an Auckland street after returning from a visit to Bangladesh. This incident only served to underscore her resilience and dedication to her work.
Her tenacity paid off during the 2020 New Zealand general election. Despite initially trailing National MP Denise Lee by a slim margin in the Maungakiekie electorate, final results showed her defeating Lee by 635 votes, securing her position as MP for Maungakiekie.
A Minister of Firsts
November 2, 2020, marked a historic moment in New Zealand’s political landscape as Priyanca Radhakrishnan was appointed as Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities, Minister for Youth, and Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment.
This made her not only the first person of Indian origin to serve as a Minister in New Zealand but also a symbol of diversity and inclusivity in politics.
Awards and Recognition
In January 2021, Priyanca Radhakrishnan received the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award for public service, conferred by the Indian president in a virtual ceremony. Her journey from Chennai to New Zealand had come full circle, receiving recognition from both her country of birth and her adopted homeland.
A Champion for Equity and Inclusion
Priyanca Radhakrishnan’s career in politics and advocacy has been marked by her unyielding commitment to equity and inclusion. She believes that decision-making should be community-led, aiming to improve outcomes for all, not just a privileged few. She envisions a society where everyone, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or socio-economic status, can live with dignity.
Priyanca Radhakrishnan & Her Political Roles
In addition to her political roles, Priyanca is a proud union member and actively participates in various organizations, including the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network, National Council of Women (Auckland), and UN Women. Her dedication to advocacy extends to animal welfare, as she passionately supports dog-friendly spaces.
Also Read : Harjit Sajjan : Pioneering Sikh in Canadian Politics