B'day Special: The journey of Shivraj Singh Chauhan, CM of Madhya Pradesh

Shivraj Singh Chauhan was born on 5th March, 1959. His father Prem Singh Chouhan was a farmer in the Jait village of Sehore district. He is called the true son of the soil. Perhaps, it is this attribute and allows him to connect to his people. His modest childhood had taught him all about the plights of Indian farmers and thus he is able to identify the socio – economics needs of rural people. Shiraj Singh Chauhan pursued his masters in Philosophy from Barkatulla University and added a Gold medal to his credit. It is said that once a person crosses the rungs of success, he leaves behind many green eyed men. But that is not the case with Shivraj Singh Chauhan. He is yet loved by his people. Even as a young boy, Shivraj Singh Chauhan aspired to be a leader and carried himself thus. In 1975, he was elected as the President of Model Higher Secondary School Student's Union in Madhya Pradesh. From henceforth, there was no looking back for him. Shivraj also actively participated in Anti Emergency movements. In 1977 he associated himself with RSS. This was the turning point of his life. It is from here that his leadership skills became popular. In 1978 he was selected as the Joint Secretary of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad. From 1985 to 1988 he was the General Secretary of Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha. In 1988 he was elected as the President of the same association. In 1990 Shivraj Singh Chauhan was elected to the State Legislative Assembly from Budhni. Then he entered the 10th Lok Sabha the following year. During this period he took active interest in the affairs of the state. He was engaged in several Lok Sabha committees like – Urban and Rural Development, Human Resource Development and Labour and Welfare committee. By 1999, Shivraj Singh Chauhan had four consecutive victories as he stepped into the 13th Lok Sabha. During this period he was also the Chairman of House Committee in the Lok Sabha and National Secretary of Bhartiya Janata Party.In 2004, he was elected to the 14th Lok Sabha, and this was his 5th consecutive time. He was the Secretary of parliamentary Board, Secretary of Central Election Committee and the National General Secretary of BJP. In 2005 he was appointed President of BJP. He was also elected as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. Shivraj Singh Chauhan won the State elections in 2008 and assumed the office of CM for a second term. In 2013, once again Shivraj Singh Chauhan was elected by his people to serve as the Chief Minister. He is one of those rare Ministers who is greatly loved by his people and admired by rivals. Apart from his political achievements, Shivraj Singh Chauhan has undertaken several initiatives towards human development. He has adopted 9 girls to provide the proper education and livelihood. Shivraj Singh Chauhan works consistently towards women development. His social attitude is quite enriching and leaves behind prints that his colleague aught to follow. Some of his noteworthy initiatives are 'Beti Bachao Abhiyaan' and the 'Ladli Laxmi Yojana' launched in 2006.Shivraj Singh Chauhan gives special emphasis to education and rural development. He is the recipient of the Krishi Karman Award. Shivraj Singh Chauhan is married to Sadhana Singh. They have been blessed with two sons – Kartikey and Kunal. Despite his hectic schedule and immense responsibilities, Shivraj Singh Chauhan takes out time to be with his family. He enjoys listening to music and takes interest inspiritual literature. Shivraj Singh Chauhan is an exemplary example of how a public figure should be like. His charity begins from his home and has no end. He is a tall figure in politics and holds no less amiable attributes. We wish him a wonderful and blessed birthday.