Wellington, November 2: Keralite Priyanca Radhakrishnan on Monday became the first Indian 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. Radhakrishnan, born in Chennai and brought up in Singapore, has her roots at Paravur, Kochi, where her grandfather was a medical professional as well as a Communist. Grant Robertson Becomes New Zealand's First Openly Gay Deputy PM in Jacinda Ardern's 'Incredibly Diverse' Cabinet.

A two-time MP from Auckland, she reached New Zealand to pursue her higher studies, following which she a Kiwi national hailing from Christchurch and since 2004 she has been in active politics with the Labour Party. Gaurav Sharma, Native of Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur, Elected as MP in Jacinda Ardern's Cabinet in New Zealand Elections 2020; Know All About The 33-Year-Old Doctor.

She shot into prominence and became a household name in Kerala during last Onam when she came live with Ardern to extend her greetings on the occassion. Radhakrishnan continues her love with Malayalam songs and she said her most admired singer is none other popular Keralite playback singer K.J. Yesudas.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 02, 2020 05:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).