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Minister of State for Human Resource Development (Higher Education)
Govt. of India

DAGGUBATI PURANDESWARI, can eloquently read, write and speak four languages... English, Telugu, Tamil and Hindi. Her versatility in Indian dance form 'Kuchipudi' mirrors 13 years of dedicated practice under the able guidance of the 'Kuchipudi' exponent, Dr. Vempati China Satyam.

She was first elected to the 14th Lok Sabha from Bapatla parliamentary constituency in Andhra Pradesh in 2004 and successfully completed her full term. Subsequently, she contested the general elections of 2009 from Visakhapatnam parliamentary constituency and became victorious with huge majority of votes.

From the very initial year she proved to be an effective and dedicated Member of Parliament by bringing to the fore several problems relating to agriculture, education, public health, science & technology, mother-child welfare, natural calamities, and the problems faced by weavers and artisans in the country. She raised these issues forcefully in the House for appropriate redress.

She impressively participated in debate on various bills such as 'Domestic Violence Bill, Hindu Succession [Amendment] Bill, and the Bill on the establishment of special courts exclusively for trying cases of women to name a few' and made meaningful contributions. In appreciation of her performance in Parliament, the Asian Age adjudged her as the best Parliamentarian for 2004-'05.

Her speeches and addresses on different issues at the international fora gave ample evidence of the force and facility with which she could project various problems concerning the overall welfare of mankind with full sense of justice to all. In recognition of this quality she was often nominated on several panels for making a final draft on the decisions and deliberations of various international conferences. She played a lead-role on such occasions and her amendments and suggestions were mostly included in the final draft.

Being an extempore orator, a woman in quest of innovative life-style, a great visionary and having accomplished the global recognition, she was honoured with an invitation from Mrs. Laura Bush and addressed the White House symposium on 'Advancing Global Literacy'.

Video Profile of Purandeswari

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Minister of State for Human Resource Development (Higher Education)
Govt. of India

Recently, she authored a book "IN QUEST OF UTOPIA", comprising 82 of her illuminating speeches, she delivered on national and international fora for the people so as to bring about a paradigm shift in their life style. Her favourite topics such as education, health, economic development, agriculture, industry, child-abuse, women's empowerment, science & technology, youth, environment, governance, books & art, Indian Culture, music & dance, astrology have been aptly included in the book.

As part of her glorious achievements, she further received encomia from eminent personalities.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh observed that he was proud of her and she was an asset in his Cabinet.

Former Speaker of the Lok Sabha Mr. Somnath Chattarjee Speaker, of the Lok Sabha lauded that in her, Parliament had found a good orator.

Former Minister for HRD Mr. Arjun Singh acknowledged that though she is the Minister of State, the entire HRD Ministry depended on her.

Noted Agricultural Scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan presented his compliment to the effect that had she been the Minister for Agriculture, the country would have been enormously benefited.

Dr. Kasturi Rangan, Director, NIAS presently Member of Parliament in his note of appreciation observed that she had a vision for India, she was cultured, articulate and knowledgeable.

Dr.P.C. Alexander, former Governor and former Member of Parliament while commenting on her performance in Parliament said that she is one of the most prominent young ministers, who always came to the House well prepared for answers.

Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao the doyen of Telugu Film actors overwhelmingly expressed 'I am proud of her'.

The fact that she has been praised by so many important personalities from a cross-section of society speaks volumes for her dedication, and sincerity of purpose. Such is the myriad personality of Mrs Daggubati Purandeswari, who has a mission to fulfill and a vision to realize and Mother India is beaconing her towards this lofty ideal.