Ms. Keralite Priyanca Radhakrishnan

Keralite Priyanca Radhakrishnan on Monday became the first Indian to be named as a Minister in New Zealand as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern unveiled her new cabinet. The 41-year-old will be the Minister for the Community and  Voluntary Sector. Ms.Radhakrishnan, born in Chennai and brought up in Singapore, has her roots in Paravur, Kochi, where her grandfather was a medical professional as well as a Communist. 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.