Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, a prominent politician hailing from Rajasthan, was born into a Rajput family with ancestral ties to Maharoli village in Sikar district, Rajasthan. His father, Shankar Singh Shekhawat, served as a senior government official in the public health department, necessitating Gajendra's education across various schools. He pursued his higher education, earning both a Master of Arts and a Master of Philosophy from Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur.

In 1992, Shekhawat embarked on his political career by securing the presidency of the Student Union at JNVU University, surpassing previous Akhil Bhartiya Vidhyarthi Parishad supporters.

Before venturing into electoral politics, Shekhawat played pivotal roles in organizations like the Swadeshi Jagran Manch and the Seema Jan Kalyan Samiti. His focus on bolstering national security led to the establishment of 40 schools and four hostels along the Indo-Pak border.

Shekhawat's entry into the 16th Lok Sabha in 2014 marked a historic victory for Jodhpur. He was re-elected to the 17th Lok Sabha for a second term in 2019, and subsequently, for a third consecutive term from the Jodhpur Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 general elections on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket.

Following this, he was inducted into the Union Cabinet and appointed as the Minister of Culture and Tourism. Additionally, he serves as the National General Secretary of the BJP Kisan Morcha.

Beyond politics, Shekhawat is actively involved in numerous organizations spanning education, arts, literature, and sports. He is associated with the Rotary Club and the Constitution Club of India, engaging in various volunteer services. Shekhawat's commitment to national security is evident through his membership in the Forum for Integrated National Security (FINS), Rajasthan Chapter, and his participation in its national convention in Haridwar.

Shekhawat's interests extend to reading, travelling, sports, and music, with a particular passion for basketball and tennis. He holds memberships in esteemed clubs like the Sardar Club and Umaid Club, further showcasing his diverse engagements. His leadership in the Basketball Association reflects his dedication to promoting sports at both national and All India Inter University levels.

On a personal note, he married Naunand Kanwar is a father of a son and two daughters. His net worth stands at Rs 19,30,27,658.