Who is Diya Kumari?
Diya Kumari, a prominent member of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur, is a multifaceted personality known for her contributions in various fields, including politics, art, and culture. Her journey from being a royal princess to a successful politician and cultural enthusiast is nothing short of inspirational. In this blog, we will delve into the life and achievements of Diya Kumari, highlighting her impact on contemporary India.
Early Life and Royal Heritage
Diya Kumari was born on January 1, 1971, into the illustrious royal family of Jaipur, also known as the Kachwaha dynasty. She is the daughter of Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh and Maharani Padmini Devi. Growing up in the opulent surroundings of the City Palace in Jaipur, she imbibed the rich cultural heritage and traditions of her royal lineage.
Education and Academic Pursuits
Diya Kumari received her early education at prestigious institutions such as the Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls’ Public School and the Mayo College Girls’ School. She went on to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in History from the Sophia College for Women in Mumbai. Her academic pursuits reflect her commitment to learning and knowledge.
Passion for Art and Culture
One of Diya Kumari’s most prominent passions is her dedication to preserving and promoting India’s rich art and cultural heritage. She is an avid patron of traditional Rajasthani arts, crafts, and architecture. Her efforts in this domain have helped in the revival and preservation of dying art forms and architectural treasures.
Philanthropy and Social Initiatives
Diya Kumari’s commitment to social causes is evident through her involvement in various philanthropic activities. She has worked extensively for the welfare of the underprivileged, especially in Rajasthan. Her initiatives range from healthcare and education to women’s empowerment and rural development.
Entry into Politics
In 2011, Diya Kumari made a significant foray into politics when she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her political journey has been marked by her dedication to the people of her constituency, Rajsamand, in Rajasthan. She has represented the constituency with diligence and has been involved in numerous developmental projects. Now, she became the deputy CM of Rajasthan in 2023.
Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA)
In the 2013 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly elections, Diya Kumari contested from the Rajsamand constituency and emerged victorious. Her win showcased her popularity and ability to connect with the people of her constituency.
Commitment to Constituency Development
Throughout her tenure as an MLA, Diya Kumari has been actively involved in various developmental projects aimed at improving the lives of her constituents. Her commitment to the welfare of the people she represents has earned her a reputation as a dedicated public servant.
Advocacy for Women’s Rights
Diya Kumari has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. Her work in the political arena has often focused on issues related to women’s safety, education, and economic empowerment. She believes in the importance of gender equality and works towards its realization.
Role as a Cultural Ambassador
As a cultural enthusiast and a member of the royal family, Diya Kumari serves as a cultural ambassador for Rajasthan. Her efforts to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage have helped in attracting tourists and promoting Rajasthan as a cultural destination.
Personal Life and Family
Diya Kumari is married to Narendra Singh, the scion of the royal family of Patiala. Together, they have two children. Her ability to balance her personal life with her professional and social commitments is a testament to her strong character and determination.
Read: Sudha Murthy: A Beacon of Wisdom in Business and Philanthropy
Net Worth
Regarding the wealth of the royal family, it has been reported by Business Insider that the Maharaja of the dynasty, Padmanabh Singh, is responsible for overseeing a substantial fortune estimated to be between $697 million and $855 million. Additionally, The Times of India has reported that the collective wealth of the royal family is an impressive $2.8 billion.
The Royal Family of Jaipur is recognized as the descendants of the Kachhwaha Rajput clan, tracing their lineage back to Kush, the son of Ram. The late His Highness Bhawani Singh held the title of the final head of Jaipur. In the absence of male heirs, the King designated his daughter’s son, Padmanabh Singh, who is also renowned as a national-level polo player, as the Maharaja of Jaipur, as reported by TOI.
In a 2019 report from IANS, which cited details from an affidavit, it was revealed that Diya Kumari owned 15 bank accounts and property valued at Rs 16.59 crore. In the 2013 Assembly elections, she had declared property worth Rs 9.64 crore, indicating an increase of Rs 6.95 crore over five years by 2019.
According to the same affidavit, Kumari disclosed ownership of two fixed deposits, 12 savings accounts, and three current accounts with a combined worth of Rs 1.72 crore. She also possessed shares worth Rs 12.49 crore and insurance policies with a maturity value of Rs 1.8 crore. Additionally, she reported having jewelry worth Rs 64.89 lakh and cash in hand amounting to Rs 92,740. Notably, she did not own a car.
Conclusion
Diya Kumari’s journey from the royal palace to the political arena exemplifies her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of people in Rajasthan and India as a whole. Her multifaceted personality, passion for art and culture, dedication to social causes, and advocacy for women’s rights make her a true icon in modern India. As she continues to contribute to the betterment of society, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.
FAQs
Who is Diya Kumari?
Diya Kumari is a prominent Indian politician and a member of the former royal family of Jaipur. She is known for her political career, her dedication to preserving Rajasthan’s cultural heritage, and her philanthropic activities.
What is Diya Kumari’s political career?
Diya Kumari is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Rajsamand constituency in Rajasthan. She has been actively involved in various developmental projects and initiatives to benefit her constituents.
What is Diya Kumari’s contribution to art and culture?
Diya Kumari is a passionate advocate for traditional Rajasthani arts, crafts, and architecture. She has played a significant role in preserving and promoting Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage. Her efforts have contributed to the revival of several art forms and architectural treasures.
What philanthropic activities is Diya Kumari involved in?
Diya Kumari is actively involved in philanthropic activities aimed at improving healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, and rural development. She has consistently worked towards the welfare of the underprivileged in Rajasthan.
What is Diya Kumari’s family background?
Diya Kumari comes from the royal family of Jaipur, belonging to the Kachwaha dynasty. She is the daughter of Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh and Maharani Padmini Devi. She is also married to Narendra Singh of the royal family of Patiala, and they have two children.
