For the first time in the history of independent India, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will have the distinction of presenting the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time. Traditionally, women—especially homemakers—are often referred to as the “finance ministers” of their households, as they manage the household budget efficiently. From the kitchen to family functions and wedding ceremonies, they handle financial planning skillfully and still manage to save something for themselves. It is this managerial ability that earns them the title of “finance minister.”
Nirmala Sitharaman becoming the Finance Minister is not only a symbol of women’s empowerment, but also a reflection of the fact that women today have mastered domains traditionally dominated by men. Women are launching new startups, actively trading in the stock market, and leading organizations as CEOs—from multinational corporations to private companies.
Most importantly, Nirmala Sitharaman is India’s first full-time woman Finance Minister. She assumed office in 2019 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and when the Modi government returned to power for a third term, she was once again entrusted with the same responsibility. This continuity itself is a major achievement, as she has presented the Budget every year since then. Because of this consistency, she has created history—no Finance Minister before her has presented the Budget nine times consecutively. Although Morarji Desai presented the Budget ten times between 1959 and 1969, they were not consecutive. Similarly, P. Chidambaram presented nine Budgets, but at different points in time, not consecutively. Therefore, Madam Sitharaman truly deserves congratulations.
She is a woman of simplicity yet possesses an impressive and dignified personality that reflects Indian values. She knows how to face challenges, which is why Prime Minister Modi has placed his trust in her. It is worth noting that she has also served as India’s Defence Minister, where she focused on strengthening border security, modernizing the armed forces, and promoting defence exports. Her thoughts are simple yet profound. She gives due importance to social welfare schemes in governance and has a strong understanding of tax reforms, digital payments, and infrastructure development.
I recall that during the COVID-19 period in 2019, she not only managed the economy during an extremely difficult phase but also introduced relief packages for the medical sector that helped India carve out a distinct global identity. This is why women hold her in high regard. The responsibility she shouldered and the initiatives she undertook during the pandemic were truly moments of national pride.
Like me, there must be millions of women who have played the role of “finance minister” within their homes—ensuring expenses are managed efficiently, unnecessary costs are avoided, and everything remains well-planned. Financial management is precisely this art of balance. This renowned woman politician and economist studied in different cities and excelled at every stage of her academic journey. She comes from a Tamil Brahmin family; her father worked in the railways, and discipline became a part of her upbringing from childhood.
She later pursued a master’s degree in economics and remained closely associated with economics at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University. She possessed a comprehensive understanding of economic affairs, which is why she preferred working quietly as a researcher and analyst rather than seeking the spotlight. She never compared herself with others; instead, through hard work and integrity, she steadily built her own path.
It is hoped that the historic Budget she is presenting today will reinforce the vision of a self-reliant India and a developed India by 2047. As a woman and an economist, she has introduced several schemes promoting women’s empowerment, which naturally raises expectations from her even higher. Congratulations to Madam Nirmala Sitharaman on this new achievement. In Indian numerology, the number nine is considered the highest, and by presenting the Budget for the ninth time, she is once again creating history for the nation. Many congratulations to her.
