Biography

ANURAG SINGH THAKUR

Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur is the Former Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India. Presently he is a five-time elected Member of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. Previously, he served as a Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs in 2019.

In his capacity as a minister, he has spearheaded numerous pioneering initiatives aimed at advancing both the news and entertainment sectors, while also notably enhancing the nation’s medal count.

In 2016, he was commissioned as a regular officer in the Territorial Army at the rank of Lieutenant of the 124 Sikh Regiment, thereby becoming the first sitting BJP Member of Parliament to join as a regular officer. In 2021, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.

A Parliamentarian

Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur is an astute and five times parliamentarian who has served as a Member of Parliament, consecutively in the 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, and now in the 18th Lok Sabha, from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh.

When the BJP was in opposition, he was the lead speaker during the Rail Budget debate in the Lok Sabha and had the privilege of being the only other speaker along with Mr LK Advani on the issue of black money.

He has consistently advocated for issues relevant to his state in the Parliament, successfully bringing many of them to fruition, like the introduction of new trains and extension of rail links to Himachal, building premier technical institutes and a central university, extension, and maintenance of national highways in the state, etc.

About.Parliament.Left

Within the Parliament, he has held significant positions, including Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT and Member of the Public Accounts Committee. During the 16th Lok Sabha, he was appointed Chief Whip, Lok Sabha, becoming the youngest to assume this post.

His parliamentary record is commendable, with an attendance rate of 85%, participation in 72 debates, and raising a total of 612 pertinent questions, the highest among young MPs in the 15th Lok Sabha. In the 16th Lok Sabha, Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur’s attendance increased to 92%, with participation in 46 debates and raising 287 questions.

Fifth consecutive victory in the 18th Lok Sabha, from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh.

Achievements

  • Best Young Parliamentarian Award, 2011
  • Young Global Leader, 2014, by the World Economic Forum
  • Featured in Financial Times ‘25 Indians to Watch’ List
  • Featured in India Today Magazine as one of the “Navratnas of Narendra Modi”
  • Bestowed with the Sansad Ratna Award, in 2019, for his distinguished performance as a Parliamentarian.
  • He is the first MP from the BJP, and the only MP from North India to receive this honor
  • Recipient of Champions of Change 2019 Award for exemplary contribution towards Social Welfare

A Social Reformer

Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur’s dedicated leadership has profoundly transformed his Hamirpur Parliamentary Constituency through a range of socio-economic initiatives. The launch of Asptal – Sansad Mobile Swastha Seva has significantly enhanced healthcare accessibility in the remotest of areas. Ek Se Sreshtha initiative ensures that quality education is accessible to all students, promoting holistic development. Through Sansad Khel Mahakumbh, Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur has cultivated a strong sports culture and identified talent at the grassroots level. Additionally, the Hunar Se Shikhar program has empowered women and the youth by providing essential training and skills for financial independence. These initiatives, coupled with substantial infrastructure developments, have made Hamirpur a standout constituency under his guidance.

A Youth Leader

Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur is the first-ever National President of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha to have served for 3 consecutive terms since his appointment in 2010. He is also the first BJYM National President who has worked under the aegis of three BJP Presidents namely Sh. Nitin Gadkari, Sh. Rajnath Singh and Sh. Amit Shah, &. As a youth leader, he inspired young minds to dream and discover their inner talents through his compassion and commitment to uplift the youth. Under his leadership, the BJYM led various socio-economic and political initiatives, such as Rashtriya Ekta Yatra: Kolkata to Kashmir

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Health And
Environment

  • Former Member TB Forum of India
  • Global Champion in the category of Public awareness about Malaria, TB & HIV AIDS by Global Fund
  • Former Member Parliamentarians Forum on HIV AIDS
  • Former Member of GLOBE INDIA on Environment & Climate Change

Armed Services

He is the only sitting BJP Member of Parliament to be commissioned as a Regular officer in the Territorial Army as the Captain of the 124 Sikh Regiment.

International Relations

Ex-President EU-India Parliamentary Friendship Group President
FICCI Indo-US Parliamentarians Forum Ex-President
India-Germany Parliamentarians Forum

Social

A Sportsman & a sports administrator

Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur believes sports build character which you need to be successful. He began his cricketing career at the age of 12 and was selected to the U-19 team that played against England at Delhi and Patiala.

From there, began his love for cricket, and he Captained the Punjab U-19 cricket team and North Zone U-19 team that won the All India Championship. His passion for cricket is evident in the picturesque International Level Cricket Stadium at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Being a sports enthusiast, he made immense contributions to the development of stadiums, playgrounds, and sports facilities in the state of Himachal Pradesh

As a sports administrator, he has held numerous positions and made substantial contributions towards improvising sports and the overall sporting environment:

  • Former President, BCCI
  • Former President, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association
  • Former President, Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association
  • Former Vice President, Indian Olympic Association
  • Former President, Hockey Himachal
  • Former President, Himachal Pradesh Table Tennis Association
  • Former Associate Vice President, Hockey India
  • Former President, Hockey Himachal Pradesh

New Vision for New India

Voice of billions of youth

Women Empowerment

Business & Finance

Youth & Sports

Healthcare

Commissioned officer in Territorial Army

Voice of billions of youth

Youth participation is the key to current growth of the country

 

Today, the need for political leaders to connect with the youth population of the country, and work towards fulfilling their aspirations, is greater than ever before. It is crucial that the youth of the country do not become disillusioned with the political process, as it is on their shoulders that the future of our country rests. It is also vital to make sure that today’s youth are aware of the watershed events in our country’s modern history, issues which are as significant today as they were decades ago, and which continue to be debated in contemporary policy and political discourse.

 

Being the only leader to have been appointed as the National President of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM-Youth Wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party) for three consecutive terms, Mr Thakur echoed the voice of billions of youth of the country.

 

He also happens to be the first BJYM National President to have worked under three different BJP Presidents – Mr Amit Shah, Mr Rajnath Singh and Mr Nitin Gadkari.

 

Under Mr Anurag Thakur’s leadership, the BJYM led various socio-economic and political initiatives, such as Rashtriya Ekta Yatra: Kolkata to Kashmir, Shaheed Shradhanjali Yatra – A journey from Guwahati to Tawang to pay homage to 1962 war brave hearts, Sansad Ghirav a national agitation against corruption by the Congress Government, National Youth Convention, Digital Literacy campaign, etc.

 

Having led the youth wing of country’s largest political party and being the inspiration of billions of youth, he firmly believes that the role of youth in nation-building is of extreme significance and youth participation is the key to current growth of the country.

Women Empowerment

The role of women in nation building – Train a woman and you build a nation

 

For her self-confidence to step out and maintain a high self-esteem: While juggling between roles, her own well-being & happiness can’t be compromised. It is important to help her prioritize herself. And keeping the same in mind, we undertake Beauty & Wellness Programmes for Women, across age groups.

 

 

The underlying objective is to inculcate a sense of self confidence along with giving them an opportunity to pursue jobs, whilst promoting self-employment opportunities. We have so far trained 1,052 women and counting, so as to ensure that each and every woman becomes confident, self-reliant, financially independent and thus increasing their participation in the society.

 

 

Empowering the untapped potential of women and communities in the rural areas: Starting from an outreach cum assessment of the on-ground challenges, we on-board SHGs engaged in different activities. Since every region in India has its unique handicraft tradition based on the locally available raw material and historic traditions, clusters are being tapped and support is being provided to a significant number of groups and individuals on three specific fronts : procurement of quality raw material; upskilling/reskilling & market linkage.

Business & Finance

Business and Finance – epitome of leadership of the New India

 

As goes the saying ‘Good Leaders are Great Listeners’.

 

Representing the New India, Mr. Anurag Thakur has being leading from the front when it comes to seeking feedback, opinion, suggestions, etc. from stakeholders from all walks of life.

 

Following an open glass door policy, a multi-stakeholder approach to policy making is strictly followed.

 

Be it matters related to Finance, Corporate Affairs, Business, Economy, etc. suggestions are sought from all spheres and taken into due consideration as each one is an equal partner in the ‘New India’.

Youth & Sports

Being a sports person and an ardent sports lover, Mr. Anurag Thakur firmly believes that sports help in building character, shaping personalities and contributes immensely towards the holistic growth of an individual.

 

According to Mr. Thakur, sport is a vehicle that helps the youth in learning great skills, thereby preparing them to become successful contributors to the society. Following this objective, over the years, Mr. Thakur has spearheaded various sports events / initiatives / campaigns that have worked towards promoting sports as a culture.

Healthcare

Healthcare – Health is a birthright!

 

For strengthening healthcare service in Hamirpur Parliamentary by ensuring service and accessibility in the remotest corner, the initiative of Asptal – Sansad Mobile Swasthya Seva was started with 3 Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) that catered across 5 districts, 800+ panchayats and over 5000 villages.

 

 

Today the fleet stands proudly at 32 MMUs, providing free Primary Healthcare service across 8 districts, 1350+ panchayats and close to 6000 villages.

 

 

The service that was started in April 2018, offers a host of 40 medical tests such as KFT, Creatinine, Uric Acid, BUN, Sugar, Glucose, etc. As per the requirement to the patients, medicines too are provided, free of cost. Each Mobile Medical Unit is equipped with an experienced team including doctor, nurse, lab technician and a MMU pilot.

Commissioned officer in Territorial Army

Leading from the front – commissioned officer in Territorial Army

 

On 29 July 2016, Mr Anurag Singh Thakur was commissioned into Territorial Army (TA), becoming the first serving BJP MP and first ever MP from Himachal Pradesh to join as a regular officer.

 

At a ceremony held at South Block, New Delhi, General Dalbir Singh Suhag, the then Indian Army General and Chief of the Army Staff along with Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Former Chief Minister Himachal Pradesh, pipped ranks of lieutenant on his shoulder, for joining the 124 Inf Bn (TA) Sikh Battalion.

 

He was commissioned in TA after having cleared the written exam and personal interview conducted in Chandigarh and training held in Bhopal. In 2021, he has been promoted to the rank of Captain.

 

It is interesting to note that Mr Anurag Thakur hails from Himachal Pradesh, fondly known as Veerbhoomi as the number of Himachali serving solider in India Army is maximum in the country in proportion to the population. His Grandfather was a serviceman and his father Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal was the first to raise the issue of one rank one pension in the Parliament.

 

Territorial Army is the second line of defence after the regular Indian Army. It is an organisation of volunteers who get training for a few days in a year so that they can contribute to the safety of the nation in case of an emergency. Territorial Army is meant for people who already are in mainstream civilian professions.