Postgraduate in Anthropology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. Has been working on several issues concerning youth, such as unemployment, the lack of skill-based education, rehabilitation and resettlement of farmers, and has played a major role in mobilizing youth in Odisha. With Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP): activist, Secretary, in charge of elections in Bihar and of party affairs in Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Odisha. Recipient of honours and awards. Former Member, 14th Lok Sabha. March 2012, elected to the Rajya Sabha from the State of Bihar. Since Sept. 2017, Cabinet Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship of India; has implemented consumer initiatives like PAHAL, the world’s largest direct benefit transfer scheme, and the #GiveItUp campaign, aimed at encouraging affluent citizens to surrender their LPG subsidy for the needy; is working to provide 5 million LPG connection to women below the poverty line in the next 3 years. As Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has deliberated on various issues, including reskilling and skilling the manpower of India and focusing on bridging the skill gap for Indian youth.