Meira Kumar is a former speaker of the Lok Sabha. She was born on 31 March 1945 in Aara, Bihar. Her zodiac sign is Aries. She did her schooling from Welham Girls’ School and Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls’ School. She attended Indraprastha College for Women, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, Miranda House, and Banasthali Vidyapith. 

Her father’s name was Jagjivan Ram, and her mother’s name was Indrani Devi.

She is married to Manjul Kumar. They are parents to three children, Anshul Kumar, Devangana Kumar, and Swati Kumar. 

Meira Kumar’s favourites

Her hobbies include reading books, listening to classical music, and collecting antique items. 

Her favourite political leaders are Mahatma Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. 

Her favourite poet is Kalidas. 

Her favourite book is ‘Abhigyan Shakuntalam.’

Interesting facts about Miera Kumar

Meira Kumar is the daughter of India's famous Dalit leader Babu Jagjivan Ram. Babu Jagjivan Ram was associated with the Indian freedom struggle and was also the Deputy Prime Minister of India.

During her school years, Meira Kumar won many medals in horse riding and shooting competitions.

In the year 1973, she received appointment in the Indian Foreign Service and till 1984 she served in the embassies of various countries such as Spain, Mauritius, United Kingdom, etc.

In 1980, she became a member of the ‘Supreme Court Bar Association’, the Supreme Court of India.

Meira Kumar’s political journey

Meira Kumar resigned from her Indian Foreign Service in 1984, and officially joined politics the same year. Representing the Indian National Congress, she became a member of the Lok Sabha from Bijnor constituency. 

In 1998, she became a member of Lok Sabha from Karol Bagh constituency of Delhi.

In the year 2009, Meira Kumar won from Sasaram constituency of Bihar and was appointed as the Speaker of Lok Sabha. She served her term till 2014. She was the first female Lok Sabha speaker of India.

INC announced Meira Kumar as the candidate for the presidential election in 2014. 

From 22 May 2004 to 22 May 2009, she served as the Minister of Water Resources. For a brief period in 2009, she was also the Minister of Water Resources.