Hamirpur lad sworn in as MP in New Zealand

Dinesh Kanwar

Hamirpur, November 25

Dr Gaurav Sharma, a native of the district, was sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP) at Wellington in New Zealand today. Dr Sharma took the oath of office in Sanskrit. He became the first parliamentarian of Indian origin to take oath in Sanskrit in New Zealand and the second political leader in the world to take oath in Sanskrit in a foreign country.

Dr Sharma (33) hails from Hadeta village in the district. He was elected MP from Hamilton West in New Zealand on October 17. He was the candidate of the Labour Party and defeated Tim Macindoe of the National Party by 4,386 votes. This was his second attempt. He had earlier fought elections in 2017.

Dr Sharma told The Tribune, “This is the start because we have to make sure that we keep the promises we make. Otherwise, the Opposition will hold us accountable for not fulfilling our promises”.

He was born on July 1, 1987. His father Girdhar Sharma was an Executive Engineer in the state Electricity Board and mother Purnima Sharma was a homemaker. He studied up to Class IV at DAV School here and completed Class VII from Adhunik Public School, Dharamsala, before his father moved to New Zealand after seeking pre-mature retirement.

His uncle Lalit Sharma, who lives in Hadeta village, near here, said that becoming a parliamentarian in New Zealand was a great achievement for Gaurav. He added that it was time for celebrations for the family and the village as well.

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