Tamilisai Soundararajan

She was born in Nagercoil, Kanyakumari Kandam on 2 June 1961. Her father Kumari Ananthan,[5] is a former Member of Parliament and senior congress party leader in Tamil Nadu. Her husband, Mr. Soundarajan, is a medical doctor.[6]

She started her higher graduation at Ethiraj College for Women, followed by pursuing her MBBS at Madras Medical College, Chennai[7] and her obstetrics and gynaecology qualifications at Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai. She did higher training in sonology and FET therapy in Canada.

Prior to political commitment she worked as an assistant professor at Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai for 5 years.[7]

Soundararajan presenting books to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Soundararajan became interested in politics from childhood, having been brought up in a political family.[8] She was elected as a student leader during her studies at Madras Medical College. She served the Tamil Nadu state BJP unit in various capacities starting from South Chennai District Medical Wing Secretary in 1999, State General Secretary Medical Wing in 2001, All India Co-Convenor (Medical Wing For Southern States)[9] in 2005, State General Secretary in 2007, State Vice-President in 2010 and elevated as National Secretary, All India BJP in 2013.[10] She was appointed as the Governor of Telangana on 1 September 2019 by the order of the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind. She took charge as Governor of Telangana on 9 September 2019.

Soundararajan has lost in all her attempts at becoming an or MLA to date, having contested two Assembly elections and Parliament elections unsuccessfully. In the 2019 Indian general election, she lost against Kanimozhi, daughter of M Karunanidhi.[11][12] She extensively campaigned in parliament and assembly elections across the state.[13]

She conducted a programme promoting the oratory Skills for students and children, which was broadcast on the Tamil channel Raj TV for more than 10 years.[7] She conducted a weekly programme for women in "Doordarshan" Channel which was aired as Magalir Panchayat (Women's Court) for over 5 years. She Participated in several political debates against other political leaders including Sun TV, NDTV, Times Now and various local channels.[7]