Kiran Vyas

Girija Vyas, born July 8, 1946, was an Indian politician, poet, and author with a significant career in public service and literature. She held multiple terms as a Member of Parliament, representing constituencies like Udaipur and Chittorgarh. Vyas also served as the president of the National Commission for Women from 2005 to 2011, advocating for women's rights and empowerment. Her academic background included a Doctorate in Philosophy from Delhi University, focusing on comparative ethics in the Gita and the Bible. She also taught at Mohanlal Sukhadia University and the University of Delaware.

Vyas authored eight books, including poetry collections in Urdu, Hindi, and English. Her political journey saw her serve in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly and hold positions within the Indian National Congress, including president of its Rajasthan unit and chair of its Media Department. She was a Union Deputy Minister for Information and Broadcasting and later appointed Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation. Vyas passed away on May 1, 2025, following burn injuries sustained at her home.

Girija Vyas possessed a notable literary and academic background alongside her political career. She earned a Doctorate in Philosophy from Delhi University, with her doctoral thesis focusing on a comparative analysis of ethical teachings found in the Bhagavad Gita and the Bible. Her academic journey included teaching positions at Mohanlal Sukhadia University and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Delaware. Vyas was also a published author, having released eight books. Among these were three collections of poetry, with works such as 'Ehsaas Ke Par,' 'Seep, Samundar Aur Moti,' and 'Nostalgia' showcasing her contributions to Urdu, Hindi, and English verse.

Vyas had a long and varied political career. She was elected to the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly in 1985 and later served multiple terms in the Lok Sabha, representing Udaipur and Chittorgarh constituencies. During her tenure in national parliament, she held the position of Union Deputy Minister for Information and Broadcasting and was a chief whip for the Congress party. From 2005 to 2011, she led the National Commission for Women, dedicating her efforts to advancing women's rights and empowerment. Her political roles also included heading the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee and serving on the All-India Congress Committee.