India's Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, the remarkable woman who climbed the ranks of Indian politics/economy to become the country's first full-time woman Finance Minister, has captivated the nation with her journey of determination, intellect, and perseverance. Born on August 18, 1959, in the historic city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Nirmala Sitharaman's life story is a testament to her unwavering commitment to public service. As we celebrate her 64th birth anniversary, let's go through 10 intriguing facts that highlight her extraordinary life.

1. Early Life and Education: Nirmala Sitharaman hails from a modest middle-class family. Her father, Narayanan Sitharaman, was employed in the Indian Railways, while her mother, Savitri Sitharaman, dedicated herself to homemaking. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Economics from Seethalakshmi Ramaswamy College in Tiruchirappalli. Her academic pursuits continued with a Master's degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in 1984. Nirmala Sitharaman's thirst for knowledge didn't stop there; she furthered her education by completing a PhD with a dissertation on the Indo-European textile trade.

2. Corporate Success: Before venturing into politics, Sitharaman had a successful corporate career. She worked as a saleswoman for a prominent company, which provided her with valuable insights into the world of business and commerce. This experience laid the foundation for her later role in shaping India's economic policies.

3. Political Association: Nirmala Sitharaman's association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) began in the early 2000s. Her dedication, competence, and tireless efforts within the party quickly caught the attention of party leaders. This led to her assuming various significant roles within the party structure.

4. Spokesperson and Key Leader: Sitharaman's articulate communication skills earned her the role of the official spokesperson for the BJP. Her ability to present complex ideas in a comprehensible manner contributed to the party's communication strategy. Her effective communication also played a crucial role in connecting with people across the nation.

5. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry: In 2014, Sitharaman was appointed as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce and Industry. Her tenure in this role saw her actively participating in trade negotiations, promoting India's exports, and fostering economic ties with various nations.

6. Elevated to Cabinet Rank: Recognizing her exceptional leadership qualities and contributions, Nirmala Sitharaman was promoted to the Cabinet rank in 2017. This marked a significant milestone in her political career.

7. India's First Full-Time Woman Finance Minister: In 2019, Nirmala Sitharaman made history by becoming India's first full-time woman Finance Minister. Her appointment to this critical position underscored her expertise in economic matters and her capability to navigate complex financial landscapes.

8. Budget Presentations: Sitharaman's budget presentations have been instrumental in outlining the government's economic vision and priorities. Her meticulous planning and innovative approaches have aimed to bolster various sectors of the economy, foster inclusivity, and ensure sustainable growth.

9. Economic Reforms and Policies:  Under Sitharaman's leadership, India witnessed several economic reforms and policies aimed at enhancing domestic manufacturing, boosting foreign direct investment, and simplifying the taxation system. Her commitment to structural reforms has been pivotal in shaping India's economic trajectory.

10. Handling Unprecedented Challenges: Sitharaman's tenure as Finance Minister coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which posed unprecedented challenges to economies worldwide. Her adept handling of the economic fallout through measures such as the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Campaign) showcased her resilience and determination in navigating crises.