Hours ago India-born Priyanca Radhakrishnan became New Zealand's first Indian-origin minister after PM Jacinda Ardern initiated five new ministers into her executive team. The 41-year-old Labour Party MP has been given three fundamental portfolios including Community and Voluntary Sector, Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities, as well as Social Development and Employment.

© Twitter Mint-Bloomberg

Priyanca had moved to New Zealand for higher education before first securing her seat as a Labour Party MP in 2017. Reportedly, in 2019, she was appointed the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister for Ethnic Communities.

Presently an Auckland resident, Priyanca made a name for herself as an advocate of female domestic violence survivors and exploited migrant workers. Originally from Ernakulam, Priyanca grew up in Singapore and eventually moved to New Zealand for her Master’s degree in Development Studies from Victoria University of Wellington.

© Twitter chitralekhamag

Since the news broke, Indians have taken the time out to congratulate and celebrate Priyanca’s achievements. However, many are also questioning what reason Indians have to celebrate. Check out how people are reacting here.

Congrats @priyancanzlp You make all #Indians proud. World is indeed changing with recognition of talents & contribution at young age with International flavours. All the Best. Priyanca Radhakrishnan becomes New Zealand`s first-ever Indian-origin minister https://t.co/2f96ig6SkV

— Mahesh Saharia (@iamamkay) November 2, 2020

Congrats #PriyancaRadhakrishnan https://t.co/z6CtYMoRr4

— malathi (@malathi_reddy) November 2, 2020

Congratulations to Ms.Priyanca Radhakrishnan First ever India born minister in New Zealand!

You are making a Proud moment, Home Land of India and We wish you all the best for you Future Endeavors @priyancanzlp

— Aʙᴅᴜʟ Mᴀᴀʟɪᴋ (@iamabdulmaalik) November 2, 2020

Kerala will continue to produce Leftists leaders who will in turn change the world for better. Congratulations, Priyanca Radhakrishnan @priyancanzlp on becoming the first Indian to be sworn in as a minister in Newzealand. Kerala is very proud of you.#PriyancaRadhakrishnan pic.twitter.com/l8OTWOZKgS

— Аnton Kalashnikov (@AKalashnikov05) November 2, 2020

Congratulations, #PriyancaRadhakrishnan! https://t.co/QdtGJ6weA1

— Sundar Nair (@NairSundar) November 2, 2020

Now #Indians will soon capture #NewZealand economic sectors. Congratulations #PriyancaRadhakrishnan

— Vikrant Sawant (@vikrantsawant80) November 2, 2020

Great news.Happy that Indians are acknowledged Globally in all areas.This 41 year old from Kerala made a remarkable entry in Newzealand politics and fame to her state.Kudos to Priyanca Rdhakrishnan.

— K.RAGAVAN.. (@write2ragavan) November 2, 2020

Indians: kaafi faila hua business h

— Praveen Singh (@Praveen_0901) November 2, 2020

However, some aren’t sure if it’s truly a moment of celebration for Indians, or do we need introspection with regards to the opportunities India has to offer its youth.

I fail to understand how can her origin be a reason for Indians to take credit in her success. Infact, we as a country should be ashamed that she had to leave India for getting success!

— Deepak Gupta (@1975deepakgupta) November 2, 2020

To hum kya karein !

— ΛＫΛＳＨ (@wish_akash) November 2, 2020

We applaud Sundar Pichai too...Indian talent is getting hold all over the world, it's proud moment...

— Shivani M (@authorshivanii) November 2, 2020

What are your thoughts about it? Do you agree that Indians should celebrate the fact that one of our own has made it big in a foreign land, or do you agree with Mr Deepak and Akash here? Or do you partially agree with Mr Deepak when he says that India is losing out on talent because our country is indeed failing to give its youngsters the kind of opportunities and future they deserve. Let us know in the comments below.

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