A day after 51-year-old MP
Alok Sharma took over as UK's international development secretary, his cousin in Agra, Vishwanath Sharma, expressed his happiness over Alok's accomplishment. "He is committed to the well being of UK and peace in the world," Vishwanath, a station manager at the
Idgah railway station
of
Agra
City, told TOI.
On Thursday, a brief prayer ceremony was held and sweets were distributed at the ancestral house of Sharmas in Kothi Meena Bazar area of Agra. Alok's father, Dr Prem Sharma, 85, told TOI from West Reading in England: "My son is a distinguished politician and is now full time into it. I am happy for whatever he has achieved in politics and the kind of work he is doing for his constituency and Britain."
"Alok came to India in official capacity in 2017, though he did not got time to visit Agra. But our families interact on phone.... We all are happy on Alok's elevation in
Boris Johnson's cabinet," Vishwanath said.
Born in Agra on September 7, 1967, Alok moved to Reading when he was five. "His father Prem Sharma, a veterinary surgeon, moved to UK along with his wife Sheila Sharma, daughter Archana and son Alok in early 70s. Alok did his early schooling from government school based in Shahganj of Agra," said Vishwanath, who is two years younger to Alok. Prem Sharma, however, added that Alok studied for a brief period at
Welham Boys' School
, Dehradun, as well.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.Arvind Chauhan is an experienced journalist with a demonstrated h...
Read MoreArvind Chauhan is an experienced journalist with a demonstrated history of working in the newspapers industry as well as for the social media wing as digital content creator. He has covered subjects like railways, aviation, defence, energy, health, real estate, minority affairs, women and child development, crime, customs, telecom, district court, district administration, roads and infrastructure, armed forces tribunal, and regional politics across Uttar Pradesh. He began his career in Lucknow, and has done reporting in West Uttar Pradesh. He has won the Times Scribe Award four times including for busting fake news, and extensive coverage on Covid orphans. He graduated with a journalism degree from Times School of Journalism and BA (Honors) in English from Lucknow University.
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