Kanishka Narayan’s inspiring rise from humble beginnings to becoming an MP
Cardiff: Kanishka Narayan’s story is pretty incredible. He moved to Cardiff from India with his family and ended up sleeping on the floor of a tiny flat. But his Welsh teacher, Mr. Thomas, saw something special in him. He encouraged Kanishka to apply to Eton, a prestigious school known for producing leaders.
Can you believe it? Kanishka was just a kid, new to the country, and his teacher thought he could make it to a private school. He remembers feeling a bit clueless about the whole thing. He had to approach the headteacher, who was busy breaking up a fight, to get his application signed. Talk about pressure!
He took the entrance exams and got a full scholarship. Suddenly, he had his own room at Eton, which was a huge change from sharing a floor with his brother in their cramped flat. It was a wild experience for him, and he realized how different education could be.
Fast forward, and Kanishka studied at Oxford and worked in various roles, including as a venture capitalist. Now, at 34, he’s the MP for Vale of Glamorgan, having won a seat in the recent election. He knocked on thousands of doors to connect with voters, and it paid off.
He’s the first MP of color in that area, which is a big deal. Kanishka believes his win wasn’t just about a shift to Labour but a mix of factors. He’s got a background in civil service and has worked with big names in politics, so he knows the game well.
His parents, who joined the Labour Party after moving to Wales, never pushed him into politics. They just wanted him to be part of a community. Now, they’re a bit worried but also proud to see him in the Commons, following his passion for public policy.
As the new MP, Kanishka is focused on making a difference in his community. He’s also been asked about “Gavin and Stacey” since everyone associates that show with the area. When he’s not working, he enjoys a good breakfast, a walk by the sea, and a game of cricket. Sounds like a nice balance, right?