Prithviraj Chavan ('63-'67) named the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra

"This morning Congress High Command and AK Antony gave me the responsibility of being the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. I will try to take everyone's advice and work for the betterment of Maharahstra. I accept the post with humility," Chavan said, addressing the media after being named as the next Chief Minister of the state. Mr. Chavan currently holds five portfolios as a MoSD, the highest by any minister in the UPA government, including Science and Technology, Earth sciences, Parliamentary affairs, Public grievances and Pension and Ministry of personnel, which includes the CBI.

Mr. Chavan has been a role model for BITSian's wishing to enter public life. Despite his busy schedule, he has always found time for his alma mater - a distinguished guest at BITSAA Delhi Golden Jubilee Reunions, distinguished speaker at the upcoming first-ever BITSAA Global Meet 2011. The organisers of BGM 2011 remain hopeful that his fondness for BITS Pilani will lure him to the meet at New Delhi coming January, despite his newfound responsibility. BITSAA Chairman Prof. SP Kothari recalls - "When Pritviraj Chavan visited Boston, we hosted him at Mukesh Chattar's home.  I recall picking him up from his hotel at Harvard Square and taking him to Mukesh's place, as well as spending a little time in Concord visiting historic sites.  Prithviraj Chavan was also very gracious in having lunch with me in New Delhi at his Club, and the following year he hosted MIT Sloan MBA students. I find him very steady, organized, and technology minded.  I expect he will do well in Mumbai."  BITSians Manoj Mittal ('85) and Sandeep Agarwal speak fondly of his participation in BITSAA Delhi Silver and Golden Jubilee Meets - "His active participation and support to BITSAA Delhi Chapter Celebrations has been well appreciated. The best part was the accessibility offered by him. Wish him all the best and hope he brings laurels to BITS brand through sheer hard-work, integrity and sincerity".    

Prior commitments of Mr. Prithviraj Chavan:

He is a technocrat who worked in the field of aircraft instrumentation and designing of audio recorders for anti-submarine warfare in the US before returning to India and becoming an entrepreneur in 1974.

It was in early 90’s when Prithviraj Chavan bumped into Rajiv Gandhi.  "We have many technocrats in the country”, said Rajiv Gandhi, "but we don’t have many who can get elected and join politics.  You have that potential!” That is when Mr. Chavan decided to join politics and was elected to the India parliament in 1991.

In 1991, elected to Lok Sabha (Tenth); 1991-96 Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Science and Technology, Electronics, Atomic Energy; 1992-93 Member, Standing Committee on Science and Technology; 1994-96 Member, Standing Committee on Finance and Planning Member, Standing Committee on Rural and Urban Development; 1995-96 Member, Committee on Public Undertakings; 1995-96 Member, Committee on Subordinate Legislation; 1996 Re-elected to Lok Sabha (Eleventh) Secretary, Congress Party in Parliament; 1996-97 Member, Public Accounts Committee Member, Standing Committee on Energy Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Finance; June 1997 onwards Special Invitee, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Planning and Program Implementation and Science and Technology Literary, Artistic and Scientific Accomplishments, Twelfth Lok Sabha Member, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Member, Committee on Government Assurances (resigned on 20 November 1998)1998-99 and April 2002-Feb.2004 Member, Committee on Finance; 2000-01 Spokesperson, All India Congress Committee (A.I.C.C.); April 2002 Elected to Rajya Sabha; Aug. 2002-Feb. 2004 Member, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence; May 2004 onwards Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office.

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