Profile

A. Raja holds a B.Sc., B.L., M.L. from Government Arts College, Musiri, Distt. Trichy; Government Law College, Madurai and Government Law College, Trichy (Tamil Nadu). By profession he is an Advocate. In 1996 he was elected to 11th Lok Sabha and in 1999 he was re-elected to 13th Lok Sabha (2nd term). From 13 October 1999 - 29 September 2000 he was Union Minister of State, Rural Development , 30 September 2000- 21 December 2003 he was Union Minister of State, Health and Family Welfare. In 2004 he was re-elected to the 14th Lok Sabha( 3rd term). From 23 May 2004 - 17 May 2007 he was Union Cabinet Minister, Environment & Forests. 18 May 2007-onwards he held the post of Union Cabinet Minister, Communication and Information Technology. He has published a book: “An Autobiography of Democracy” Oru Suyasarithai—Collection of Tamil poems. Literary Artistic & Scientific Accomplishments: Involved in social and Tamil literature movements since student days. Social And Cultural Activities: Contributing articles to leading Tamil and English Dailies and magazines, involved in public life during college days through Dravidar Kazhagam founded by Periyar EVR; President, Dr. Ambedkar Thinkers Forum, Perambalur; Secretary, (i) Rationalist Forum, Perambalur; and (ii) Tamil Ilakkiya Peravai (Literary movement), Perambalur; District Secretary, DMK Party, Perambalur