From AAP's education master to Kejriwal's second-in-command--Manish Sisodia dons multiple hats

Manish Sisodia, who holds number two position in Delhi government as well as its purse strings, took oath as a minister in new Arvind Kejriwal-led cabinet for third time.

Sisodia (48) is kwn to be Kejriwal's close confidant and has come a long way to emerge as a prominent figure in Delhi's political landscape. He is also credited with spearheading Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) education nda. After swearing-in ceremony, AAP leader took to Twitter to thank those who contributed funds for his election campaign.

"Today as I restart my journey as a minister in @ArvindKejriwal cabinet, I would also like to thank all people who contributed funds for my election in Patparganj. Total 28 lakh was contributed online within 48 hrs," he said.

journalist-turned-activist-turned-politician held Education, Finance, Planning Land and Building, Vigilance, Services and Women and Child Development portfolios in previous tenure. He also served as deputy chief minister in previous government.

infrastructural transformation of Delhi government schools, launching a series of curricula like happiness curriculum, entrepreneurship curriculum and latest being 'Desh bhakti curriculum', introduction of 'Mission Buniyaad' for improving learning skills of children studying in state and municipal-run schools, sending teachers and principals abroad for training, were among key initiatives taken by Sisodia.

happiness curriculum has also attracted interest of or states as well as dignitaries abroad, who visited Delhi government schools to attend 'happiness classes' and are exploring to replicate model. Born in Uttar Pradesh's Hapur district to a teacher, Sisodia doubled budgetary allocation to education amounting to nearly 25% of entire budget of Delhi.

An avid follower of Gandhian principles, Sisodia started his career as a journalist after attaining a diploma in journalism, but he was more attracted to social work. He first formed NGO Kabir and n Parivartan, along with Kejriwal. "t sure if I'm a politician, activist, reader, writer, journalist or.... but I'm an Indian. I like Gandhi because he always moved ahead of his own identity," states his Twitter profile.

Sisodia later quit journalism to participate in agitation for Right To Information. Like Kejriwal, he too pitched in drafting nuances of Right to Information Act and was a prominent figure in movement since India Against Corruption (IAC) days.

He was one of founding members of Janlokpal agitation and part of team which chalked out its first draft. He was arrested and sent to jail during agitation along with activist Anna Hazare. Sisodia is also one of founder members of AAP and a member of party's all-powerful Political Affairs Committee (PAC). A three-time legislator, Sisodia won from Patparganj constituency after defeating BJP candidate Ravinder Singh Negi.