Patna: Born in Bihar and raised in Wales, Kanishka Narayan has scripted a remarkable political journey that has now earned him a place in history. The United Kingdom recently appointed the Indian-born Member of Parliament as its first minister for Artificial Intelligence, entrusting him with responsibility for AI policy, emerging technologies and online safety.For Bihar, his elevation is a moment of pride as the son of Muzaffarpur has risen to one of the most significant technology portfolios in the British govt.He had visited Bihar in Feb this year after representing the United Kingdom at the AI Action Summit in New Delhi. During that visit, he returned to Muzaffarpur for the first time in nearly two decades. Calling it an emotional homecoming, he had recounted memories associated with the city that reminded him that Bihar would always remain close to his heart.Narayan was born in Muzaffarpur in Nov 1989, while his ancestral home is in Goraul block of Vaishali district. His grandparents, Krishna Kumar and Veena Devi, settled in Muzaffarpur many years ago. Krishna was chairperson of the Muzaffarpur District Board and founded SKJ Law College. His parents, Santosh Kumar and Chetna Sinha, studied at the same college before moving to Delhi. Kanishka spent his early childhood in Muzaffarpur and later briefly studied at APJ School in Delhi’s Saket before moving with his family to Cardiff, Wales, at the age of 12.His uncle, Jayant Kumar, director of SKJ Law College, said Kanishka spent his first few years in Muzaffarpur before the family shifted to Delhi and later to Wales, where his parents established themselves as solicitors. “He never forgot his roots. When he visited Muzaffarpur after attending the AI Summit, he insisted on interacting with students at SKJ Law College. It was a proud moment for all of us,” Jayant Kumar said.He added that Kanishka’s appointment as the UK’s first AI minister has brought immense pride not only to Muzaffarpur but to the entire state of Bihar. “This is an achievement for Bihar and for India. A boy from Bihar has reached such an important position in the British govt, and everyone here feels proud of his success,” he told TOI over the phone.After completing his schooling in Wales, Narayan studied philosophy, politics and economics at the University of Oxford before earning an MBA from Stanford University. He joined the Labour Party at the age of 18 and later worked in the British Civil Service and the cabinet office before entering electoral politics.Narayan was elected to the UK Parliament from Wales in July 2024 and quickly emerged as one of Labour’s rising leaders. His brother, Gautam Narayan, is a doctor in London.During his visit to Bihar, Kanishka spoke extensively about the opportunities that AI presents for India. He also recalled how the warmth of the people, along with the familiar taste of Muzaffarpur’s famous litchis and mangoes, reminded him that despite living thousands of miles away, his roots remain firmly connected to Bihar.In Patna, he was felicitated by JD(U) national working president and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Kumar Jha before travelling to Muzaffarpur, where he interacted with students at SKJ Law College, an institute started by his grandparents.
