On July 15, 2025, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju was appointed as the Governor of Goa by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. This news brought joy to his supporters in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh. Ashok Gajapathi Raju is a well-known Indian politician. He belongs to the royal family of Vizianagaram. His life is full of service, simplicity, and dedication. This article tells the story of his journey in simple words. It covers his early life, family, political career, and contributions. Let’s dive into his inspiring life.
Early Life And Family
Ashok Gajapathi Raju was born on June 26, 1951. He grew up in Vizianagaram, a historic town in Andhra Pradesh. His father was Maharaja Pusapati Vijayarama Gajapathi Raju. He was the last Maharaja of Vizianagaram. Ashok was the youngest son in his family. His family was famous for kindness and charity. They helped people through temples and schools. Young Ashok saw his father’s good work. It shaped his values. He learned to care for others from a young age.
Ashok’s family has a rich history. They come from the Pusapati royal family. This family ruled Vizianagaram for many years. They were known for their love for education and culture. Ashok’s father donated land for schools and colleges. He started the Maharaja Alak Narayana Society of Arts and Sciences (MANSAS). This group runs many schools and colleges. Ashok grew up with these values. He wanted to serve people like his father. His family’s legacy gave him a strong foundation.
Ashok went to good schools. He studied hard and learned many things. He was curious and loved to read. His education helped him understand people’s problems. He was not just a royal prince. He was a man who wanted to make a difference. After finishing school, he decided to enter politics. He believed politics was a way to help people. His education and royal background gave him confidence. He was ready to work for his state.
Ashok Gajapathi Raju Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Daughter, Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju |
| Date of Birth | June 26, 1951 |
| Place of Birth | Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Family Background | Belongs to the royal Pusapati family of Vizianagaram. Son of Maharaja Pusapati Vijayarama Gajapathi Raju. Youngest son in the family. |
| Education | Studied in reputed schools. Curious and loved reading. Education helped him understand people’s problems. |
| Family Members in Politics | Daughter: Aditi Vijayalakshmi Gajapathi Raju (MLA, Vizianagaram, 2024), Elder brother: Ananda Gajapathi Raju (former MP and minister) |
| Political Party | Telugu Desam Party (TDP), joined in 1982. Earlier with Janata Party (1978). |
| Political Career Start | 1978, elected as MLA from Vizianagaram |
| Key Political Roles | - MLA (1978–2004) \n- Andhra Pradesh Minister (13 years) for Commercial Tax, Excise, Finance, Planning, Revenue \n- Union Civil Aviation Minister (2014–2018) \n- Governor of Goa (appointed July 14, 2025) |
| Major Achievements | - Won 2014 Lok Sabha election by over 4 lakh votes \n- Made air travel more affordable as Civil Aviation Minister \n- Known for honesty and simplicity |
| Contributions | - Improved housing, water, and health in Vizianagaram \n- Helped modernize airports and aviation policy \n- Ran schools via MANSAS Trust, supports temples |
| Notable Traits | Humble, honest, and approachable. Simple lifestyle despite royal heritage |
| Controversy | Removed as MANSAS Trust chairman by YSRCP in 2020. Legal case is ongoing |
| Recent Appointment | Governor of Goa, appointed July 14, 2025, replacing P.S. Sreedharan Pillai |
| Legacy | Upholds family’s tradition of charity and education. Admired for dedication to public service |
Political Journey
Ashok began his political journey in 1978. He joined the Janata Party. Later, in 1982, he joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). This party was started by N.T. Rama Rao. Ashok liked TDP’s ideas. He wanted to work for Andhra Pradesh. He became a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in 1978. He won elections from Vizianagaram many times. He served as an MLA for over 25 years. People trusted him because he was honest. He worked hard for his voters.
As an MLA, Ashok held many important roles. He was a minister in the Andhra Pradesh government for 13 years. He handled different departments like Commercial Tax, Excise, Finance, Planning, and Revenue. He was known for his simple lifestyle. When Andhra Pradesh faced money problems, Ashok gave up his official car. He also gave up other government benefits. This showed his commitment to the people. He wanted to save money for the state. His actions won hearts.
Major Achievements
In 2014, Ashok achieved a big milestone. He was elected to the 16th Lok Sabha from Vizianagaram. He won with a huge margin of over four lakh votes. This victory showed his popularity. He defeated his opponent from the YSR Congress Party. After this win, he became the Union Minister for Civil Aviation. He served in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government from 2014 to 2018. As a minister, he worked to make air travel better. He wanted flying to be affordable for everyone. He was the only TDP leader in Modi’s cabinet.
Ashok’s time as Civil Aviation Minister was special. He focused on fairness. He wanted all airlines to have equal chances. He also worked to make airports better. His clean image and hard work made him respected. In 2018, TDP left the NDA alliance. Ashok resigned as minister. He stood by his party’s decision. This showed his loyalty. Even after resigning, he stayed active in politics. He continued to serve Vizianagaram.
Family Background
Ashok’s family is also involved in politics. His daughter, Aditi Vijayalakshmi Gajapathi Raju, is an MLA. She won the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly election from Vizianagaram. Ashok was proud of her victory. He did not contest in 2024. Instead, he supported his daughter. His elder brother, Ananda Gajapathi Raju, was also a politician. He was a Member of Parliament and a minister. The family’s commitment to public service is strong. They continue to help people.
The Pusapati family is known for charity. They manage the Simhachalam temple. This temple is famous in Andhra Pradesh. It attracts many devotees. The family also runs the MANSAS Trust. This trust supports schools and colleges. Ashok has been part of these efforts. He believes education can change lives. He has helped many students get better schools. His work in education is admired by many. He follows his father’s path of giving back.
Ashok is a simple man. He does not show off his royal status. He lives a humble life. People in Vizianagaram love him for this. He is easy to talk to. He listens to people’s problems. During his time as an MLA, he started housing and water projects. He also worked on health programs. He traveled abroad to learn about town planning. He wanted to make Vizianagaram a better place. His ideas were practical and helpful.
Controversy
In 2020, there was a controversy. The YSRCP government changed the leadership of the MANSAS Trust. Ashok was replaced as chairman. He was upset and went to court. He believed the decision was unfair. The case is still ongoing. Despite this, Ashok stayed calm. He focused on his work. His patience and strength impressed many. He did not let this issue stop him from serving.
Recent Appointment
Ashok’s appointment as Goa’s Governor is a big honor. It came on July 14, 2025. People celebrated in Vizianagaram. They gathered at his home to congratulate him. Political experts say his clean image helped him get this role. His friendship with Prime Minister Modi and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu also played a part. As Governor, Ashok will guide Goa’s government. His experience will help him do this well. He replaced P.S. Sreedharan Pillai in this role.
Life Lessons
Ashok’s life teaches us many lessons. He shows that power comes with responsibility. He never used his royal status for personal gain. Instead, he used it to help others. His work in politics, education, and charity is inspiring. He is a leader who stays close to the people. His simplicity makes him special. Even as a Governor, he is expected to remain humble. Goa is lucky to have him.
In conclusion, Ashok Gajapathi Raju is a true leader. His journey from a royal prince to a respected politician is remarkable. He served Andhra Pradesh for decades. Now, he will serve Goa as Governor. His life is a mix of royalty, service, and simplicity. He cares about education and people’s welfare. His family’s legacy continues through him. Ashok’s story inspires young Indians. It shows that hard work and kindness can make a big difference. We wish him success in his new role.