“Ram Mohan Naidu: India’s Youngest Minister Named WEF Young Global Leader 2025”

Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Named WEF Young Global Leader 2025

In a moment of immense pride for India, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, the Union Minister for Civil Aviation and India’s youngest Cabinet Minister, has been selected as one of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Young Global Leaders (YGL) for 2025. This prestigious recognition, announced on April 15, 2025, places Naidu among 116 exceptional individuals under 40 from nearly 50 countries, celebrated for their transformative leadership, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to public service. As a trailblazer in Indian politics, Naidu’s inclusion in this elite cohort underscores the rising influence of India’s youth in shaping global governance and policy.

A Beacon of Youth Leadership

The WEF’s Young Global Leaders program is renowned for identifying visionaries who are redefining leadership in a rapidly evolving world. Naidu, at 37, embodies this spirit through his dynamic approach to governance and dedication to public welfare. As the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, he has spearheaded reforms to democratize air travel, modernize airport infrastructure, and expand connectivity to India’s remotest regions under the UDAN scheme. His focus on sustainability and digital innovation has positioned India’s aviation sector as a global contender.

Reacting to the honor, Naidu expressed humility and resolve: “It is an honour to be selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. This recognition is not just mine—it reflects the rising voice of India’s youth in the corridors of power. I see this as a reminder of my responsibility to continue serving the people with integrity, innovation, and inclusivity.” He credited his mentors, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and his late father, Yerran Naidu, for shaping his values of grounded leadership and public service.

The recognition has been widely celebrated. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu congratulated him, stating, “This prestigious recognition is a source of pride for our country, especially for the Telugu community. Ram Mohan Naidu’s dedication to public service continues to inspire the youth.” Telugu Desam Party (TDP) General Secretary Nara Lokesh echoed this sentiment, noting that Naidu’s achievement follows his own YGL recognition in 2019, marking a proud moment for the TDP and Andhra Pradesh.

Biography of Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu

Early Life and Education
Born in 1987 in Nimmada, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu is the son of the late K. Yerran Naidu, a senior TDP leader and former Union Minister, and Kinjarapu Vijayakumari. Growing up in a politically active family, Naidu was exposed to public service early on. His father, affectionately known as “Yerranna,” served as Union Minister for Rural Development (1996–1998) and was a four-time Member of Parliament (MP) before his tragic death in a road accident in 2012.

Naidu’s academic journey is equally distinguished. He completed his schooling at Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram, after his family relocated to Delhi following his father’s election as an MP. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University, USA, and later earned an MBA from Long Island University. His global education equipped him with a broad perspective, which he later applied to his political career. After working briefly in Singapore, Naidu’s life took a pivotal turn when his father’s passing in 2012 drew him back to India and into politics.

Political Career
Naidu entered politics in 2012, joining the Telugu Desam Party, where he is considered a loyalist to party supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu. At 26, he contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Srikakulam, winning decisively to become the second-youngest MP in the 16th Lok Sabha. He has since been re-elected in 2019 and 2024, defeating opponents by significant margins, including a 3.2-lakh-vote victory over YSRCP’s Tilak Perada in 2024.

Over the past decade, Naidu has been a prominent parliamentarian, serving on key committees such as Home Affairs, Railways, Rural Development, and Agriculture. His legislative excellence earned him the prestigious Sansad Ratna Award in 2020, recognizing his contributions as a top-performing MP. He also served as TDP’s national general secretary and floor leader in the Lok Sabha, notably playing a crucial role in supporting Chandrababu Naidu during the latter’s arrest in the skill development scam case.

Naidu’s advocacy extends beyond traditional politics. He was among the first MPs to champion menstrual health education, sex education, and the removal of GST on sanitary pads, reflecting his progressive outlook. In 2024, at 36, he was sworn in as the Union Minister for Civil Aviation in the Modi 3.0 Cabinet, becoming the youngest-ever Cabinet Minister in Indian history, surpassing his father’s record set in 1996.

Personal Life
In June 2017, Naidu married Sravya Bandaru, the youngest daughter of Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy, a former minister and TDP vice president. His personal life remains grounded in his roots in Srikakulam, where he continues to connect with constituents and address grassroots issues.

Vision for the Future
As Union Minister, Naidu has outlined an ambitious vision for India’s aviation sector, emphasizing tourism, economic growth, and job creation. With an $11 billion investment in airport infrastructure and projects like the Bhogapuram Airport set to open by December 2025, he aims to break the duopoly of IndiGo and Air India by easing entry for new airlines. His leadership style—youthful, efficient, and people-centric—has earned him accolades as a “youth icon” for 21st-century India.

A Global Stage for Indian Leadership

Naidu’s selection as a WEF Young Global Leader places him alongside luminaries like Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sachin Pilot, and OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal, who have previously received this honor. As one of seven Indians in the 2025 cohort, he joins a diverse group of changemakers committed to a more inclusive and sustainable world. The YGL program offers a three-year leadership development experience, including academic modules and global convenings, which Naidu is poised to leverage to further India’s interests on the world stage.

As India’s youth continue to rise in global influence, Ram Mohan Naidu’s journey from Srikakulam to Switzerland via New Delhi exemplifies the power of dedication, innovation, and service. His recognition as a WEF Young Global Leader 2025 is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the potential of young Indian leaders to shape a brighter future.