Adv. Dean Kuriakose is a prominent political figure from Kerala, representing the Indian National Congress (INC). He is the current Member of Parliament (MP) from the Idukki constituency. Here is a detailed overview of his life, education, and political journey:
Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Dean Kuriakose
- Date of Birth: 27 June 1981
- Birthplace: Cheruthoni, Idukki district, Kerala, India
- Father: Kuriakose M. T.
- Mother: Kunjamma Kuriakose
- Religion: Christian
Dean Kuriakose comes from a middle-class family with deep roots in the Idukki region, a hilly district in Kerala. He was born and raised in the mountainous terrain of Idukki, which shaped his worldview and understanding of the issues faced by the people of the region.
Education
Dean Kuriakose pursued his early education in Kerala. His passion for public service and justice led him to study law.
- Degree: He completed his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Government Law College, Ernakulam, one of the prominent law institutions in Kerala.
- Profession: He is a practicing advocate by profession, which has given him a thorough understanding of legal matters and the Indian Constitution.
His legal background has helped him navigate the complexities of law-making and governance, making him a well-rounded public servant.
Political Career
Dean Kuriakose’s entry into politics was through student organizations, where he was an active participant in college-level politics. He climbed the ranks in the Kerala Students Union (KSU) and the Youth Congress, both of which are affiliated with the Indian National Congress.
- Kerala Students Union (KSU): Kuriakose started his political journey through KSU, the student wing of the Indian National Congress in Kerala. His leadership abilities were recognized early on, and he held several positions within the organization.
- Youth Congress: Dean Kuriakose later became actively involved in the Youth Congress, the youth wing of the Indian National Congress. He served as the President of the Kerala Youth Congress, a position that increased his visibility within the party and the state.
His early career was marked by activism on various issues, especially those concerning youth empowerment, education, and social justice.
Major Milestones in Political Career
- 2014 Lok Sabha Elections: Dean Kuriakose contested the 2014 General Elections from the Idukki constituency on a Congress ticket. However, he narrowly lost to Joyce George of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
- 2019 Lok Sabha Elections: In 2019, Dean Kuriakose once again contested from Idukki and emerged victorious by defeating his rival Joyce George, winning by a margin of over 1.70 lakh votes. His victory marked a significant political comeback for the Congress party in Idukki.
- Current Role: As the Member of Parliament for Idukki, Dean Kuriakose has been actively involved in raising issues pertinent to his constituency, such as agrarian distress, environmental conservation, infrastructure development, and tourism.
Parliamentary Activities
Dean Kuriakose has been a vocal MP, raising issues related to the people of Idukki in the Parliament. Some key focus areas of his parliamentary work include:
- Farmers’ Rights: Idukki is predominantly an agrarian region, and Kuriakose has been a strong advocate for the rights of farmers, especially in the context of falling prices for agricultural commodities and the challenges posed by erratic weather patterns.
- Environmental Issues: Idukki is known for its beautiful landscapes and biodiversity. However, it is also prone to environmental challenges such as landslides and deforestation. Dean Kuriakose has raised these concerns at both the state and national levels, pushing for policies that balance development and environmental conservation.
- Infrastructure and Tourism: He has also been a proponent of improving infrastructure in Idukki, especially road connectivity and tourism infrastructure. His constituency is home to several tourist attractions, including the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the hill station of Munnar.
Other Contributions
Apart from his parliamentary work, Kuriakose is actively involved in local social initiatives. He has worked on various projects aimed at empowering the youth and providing better education and healthcare facilities in the region.
Personal Life
Adv. Dean Kuriakose is known for his simple lifestyle and close connection with the people of his constituency. His legal background and active involvement in the INC’s youth politics have shaped him into a dynamic and approachable leader.
He is married and maintains a balance between his professional life as an advocate and his responsibilities as a parliamentarian.
Conclusion
Dean Kuriakose is a young and dynamic leader in Kerala’s political landscape. His legal background, combined with his dedication to public service, has made him a key figure in the Indian National Congress in Kerala. His commitment to the people of Idukki and his ability to address both local and national issues ensure his growing influence in Kerala politics.