Himanshu Gulati

Early life and education

Born in Norway to an Indian family who immigrated to Norway from New Delhi during the 1970s, his father is a physician, and his mother is a physiotherapist. He grew up in the rural village of Lavik, Høyanger where his father worked as a general practitioner before relocating to Lillestrøm, Akershus at the age of fourteen. Parallel to his involvement in politics, Gulati for a time studied medicine before deciding it was not for him. He later received a bachelor's degree in Economy and Leadership from BI Norwegian Business School, as well as having attended a six-month course in filmmaking at an academy in India.

Political career

After taking an early interest in politics, he joined the FpU, or the youth organization of the Progress Party at the age of fifteen. He was elected chairperson of the Progress Party's Youth, on 24 March 2012 after previously having been vice-chairperson for two years. Apart from this he is also currently serving as a deputy member to the Storting. On a local level he has since 2007 been a representative on the Skedsmo municipal council, representing FrP. He was an outspoken critic of the Red-green coalition, especially on issues of foreign policy, immigration and taxation.

When Solberg's Cabinet was formed in October 2013 after the Norwegian parliamentary election, Gulati was appointed state secretary for Anders Anundsen in Ministry of Justice and Public Security. Aged 25, he became the youngest state secretary in the cabinet.

Personal life

Residing with his parents in Lillestrøm, Gulati has visited over 90 countries and frequently visits relatives across India. Apart from traveling, he enjoys skiing, especially slalom as well as filmmaking.