Princess Diaries: Everything about Princess Diya Kumari of Rajasthan

There have been many definitions of luxury, but for Princess Diya Kumari of Rajasthan, luxury is synonymous with details. The beautiful politician and philanthropist is famous for her immaculate taste in arts, crafts and fashion, which she takes pride in curating and conserving through her social initiatives.  The daughter of erstwhile Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Bhawani Singh, Diya Kumari is married to Maharaj Shri Narendra Singh. She is very active in politics and with issues related to women which she supports through various initiatives. The recently organised second season of ‘Treasures of Rajasthan’ in the capital is proof of that.

A trustee of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust within the City Palace complex in Jaipur, Diya Kumari informs, “The museum has galleries to preserve and showcase the collection of the royal family of Jaipur. It is also a continuation of a family tradition of promoting arts and crafts via the original 36 karkhanas. This gives an opportunity to the craftsmen to make a livelihood. I have also begun livelihood skills development programmes in the handicrafts sector with hundreds of women in my constituency, via the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation.”

Apart from a busy social and family life, Diya Kumari is an expert in juggling her political commitments and stays abreast with technology. She mentions that ever since she entered politics, balancing time has been a constant challenge. She says, “I have a very motivated and dedicated team to support me. I continue to make time for my constituency, the museums, hotels, schools and not to forget my family. When I see the results, especially with the people of my constituency, it is very rewarding and this makes all the effort worthwhile.” Even though, she is equipped with all modern means of communication, she prefers meeting people to understand them better.  “Human to human interaction is very important to me, and is irreplaceable. I am active virtually as well, I have a Facebook page, and other websites like that of the Museum and Gunijankhana, the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation, and of course my political office.”

She is often compared to Maharani Gayatri Devi for her impeccable fashion sense. However she humbly says, “I like to keep it simple and do not go overboard with my style statement. I have no time to think about my appearance, as most of my time is spent in rural areas than in settings requiring luxury regalia, so comfort is a top priority.” As a fashion tip, Diya advices to pick up timeless styles that one can continue using for years adding to which she effuses, “Look at the details, the craftsmanship and the finishing, when purchasing any product. The details are what true luxury is all about.  Let the quality and the beauty of the design speak for itself.”

Speaking about her family life, she hopes to get some more time with her kids. “Ours is a close knit family; my eldest son, Padmanabh, is studying in England, while my daughter Gauravi is at Mayo College in Ajmer. Our youngest son, Lakshraj, is with us in Jaipur. I look forward to the time when we are all together over the holidays. The children are very close to each other and are also very attached to their grandmother, Rajmata Padmini Devi and their father Maharaj Narendra Singh.  Since I embarked on my political life, I don’t get as much time with them as before, so I cherish every moment I have with them,” she concludes.