Kumar was recently sworn in as the mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, after previously serving as deputy mayor. His appointment has drawn attention both in the UK and India because of his age and Indian roots.
Reflecting on becoming the youngest mayor at 23, Kumar said the moment initially felt unreal.“The first thought that came to me was, am I dreaming? It felt very surreal,” he said. “It didn’t feel real that I became the youngest mayor at this age.”
Kumar added that while many people his age are still deciding what they want to do in life, he chose to enter politics and public service early. He first entered local politics at the age of 20 after developing an interest in community work.
Despite his rapid rise in politics, Kumar said he remains focused on serving residents rather than thinking about higher office.
“I want to give it my 100%. I want to make sure that I’m available for the people because they’ve elected me,” he said, adding that he would only consider bigger political roles if it allowed him to help more people.
Kumar also stressed that politics should not be viewed purely as a career for money. “I don’t really do this because of the pay or the salary,” he said. “I see this as a passion. I like helping people, I like helping the community.”
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The young mayor, who has graduated from King’s College London, is set to begin a master’s degree in Political Economy at University College London later this year. He said he has become used to balancing academics with politics after being elected as a councillor while still at university.
Originally from Haryana, Kumar credited his upbringing and Indian heritage for shaping his values and political outlook.
“I’ll give credit to my parents, honestly,” he said. “Always stay connected to your roots.”
First Published: May 19, 2026 10:48 PM IS
