From an academic to the prime minister, James Gordon Brown has come a long way to occupy the top post of Britain, capping his 24-year chequered career in politics.

The 56-year-old son of a preacher of Scotland, who took over from Tony Blair [Images] on Wednesday, is a respected politician with a special interest to strengthen and deepen relations with a "pulsating, dynamic India."

As chancellor of Exchequer for 10 years prior to his new assignment, Brown is credited with steering Britain's economic growth with firm measures earning him the title of 'Iron Chancellor.'

He has the distinction of being the longest serving chancellor of Exchequer in 200 years.

A child prodigy who fast-tracked into the University of Edinburgh at the age of 16 and became the youngest rector at 21, Brown became a lecturer on politics for four years after graduation and then became a TV commentator before jumping into public life for good.

Brown's first tryst with politics was in 1983 when he got elected to Parliament representing the Left-leaning Labour party.

After the death of the then Labour party chief John Smith in 1994, Brown was tipped to take charge. He, however, stepped aside in favour of Blair as per a "secret deal" between the two.

But the post of prime minister could not remain away from him for long.

There is a sharp contrast between Brown and Blair. While Blair is called the great communicator, his successor is sometimes dubbed a "great puzzler."

A common feature between them, however, can be said to be the keen interest to develop relations with India. Like Blair, Brown also is excited by rising India and has talked about according high priority to strengthening ties with New Delhi.

Brown recently recalled that he had been brought up on stories of India's great history, its struggles, achievements and "essential greatness."

"There is so much that impresses one about India, particularly its vibrant democracy," he told PTI recently, six months after a visit to India.

"India is, indeed, a very dynamic country which is moving ahead very fast," he said and talked about according high priority to developing ties with the country which "claims its rightful place in the emerging new world order."

A workaholic, Brown chose to be a bachelor till the age of 49 before finally marrying public relations consultant Sarah Macaulay in 2000.

Tragedy struck them a year later when their first child -- a girl -- died 10 days after birth. The couple now has two sons -- the elder one four years old and another one year old.

During his India visit in January, Brown repeatedly emphasised that India and Britain together with their shared history, culture and common values of understanding and tolerance, can work in unison to "play a critical role as partners in addressing the great challenges of our times."

Brown strongly supports India's bid for a permanent seat, "with others," on an expanded UN Security Council.

On terrorism, Brown has pledged to work with India in a coherent global front to "stand full square against all terrorism and murderous extremists who practice it." 

At the same time, he also favours "winning the battle for hearts and minds."

Brown's strong opposition to racism came to the fore during the recent controversy over racist remarks against Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty [Images] on a popular British reality TV show.

"I want Britain to be seen around the world as a country of fairness and a country of tolerance," he said condemning the incident.

He is said to have advised a vote for Shilpa at the height of the controversy. Brown also has great fascination for Indian food.

Brown and his wife love Indian food with chicken tikka, naan and rice being their favourites, according to NRI industrialist Lord Swaraj Paul [Images], a close friend of the family.

Once in a while, he tops his meals with gulab jamun and badam burfi.