|| Bonding with so called 'Intellectuals' #CC 18 (IO) - Page 8

Ranvijay Singh

Amidst her ministry expansion plans, Gunostav meetings and routine administrative tasks, Chief Minister Anandiben Patel initially decided to spare 30 minutes for an exclusive interaction with a bright bunch of children at her residential office premises as part of Ahmedabad Mirror's Children's Day celebrations. But once the questions started pouring, the CM got so engrossed that she spent more than an hour-and-a-half with the children drawn from a cross section of society. She also treated the kids to chocolates and homemade mohanthal. Here are excerpts from the 100-minute interview conducted by 12 children drawn from Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation-run Usmanpura Shala number 2, Adani Vidya Mandir, Gandhi Vidyalaya, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Mt Carmel, and FD High School and Udgam.

Vanshika: You were a teacher and are CM now. What do you enjoy more?
CM: Well, both jobs have their own positives. As a teacher, I derived intense satisfaction in teaching girls of classes 8-12 a range of subjects from math, science, practicals and other subjects. I was always happy with the impact a teacher could have on her students. As CM, I take decisions that impact people's lives.

Renita: My family told me that the one thing you need to learn from the CM is discipline...
CM: Whatever I am today is because of discipline. No country or individual can progress in life without discipline. I have to credit my father for instilling discipline in me. I woke up early, worked in the farm, then went to school, came back, studied and helped with household chores. I always slept early. All of you should also be disciplined. You should do your own tasks. Small habits like clearing your own plate after meal, keeping your stuff organized at home and in school will go a long way in helping you in life.

Vikas: I study in class 9. But every day after school, I work at a tea stall six hours daily to support my family. How should I go about achieving my goals?
CM: Beta, first of all, you must study hard and work hard. I am proud of you. I also worked and studied. I had to work on my farm every day and study as well. If you find any particular subject tough, request your teachers to help you after school. Always ensure your problems are solved. You have to be focused. Promise yourself that you will complete your school education.

Mantasha: We live in the 21st century. Yet, society discriminates between boys and girls.
CM: Mindsets do not change overnight. Whether it is a janaaza, burying the dead, or cremating them, many families feel that only a son can perform the rites. We have to change this mindset. Let us all begin from our homes by ensuring treat boys and girls at par.

Riya: What is your daily routine?
CM: I get up at 5.30 am daily (and nobody wakes me up!) and walk for 50 minutes and then do yoga and other exercises for half an hour to forty minutes. On Mondays and Tuesdays, I meet people to resolve their problems and on Wednesdays I hold a Cabinet meeting. Between Thursdays and Saturdays, I visit different districts. I work 15-16 hours a day.

Asma: What message do you wish to give the children of the state?
CM: Education is very important, you must always be healthy, exercise regularly and inculcate good habits and be disciplined. Read about the lives of Gandhiji and Maulana Azad. I also want all of you to read a book called 'Kaala Paani ni Saja'. It will teach you about life, success and discipline.

Urvashi: Children play video games these days. But my mother says, go out and play. What games did you play as a child?
CM: Education and sports are equally important. We played kho kho, kabaddi, gili danda, climb trees, ambli-pipli, saat tali, trying to remove a broken piece of bangle from between many pieces without disturbing any other piece. Games are not just fun but teach us discipline, concentration, team spirit. I was a kho kho champion and also got a Veer Bala award as first prize at a district level championship for three years.

Avni: Do you watch tv, Which is your favourite serial?
CM: I did not have TV when I was your age. These days, I only watch news. I watched Balika Vadhu regularly for the social issues it addressed but of late I have stopped watching it. I also watched Rana Pratap and Shivaji.

Avni: Which is the last film you watched and the book you read?
CM: Hmm, I haven't seen a film in the past five years. I also haven't read a full book for past 2 years. But all of you, do not forget to read Kala Pani ni Saja. I also watch plays. Sometime back I went and watched Baa e boundary maari. I'm told the film Super Nani is based on that film.

Diya: What do you eat daily?
CM: I have bhakri and milk in the morning; dal, rice vegetables and rotli in the afternoon; khichdi-vegetables and bhakri in the evening. I avoidjunk. My bhakri is my pizza!

Diya: Don't you feel like having pani puris in the street?
CM: What a coincidence. I just had pani puri last night at my son's place. I don't fancy outside food.

Vikas: When was the last time you had tea at a kitli.
CM: Well, I have never had tea! My mom never had it, nor my children or grandchildren.