As politicians see it

The Indian Express

The Financial Express

As politicians see it

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

Mohan Joshi
Congress candidate for Lok Sabha seat

I am...Mohan Joshi

Zodiac sign...Sagittarius (December 3, 1956)

My educational qualifications ... I passed my SSC and completed a year of college.

My family... My family consists of my wife, Nirmala and my school-going children, Rohit and Ritika. We are a close-knit family. They have been very supportive throughout although I don't get to meet them very often now that I have hit the campaign trail.

When did I begin my career in politics...I have been interested in politics from an early age. I was still a boy in half pants in Std. IX. when I began to canvass for Mohan Dharia in the 1971 parliamentary elections. I became secretary of the Block Congress Committee in 1974, a post I held for two years. I was then elevated to the post of President of Block Congress Committee in 1978.

My reason for joining politics ...When in school the lessons about our freedom struggle always inspired me. I believed that through political means I too could do something to bring about change for the better. Initially, I was fascinated by the concept of social leadership. The Gandhi family has always been an abiding influence on me.

What have I done for the city...I have been active in social work in the city ever since I joined politics. When I was President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress, I realised the need for something to be done about the grievances of unemployed youth. The work in these exchanges was manual at the time and the procedure would take a long time. I proposed the introduction of computerisation to the then Chief Minister SB Chavan who implemented it.

I have organised a number of blood donation drives, free medical check-up with follow-up care -- the recent one being that of PMC school children in conjunction with the Ruby Hall Clinic, family planning camps like the one held last year where family planning operations were conducted. I have also promoted education through party workers in slums of the city.

What I propose to do I f I am elected ...Pune already holds an important place on the country's map. I plan to make it a more prominent city through several projects that I have in mind. As a young politician who has the 21st century in mind, the problems of the youth will be among my priorities. I have also thought about a comprehensive package that can be implemented in slums where 30 per cent of the city's population stays. As co-convenor of the Pune festival, I realised the potential local talent that was waiting to be discovered. While this was limited only to cultural talents, I think there are many intelligent people who only require an opportunity for their talent to be discovered and I will give special thought to facilities that can be made available to them.

I would also like to assure citizens that I am a politician who works and that I will keep all the promises that I make. n What I propose to do If I am not elected ...This question does not arise as I am confident of being elected from Pune.

My most memorable moment ...When I was nominated by the Congress party to contest for the Lok Sabha seat for the coming general elections. I am honoured.

My most embarrassing moment ...I haven't had any embarrassing experiences. I do not get disheartened or dejected. This has helped me to maintain an attitude of stability and perseverance.

My most satisfying achievement in politics...When I was recognised for my organisational skills and made president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress in 1987.

If not a politician, I would be ...an entrepreneur. I think management and organisation are my strong points. I would have been good in business and made lots of money.

My favourite hobby...I love eating tasty, vegetarian food. Recently, when I was in Delhi, although I was busy in a whole lot of things, one of the things I looked for was a paani puri stall. I am not very particular about the place where I want to eat, even bhajiyas sold by vendors with handcarts will do.

My favourite food...I am not fussy about food. I love spicy dishes whether home-cooked or cooked elsewhere.

My favourite television programme...These days, I watch a lot of news. I used to follow the serial Parampara and Mahabharat. I am also fond of serials that have a religious theme.

A superstition I believe in ...A superstition that I believe in: I am not superstitious.

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