Back in 2013, I was a struggling journalist, eager yet unsure, trying to carve out a path in the competitive world of journalism. One day, I was covering a press conference hosted by the State’s Social Justice and Welfare Department. The Maharashtra Government had just announced that the renowned Marathi actor Siddharth Jadhav would be the brand ambassador for its ambitious de-addiction campaign. Despite the significance of the event, only a handful of publications were present. The reason was clear—highlighting such news could jeopardize their ad revenues from powerful toxin giants.
As the event concluded, my photographer Kaka and I lingered in the lobby to get a quote from Siddharth Jadhav. While we were speaking to him, a gentle voice called out my name, "Pradnya... faqta Siddhu shich bolar ahes ka amhala pan yeun bhetnar ahes?" (Pradnya, are you only going to talk to Siddhu, or will you come and meet us too?). I turned around to see a warm, radiant smile from a lady dressed in a pristine white dress that mirrored her pure soul. That lady was none other than Varsha Gaikwad, affectionately known as Varsha Tai.
I had encountered Varsha Tai twice before at press conferences, but I was taken aback by her ability to remember my name. Her genuine warmth and friendliness caught me off guard. She mentioned that the next press conference would take a while to start and suggested we grab something to eat before it began. She graciously joined us in the refreshments area, chatting amiably.
From that moment on, Varsha Tai became a reliable source for me. Whenever I needed an opinion piece or a byte on any civic issue, she was just a phone call away. Unlike many politicians, she never displayed any arrogance or ignored calls. When I asked her about this, she simply said, "I am a public servant, and I will always be available for them."
Her words and actions reminded me of a quote: "You will always be remembered by the way you made someone feel, not by how you look or what you wear." Varsha Tai truly lived by this principle. She treated everyone with respect and kindness, leaving a lasting impression on me.
Though I typically refrain from expressing my political opinions, I am genuinely pleased to know that Varsha Tai is contesting for Mumbai North. Her dedication, approachability, and genuine care for people make her a commendable candidate.
Please note, this is just my personal experience, and I do not intend to influence anyone through this blog. I am simply sharing a memorable encounter that profoundly impacted me.
As I reflect on this experience, I urge everyone to take time out to vote on 20th May. Your vote is powerful and can make a significant difference in shaping the future. Let's ensure our voices are heard and contribute to the betterment of our community.
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