Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 28: “My school was four kilometers away from my home and I along with my friends used to cover this distance on foot every day in order to reach in time. My focus was not only to get education but also involve myself in extra curricular activities, which are imperative for good health”.
These are the fond memories of Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad, who rose from a small village in Bhaderwah tehsil and carved out his space in the political arena both at national and international level.
Mr Azad got an opportunity to recall his childhood memories during an interaction albeit one that is altogether different from numerous interactions he is regularly participating in his political life.
This interaction with the students of Banyan International School not only led Mr Azad to his childhood days but also provided an opportunity to the students to have a peep into the fond memories of such a politician, who during his short stint as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, made inroads in the hearts of the people.
“Though I along with my friends used to go to school on foot yet we never felt tired. One thing that I feel missing in present day schooling is one hour long break”, Mr Azad said when asked to share some memories from his childhood, adding “we always used this break not only for lunch but also for pursuing many other activities like swimming and badminton”.
When asked whether one needs a mentor to be successful in politics, the Union Minister said, “yes, everyone needs a mentor to be in politics…not only in politics but other fields also. Like being a student you need a teacher as mentor”.
About the query of students regarding retirement age in politics, Mr Azad said, “yes, I think so. It should have started earlier”.
Responding to a question regarding his job, he said, “my job is full of challenges and I am a busy man. I sleep at 2 am and wake up at 6 am. When I was the Chief Minister, I used to sleep not more than three hours. The time for entertainment is relegated to midnight for one hour. Watching news is something I really enjoy. Inspite of an extremely busy schedule I try my best in every field”.
About queries regarding some impending packages for J&K, he said, “not only for J&K, there are a number of special packages for the entire country. We have shown tremendous improvement in bringing down infant mortality rate and through Janani Suraksha Yojna”.
It is pertinent to mention here that Banyan International School publishes news letter “Clarion” every fortnight. The Students’ Editorial Board under the guidance of teachers interviews personalities, who have made a difference to their lives.
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