Charaiveti! Charaiveti!!

I changed my home three times in Atpadi village during my childhood, six times in college before settling in Gadimas Panchavati in Pune, seven times in Mumbai, and three different places in Delhi. Currently, I live in the Raj Bhavan in Lucknow. Each home taught me something new, connected me with new people, and shaped me. In my eighty years, I had to change my home twenty times, but even during this period of instability, my steps never faltered; I kept moving forward. (Page 29) Sometimes, life takes a sudden turn that changes the course of life. I experienced many such turning points. At each turn, a new challenge awaited me. I continued to move forward, facing them. (Page 31) Wishing me a long life after defeating cancer, Atal ji said, Think about it, why have you come back from the brink of death? You dreamed of a glorious, prosperous India. Its as if youve been reborn to accomplish that great work. I also promised him, Punascha Hari Om. I would spend the lifespan God had given me as a bonus, serving the people. (Page 179) Im not afraid in the slightest, whether in defeat or victory. Whatever comes my way on the path of duty, this is right, that is also right. This poem by respected Atal ji is my favorite. I never imagined I would have to live it out in my life. I never imagined defeat. I faced defeat not once, but twice. I always saw elections as a powerful medium for public service. Therefore, I absorbed the unexpected defeat with the attitude of whether in defeat or in victory. (Page 239) At the same time, I was also introspecting. Im in good health, but the thought came to my mind: should I contest elections again to avenge defeat? Contesting elections has never been my goal. I was committed to a lifelong path of organization and public service; the elections were a milestone on that path. (Page 246) The Raj Bhavan is provided with ample luxury and comfort, but I never view it as a palace of comfort; that is not my nature. This beautiful 47-acre heritage Raj Bhavan, rich with flowers, plants, and a cowshed, gives me the energy to keep working. I want its name to reach the heights of glory. Even the bathrooms in the Raj Bhavan are larger than the rooms in my house. Overall, everything is royal! But such luxury does not appeal to me. My heart yearns for the common people; it finds its solace among them. (Page 266)