Marching Ahead

After a childhood spent in three different accommodations at atpadi, in Pune I had to repeatedly shift from one place to another, in six-monthly terms, during My four years there because of the paucity of funds and out of compulsion. I had stayed at six different places in Pune, before shifting into gadimaas Panchavati bungalow. Furthermore, I shifted My residence to seven places in Mumbai and three in Delhi. Today, I reside at the Raj Bhavan, Lucknow. In all, I have resided at twenty different places over the past eighty years. Although unstable in terms of shelter, I have remained stable in terms of character - still looking forward and moving ahead. (Page 35) Life often takes unexpected turns and the direction one has in mind is completely transposed. My life has witnessed many such twists and turns and every bend has posed a new challenge. I have had to face them all and continue to move ahead. (Page 37) wishing me a long and healthy life, Atal JEE said, just consider why you have been brought back from the brink of death. We have dreamt of a glorious Bharat. You have been reborn to fulfil this task. I promised Atal JEE that I would spend My bonus life for and only for serving the society. (Page 231) One of My Favourite poems by Atal JEE may be translated as, I am not deterred by defeat, nor elated by victory. Whatever comes My way on the path of Duty is right. I had never imagined that this would resonate within the reality of My own life - that I would ever be defeated. But I had to Swallow two election defeats. These unexpected losses were not a deterrent, since I had entered public life with the firm conviction that the electoral process offered one an effective medium with which to serve the people and I faced this reality with Atal jees pragmatic words; not deterred by defeat. (page 305) for me, the Raj Bhavan has not been a place of rest or retirement. This forty-seven Acre landmass has a beautiful garden, numerous trees, a cowshed and tiny farms. The building is about two hundred years old and is a heritage structure. The weather here inspires me to work, so that the reputation of this precinct is enhanced. Every bathroom in Raj Bhavan is larger than My First two-room residence in Mumbai, with the trappings fit for a king. It would not be exaggerating to say that Raj Bhavan is like a palace. But I am unable to relish these luxuries, as I prefer being a commoner, to be among people. (Page 343).