Nayak: When children played the father figure in Himachal House

In contrast, Tushar Anand, who played the Deputy Chief Minister, is cut out for politics. “I enjoyed occupying the Deputy Chief Minister’s chair. But in the days to come, you’ll see me in the Prime Minister’s chair. It’s not my dream but my goal,” said the 16-year-old from Kasauli. The Class 12 student is the Captain of his school.

While Tushar was sad that Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri did not come to see him play his role as Sukhu’s deputy, the youngster was consoled by Health Minister Col Dhani Ram Shandil. “Shandilji told me I will eat up a seat of their MLAs for sure,” Tushar said.

The Leader of Opposition was played by Ruhanika Verma, a Class 12 student. “I was very lucky to be in the shoes of Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur. I raised the issue of drug menace on the floor of the House,” said the 17-year-old from Kullu.

Although she entered the august House, she does not want to enter politics as she dreams of joining the civil services. But, as all politicians do, she has kept all her options open, including even politics.

Lavish Negi, a Class 9 student, was the Assembly Speaker for a day. “I was very happy. It was a historic day of my life,” said the 13-year-old from Sirmaur.

Lavish’s father Raghubir Negi was happier to see his son conduct the House business. “Lavish is doing well in his studies. Tomorrow if he wants to join politics, I won’t mind,” said Raghubir, who works in a factory at Kala Amb.

The day’s proceedings were summed up by Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania. “We need to make our children aware of the issues we face as a society, and train them to face the future challenges. Becuase the child is the father of the man.”

Even poet William Wordsworth would have applauded that.