Journalism of Courage
It should not amaze people,if their representatives turn a bit superstitious in such testing times as Vidhansabha elections,and resort to things that might not be supported by rationale but is firmly backed by beliefs. An informal conversation with a few of the contesting candidates revealed that like any other common man,they too have their own beliefs which they firmly hold on to,specially during the time of elections.
Sadanand Shetty,Shiv Sena contestant from Pune Cantonement,says,I always keep photograph of my mother and my wife in my pocket. And before leaving home,I never forget to seek blessings of my late father. I have been doing this since childhood and I firmly believe that this works for me. My fathers blessings helps me in doing good things and my mothers blessing and my wifes love holds me from going wrong,if at all I do something which is not correct.
Ravindra Dhangekar of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) never forgets to look at the photograph of his late daughter. She was 12 when her soul left her body. But she is still a source of inspiration for me. I feel that till she is with me I will never go wrong. Election or not,I always have her photograph in my wallet,and I make sure that I see her photo before I start my day.
He calls himself a plain and simple person,who neither believes in much of superstitions,nor does totally rules out the beliefs,Bapu Pathare of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) believes that God and parents can never wish bad and so he makes it a point to take blessing of God and his late parents,before setting his foot out of the house. Pathare is contesting from Wadgaon Sheri constituency and says that no matter what the assignment is,his faith in God and his parents is unshakable.
While others follow their beliefs,Vikas Matkari,BJP candidate,who is contesting from Shivajinagar constituency,swears by his rationality before venturing into any work personal or professional. I never worship. I have full faith in my organisation and my co-workers. I believe in them and not on any act or belief. I have respect for my mother,whose blessing is always there with me. But I dont move with her photograph. I believe in ideology and hardwork. I feel being rational helps in building ones confidence,as I dont even expect help from God,because I dont worship Him.
