Me and My Inspiration
There are certain people in life whose influence goes far beyond their public position. For me, Padma Bhushan Late Shri Ramvilas Paswan ji was not only a national leader of extraordinary stature, but also a constant source of inspiration, guidance, and personal strength. My association with him was not limited to politics or family relations; it was a relationship built over years of close interaction, learning, and shared moments that shaped my understanding of public life.
Ramvilas Paswan ji’s political journey was one of the most remarkable in independent India. Rising from a modest background, he built his place in national politics through struggle, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to social justice. He served the country for decades in Parliament and in the Union Government, working with different governments but always remaining firm on the issues of dignity, equality, and opportunity for the poor, the marginalised, and the voiceless. His ability to stand for principles while working within the realities of coalition politics made him one of the most respected leaders across party lines.
After becoming part of the family, I had the privilege of spending a great deal of time with him not only in political settings, but also in personal moments that revealed the depth of his character. We often spent time together playing chess, and those games were never just about the board. While playing, discussions would naturally turn towards politics, governance, and the changing nature of public life. He had an extraordinary ability to analyse situations calmly, to see beyond immediate events, and to explain complex political developments in simple and practical terms. Those conversations taught me patience, clarity of thought, and the importance of looking at issues from a long-term perspective.
He had a warm and simple side that many people did not see. He loved cooking, discussing food, and trying new cuisines. We shared this interest, and many evenings would turn into long conversations about food, travel, society, and politics. These moments showed me that even a leader who carried such great responsibility could remain deeply human, curious, and full of life. He also had a natural interest in learning new things, including technology. I still remember helping him create his personal email ID and teaching him how to use a smartphone. He approached even these small things with seriousness and curiosity, always wanting to understand how the world was changing.
In his later years, I saw closely the strength with which he faced political challenges and personal difficulties. Public life often brings moments when even the strongest leaders may find themselves alone, but he never allowed circumstances to weaken his resolve. He believed that one must stand by one’s principles even when situations become difficult. Watching him during such times left a deep impression on me. I understood that leadership is not measured only by success, but by the ability to remain steady when everything around becomes uncertain.
His passing in 2020 was a moment of deep personal loss for the family and an emotional shock for millions of people who had seen him as their guide for decades. For me, it felt as if a source of constant guidance had suddenly gone silent. But the values he lived by - discipline, courage, patience, and commitment to the people - remained alive, and they became even more meaningful in the years that followed.
After his passing, the party went through one of the most difficult phases in its history. The organisation he had built over decades faced division, and workers across the state were uncertain about the future. During that time, I often remembered his words about perseverance and responsibility. I felt that the best way to honour his legacy was not through words, but through work.
It was in this spirit that we began the effort to rebuild the organisation, and one of the most important steps in that journey was the Nav-Sankalp Mahasabha. This programme was not just a political campaign, but an attempt to reconnect with the people in the same way Ramvilas Paswan ji always believed politics should be done - by going to the ground, meeting workers face to face, and listening to their concerns. The Nav-Sankalp Mahasabha involved travelling across Bihar, holding large public meetings, interacting with workers at every level, and restoring the confidence of those who had remained loyal even during the most difficult period.
For me personally, this phase carried a deep emotional meaning. Every district we travelled to, every worker we met, reminded me of the years of effort that Ramvilas Paswan ji had put into building the organisation. The determination to rebuild the party was not only political, it was also personal. It was a way of keeping alive the values he stood for - commitment to people, respect for workers, and the belief that organisation is the strength of public life.
The unity and confidence that returned to the party after this effort showed that the foundation he had built was strong enough to withstand even the most difficult times. That experience remains one of the most meaningful chapters of my life, because it taught me that true inspiration does not come from speeches, but from the example set by those who lived their life with courage and sincerity.
Even today, whenever I take a decision in public life, I often find myself thinking about what he would have said, how he would have looked at the situation, and what he would have expected from me. His life continues to guide my thinking, and his values remain a constant source of strength in my journey.
For me, Ramvilas Paswan ji will always remain not only a great leader, but also a teacher, a guide, and an inspiration whose influence will stay with me throughout my life.