M A I N   N E W S

Lakshmi Sahgal swears by social justice
Tripti Nath
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 23
Padma Vibhushan Lakshmi Sahgal, Kanpur-based social activist fielded by the Left for the 12th presidential elections in mid July opposite NDA nominee and scientist, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, likes to perceive a glass half full and not half empty.

It is perhaps this optimism which lends her the conviction to accept tough challenges as a losing battle in the presidential election.

The octogenarian leader has played a historic role. She led the Rani Jhansi regiment of Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army.

Soft-spoken, jovial, modest and spontaneous, Capt Sahgal’s greatest concern is social justice. She is of the view that the goal of social justice continues to elude us despite many advances.

In an exclusive interview Capt Sahgal spoke about her rigorous routine which starts from early rising, service to the ailing and needy, the INA, her role as a presidential candidate, prospects of the Left and much-debated issues as political experience for holding top constitutional posts.

Mother of two daughters, Capt Sahgal expressed her motherly concern in a parting note to this correspondent. "Look after your health. I’ve a doctor’s eye," she said.

Excerpts from the interview:

How do you rate your chances of success in the Presidential election. Why did you accept to contest despite it being a losing proposition right from the start. Is the Left in the race only for the record books?

No, the Left is not in the race only for the record books. I like to take every opportunity that comes. We have to address people on the real problems facing the country and not get carried away by all this jingoism.

What after this?

I will go back to my previous activities — to my medical profession. I run an eight-bed maternity home in Arya Nagar in central Kanpur for the poor, needy and unemployed.

All the states. We have to first check whether these relief camps still exist.

Mainly because everybody is ganged up against us and we get such negative propaganda. In Kerala, we will have to wait till the next elections.

It is a very necessary thing. I do not think it will be passed till this government lasts.

In panchayats women have proven themselves. In our country, we do not afford them an opportunity to prove themselves.

Marginally, there has been an increase of opportunities in the urban areas. In Bimaru states, women are still living in a feudal structure. The literacy rate is low. Even if women are given their rights, they are placed in a very precarious manner. They are not sure of support from home and have to cope with too many pressures at home and the work place.

The government is paying scant attention to their lot.

(Smiles) I do not think it is very stable. The whole trouble is that the power of office is so strong that people want to cling to it.

No, not really. I mean, it is not a dying force. But, unfortunately we have too many people against us — all the bourgeois parties. After all, we are a great threat to their very existence and survival.

India is looked upon the world over as a country of peace and philosophy and Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of non-violence has been adopted in struggles in other parts of the world.

I don’t know why such a great fuss is being made over this. You take an examination of the politicians and see how many of them are able to answer questions on the Constitution.

My only concern is for my country — to take her out of her poverty and inequality. This is the biggest challenge before the country. I want to ensure social justice and a better life for the majority.

Actually, I was responsible for his joining the INA. He came to my clinic in Singapore for medicines for his men. He was very sceptical about joining Mohan Singh’s INA.

I think he died in that aircrash. It is a waste of time and money to ascertain whether he is dead or alive.