At first look he comes across as a typical 22-year-old law student, except for his starched white khadi kurta. But unlike most of his peers, he wants to pursue a career in politics.
And so he should, as politics is in his blood. Madhukeshwar Desai, great grandson of late Morarji Desai, India’s first non-Congress prime minister, is the first person in his family after his illustrious ancestor, to consider entering mainstream politics.
Like his great-grandfather, Madhukeshwar, too, is an avid Gandhian. During a visit to Gujarat Vidyapith in Ahmedabad on Saturday, the 15th death anniversary of Morarji, Madhukeshwar revealed that his goals were very clear.
“After Bapuji (Morarji Desai), no one in our family has thought of venturing into politics. I am still learning things but I want to be in politics,” Madhukeshwar said in a chat with DNA.
He has not yet decided whether or not he should join one of the existing political parties. “I am totally apolitical at this moment, but I am open to both the BJP and the Congress,” he said.
He said his parents and other family members were also supportive of his future plans. A final-year law student, Madhukeshwar is currently working for a law firm in Bangalore.
He also heads the Young Leaders Collective, an organisation aimed at building young leaders and creating a politically conscious youth.
“I can have a cushy job and do well, but my passion is to work with people,” he said when asked why he wanted to enter politics. “I firmly believe that politics is about serving people, and not only about being in power.”
About his future strategy, Madhukeshwar said that for the next three-four years, his focus will solely be on social service.
“I want to work with people, visit villages and other places, and understand issues at the grassroots level, before taking the plunge into active politics,” he said.
An avid reader, especially of political history, Madhukeshwar plans to visit Ahmedabad every month or two from now onwards.
“I want to be active in the trust named after my great-grandfather,” he said. “I will be visiting Ahmedabad frequently for a better understanding of the state.”
