Another Feather In Shourie's Cap

Arun Shourie. The name needs no introduction, not just because everyone knows him, but also because no introduction will do him justice. He is one of those rarest of rare breed of netas, whose (good) deeds speak more than his mouth. Infact, to call him a neta would be a blasphemy.

He was a journalist with a difference, and has won Ramon Magsaysay award for Journalism and Literature in 1982. He started the famous series on BR Ambedkar in Indian Express, which created a lot of stir amidst political circles. He is a Padma Bhushan, and has also won International Editor of the Year Award.

He was NDA's most performing and least corruptible minister, despite of the fact that his son is a mentally retarded adult, while another member of his family is battling with cancer. He is soft spoken, intelligent, works relentlessly, and is afraid of none. Took on Reliance, where it was wrong and blew the winds out of Ram Naik, when the latter was Petroleum Minister. He is equally despised by his party and opposition. Not that it bothers him even least bit.

This is a beautiful and must read article by Gurucharan Das on him, written exactly 2 years ago. It talks about what it takes to be Arun Shourie.

And this is the feather in his cap I mentioned in the heading. Judge your self. Will you find such a man in real life, leave alone the politics or journalism?

He was once asked that how could he maintain so calm despite so hardships in his personal and professional life. He replied, that the moment he enters his house after the day's hard work - his son gives out such a loud shrill with joy, that it could be heard in entire neighbourhood.

This inspires him because when his son, despite his hopeless physical condition can still remain happy, then the least he can do is to remain composed during adversity. Way to go !