REPORT ON

NATIONAL

STUDY TOUR

MPG - 11, 2016

24TH FEB TO 05TH

MAR 2016

DAY 1

24th Feb 2016

Meeting 1: Interaction with Capt. Amarinder Singh, MP, Lok Sabha (INC),

Former Chief Minister, Punjab

Appointment Time: 4pm

The Team reached Capt. Amarinder Singh’s residence at 3:45pm and started

their session with a formal introduction of him.

Capt. Amarinder Singh being a war-hero, shared his experience of 1965 war and

his association with Shri Anna Hazare in that war. He later spoke about various

issues like division of Punjab state {1966}, lack in good governance, issues

related to agriculture and its effect on Punjab, etc.

He shared few facts regarding the education system of Punjab and the health

sector, the two factors which are becoming the major hindrance of growth for

the state. Later, while answering one of our questions he threw light on the other

serious problem Punjab is facing today, which is addiction of youths towards

drugs.

He also shared Congress party’s views on the upcoming Vidhan Sabha 2017

elections and his stand towards the elections, later politically pointing out the

current government’s failure. Team could clearly feel his concern towards the

development of Punjab.

Meeting 2: Interaction with Abhijit Pranab Mukherjee, MP, Lok Sabha (INC)

Appointment Time: 6.30pm

“First I’m an Indian, then a political man, and then an individual” these were the

words said to us by a common politician with a strong political dynasty, Mr.

Abhijit Mukherjee, son of the first citizen of India, Hon. President. Pranab

Mukherjee.

Being a Mechanical Engineer Mr. Abhijit Mukherjee has worked in several

industrial giants like Maruti Udyog, and was never inclined to politics though

having a strong dynasty. But then, his Grandfather was his greatest inspiration

in taking up the family mantle.

“Many times we have to work beyond the political ideology but, it is possible

only when there is a will to work for the people” these words said by him created

a sense of inspiration within us.

He shared many of his political and personal experiences which are relevant to

the current Political scenario. Mr. Mukherjee also provided insights of the

development work that a Member of Parliament can do in the constituency. He

spoke on ethical politics and the problem of Bangladeshi migrants, also

suggesting a good solution to this problem.

Both the dignitaries appreciated the questions raised by School of Government

students.

DAY 2

25th Feb 2016

Meeting 1: Meeting with Shri. H. D. Deve Gowda - MP & Former Prime

Minister of India

Appointment Time: 9.00 am

Team began the day by meeting Former Prime Minister of India Shri. H. D.

Deve Gowda. The meeting resulted in change in perception of students about

him, as he candidly elaborated Political circumstances of mid 1990’s.

He provided in-depth knowledge about his Kashmir policy and initiatives in

Northeast as well as Voluntary Disclosure Scheme.

Meeting 2: Interaction with Shri Jugul Kishore, MP Rajya Sabha (BSP)

Appointment Time: 11:00 am

Team next met Shri Jugul Kishore, MP Rajya Sabha (BSP). During his

interaction he explained his decision to join BJP inspired by Prime Minister

Narendra Modiji’s Leadership. He spoke about BJP’s plans to win over Dalits

in Uttar Pradesh.

Meeting 3: Dr. Bhola Singh, BJP, Young Member of Parliament from

BULANDSHAHR (UTTAR PRADESH)

Appointment Time: 07.00 pm

Team’s next meeting was scheduled with Dr. Bhola Singh, BJP, Young Member

of Parliament from BULANDSHAHR (UTTAR PRADESH). The young MP

touched the personal chord with the students as he spoke about importance of

Political Mentor. He provided details of his public outreach and MPLAD

spending Strategies.

All the meetings for the day were fruitful for the Team.

The day ended by visiting a war memorial extending across the Rajpath, on the

eastern edge of the 'ceremonial axis' of New Delhi named India Gate, (originally

called the All India War Memorial)

DAY 3

26th Feb 2016

Meeting 1: Meeting with Shri. Arvind Sawant, Member of Parliament from

Shiv Sena

Appointment Time: 9.30 am

Day 3 of the Team started by meeting Shri. Arvind Sawant. He is a Member of

Parliament, Shiv Sena from Mumbai South Constituency. He shared his

principles and ideology of Balasaheb Thackrey and Shiv Sena. It was a very

enlightening meeting as it threw light on the core ideas of Shiv Sena. Shri

Sawant impressed the Team with his oratory skills and command on Marathi,

Hindi and English. He said that Hindutva, as conceived by Balasaheb, is based

on nationalism and not on religion. He also told that concept of Marathi manus

is to safeguard interest of Marathi people in Maharashtra in the same way as

interest of a Bohari should be protected in Bihar and interest of a Tamilian

should be protected in Tamil Nadu.

Meeting 2: Interaction with Shri Manish Sisodiya, Deputy Chief Minister,

Delhi

Appointment Time: 11:00 am

Team met Shri Manish Sisodiya, Deputy CM of Delhi at his office in Delhi

Secretariat. He spoke in a free and frank manner with the Team. He taught the

Team, how politics needs a different approach. It was an inspiring meeting for

all the Team members as Shri Sisodiyaji explained how politics can also be dealt

with in a different manner. He also explained concept of Patriotism, which is to

love the people of this country and to pray for success of everyone in the

country.

Meeting 3: Interaction with General. Nirmal Chander Vij, PVSM UYSM,

AVSM, Director Vivekananda International Foundation, Former Chief of the

Army Staff & Founder Vice Chairman, National Disaster Management

Authority

Appointment Time: 02.30 pm

Team visited Vivekanand Foundation, which is one of the leading think tanks

in New Delhi. Gen. N C Vij, Director of Vivekanand Foundation spoke about

need of armed forces and its legacy in India. He explained role of Vivekanand

Foundation in policy making, particularly in the field of defense, national

security and external affairs. Students asked various questions on these fields to

Gen NC Vij.

Meeting 4: Interaction with Kum. Sushmita Dev - MP, Lok Sabha (INC,

Silchar, Assam)

Appointment Time: 04:30 pm

Team met Kum. Sushmita Dev. She is the first time Member of Parliament from

Assam and belongs to Congress party. She interacted with the Team on various

issues ranging from Centre-State relations to what they should concentrate on to

become successful in politics. She candidly spoke on corruption and raised the

question whether India has not made any progress in last 68 years? She advised

the Team to read debates in the constituent assembly and to analyze each and

every issue from all perspectives.

Meeting 5: Interaction with Smt Anupriya Patel, MP Lok Sabha, Leader of

Apana Dal.

Appointment Time: 06:30 pm

Smt Anupriya Patel represents Mirzapur Constituency from Uttar Pradesh and

is a Leader of Apana Dal. She mesmerized students with her eloquent approach

to life and politics. She asked Team to do self-introduction each day to realize

their real strengths and weaknesses. Smt Anupriya won hearts of all the Team

members with her insightful advises on how to look at politics.

Overall, it was a fascinating day of National Tour.