Decided to marry after entering politics, says CM
To criticize him, Chouhan’s political opponents often allude to the story that he turned his back on a ‘lifelong bachelor’ resolution made on the banks of Narmada. “When I became an MLA and entered politics, I thought I should get married as we get support from family (in politics),” Chouhan told HT.
To criticize him, Chouhan’s political opponents often allude to the story that he turned his back on a ‘lifelong bachelor’ resolution made on the banks of Narmada. “When I became an MLA and entered politics, I thought I should get married as we get support from family (in politics),” Chouhan told HT.
A gold medalist in MA (Philosophy) from Barkatullah University, Chouhan said he would have been a college teacher if had he not joined politics. In fact, Chouhan had got an ad-hoc appointment as a lecturer in Bhopal’s Hamidia College. But his seniors in Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) advised him to join politics. Rest, as they say, is history.
“Inspired by Dhruv and Prahlad (mythological characters), I thought in childhood when they could get God then why I can’t do the same. I went to jungles and meditated with an earnest desire to meet God. I couldn’t but later realized that serving people was akin to getting the God,” he said.
Chouhan was apparently an average cook in his school days. “In my school days, ‘khichari’ was my best bet since it consumed less time and had all the ingredients in it. I don’t get time to cook now but occasionally I share kitchen space with my wife.”
The chief minister unwinds himself by spending time with children.
“Spiritual literature interests me. I have read Bhagwad Gita, Lokmanya Tilak’s Geeta Rahasya, Satyarth Prakash, Ramayana and Mahabharata. I have studied Vedas and Upnishads too, though I cannot claim to have mastered them. I have also read Munshi Premchand’s stories. I like Dushyant Kumar’s ghazals. History inspires me. Even today I like reading history books..,” he shared.
When it comes to retired life, Chouhan has charted out his plan. “…I will serve lepers and poor in whatever capacity I can. I feel my life is not entirely for myself. Serving people gives me the feeling of bliss.”