Daughters lend helping hand

Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, January 22

Two women associated with the fashion industry — one from a royal family and the other from an Army background — are doing their bit for their families in the Patiala Urban Assembly segment. They make no political statements and “urge voters with folded hands”. Humbleness is their forte.

Back from Tamil Nadu after completing her American High School, 21-year-old Seherinder Kaur is the granddaughter of Capt Amarinder Singh and daughter Raninder Singh. She landed in Patiala a few days ago; she has been making rounds the city as part of her door-to-door campaigning since. “I am yet to vote in Patiala. This is my first brush with politics. I am seeking votes for dadaji, who is busy touring the state,” says Seher.

Draped in a “phulkari” that covers her white suit, Seher traverses lanes with her grandmother Preneet Kaur — meeting people with folded hands. “Please vote for Capt Amarinder and ensure that the Congress forms the next government in the state,” she says in Punjabi interspersed with some Hindi words. Seher is eager to leave for the US to make a career in the fashion industry. But for now, she is getting groomed in politics from her grandmother, a three-time MP.

“Wherever I go, I feel people’s warmth for my grandparents. It feels nice. Campaigning is tough, but I am enjoying meeting people. I can feel the connect and so can they,” she says.

“I have not made any speeches, but I have talked to youths, elders and shopkeepers. I tell them that dadaji will address their problems,” she says, as she recalls how her grandfather skipped important events to be with her in Delhi to attend her birthday.

In another lane, another proud daughter speaks. “My father General Joginder Jaswant Singh served the country by heading the Army. Later, he served the people of Arunachal Pradesh by being a Governor. And now, he will serve Patiala after being elected as the MLA,” says Urvashi Kaur, a fashion designer in Delhi. “People’s affection for my father gives me the confidence that he will.”

Covering her coloured hair strands, she talks about her father’s quality of facing every situation bravely. “One thing I have learnt from him is to never give up. He is working hard. I am sure people of the city will honour his commitment,” she adds.