Young and old come together in new civic bodies

Dinesh Manhotra & Sanjay Pathak
Tribune News Service
Jammu/Kathua, October 23

The new civic bodies in the state will have councillors with a lifetime of experience and those with bubbling energy. From a nonagenarian to a Class XII passout, the aim of the newly elected councillors is to bring about a change in society.

Meera, 25, who passed the Class XII exam this year, had joined the electoral battle to improve the civic amenities in her locality. She emerged victorious by defeating senior Congress and BJP politicians.

Ram Krishan, 94, who emerged victorious from Ward No. 13 of the Nagri Prole Municipal Committee of Kathua district, wants to serve the people even at this age and bring some change in society.

Meera is the youngest elected member and Ram Krishan is the oldest.

Meera, who became eligible for contesting the civic bodies elections a couple of months ago, won the elections as an Independent from Ward No. 1 of the Kathua Municipal Council.

Coming from a financially weaker background, Meera has not been able to pursue higher education.

“People of my locality asked me to contest the elections despite my financial condition,” she told The Tribune. “It was all due to support of people that I joined the electoral battle and emerged victorious.”

Aiming to make a difference, Meera said she wanted to give a message that a girl from a poor family can bring a change in society.

“I will work with dedication and commitment to bring a positive change in society,” she said.

Ram Prakash’s enthusiasm is no less than Meera’s. After winning the elections, he has announced to serve the people round the clock.

“At the fag end of my life I contested the elections only to serve the people,” Prakash said. He said he wanted to set an example for the coming generation.

Prakash had worked with National Conference founder late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and senior Congress leader late Mangat Ram Sharma.

Prakash joined the BJP two days ago to facilitate the formation of the Nagri Prole Municipal Committee. He won the elections by three votes by defeating the Congress candidate.

No party has attained majority in the 13-member Nagri Prole Municipal Committee. The BJP has won five seats, Congress two and the Independents have won six seats.