HVK Archives: Soul search - Interview of Uma Bharathi
Soul search - Interview of Uma Bharathi - India Today
N. K. Singh
()
15 April 1997
Title : Soul search - Interview of Uma Bharathi
Author : N. K. Singh
Publication : India Today
Date : April 15, 1997
What is your happiest and unhappiest childhood memory?
The unhappiest memory is the time when our house was burnt and my
mother was beaten up because she had raised her voice against the
local landlord. My mother suffered the lathi blows in silence and
would not let go of the atta bag on her head, fearing that her
children would starve that night. The happiest memory is one Makar
Sankranti day when I woke up to find my mother hugging me; she had
walked 27 km that day after missing the last bus coming to the
village just to meet me and bring in the festival laddus.
What do you dislike most about yourself? I am short-tempered.
Which individual has shaped your personality?
Lord Krishna, for teaching family values. (BJP President) Lal
Krishna
Advani, because he is the most balanced person I have met.
What action has hurt you the most?
Being labelled "sexy sanyasin". Some women may relish such a
description, but not me. I do not treat it as a compliment, I treat
it as an abuse. I do not think that my demeanour, look or dress
merits this description.
Q. Do you believe in God?
A. I live in Him, I breathe Him, I sleep with Him, I feel Him. For
me, He is like air around me.
How important is money to you?
I should own a house and car. I should be able to eat good food and
also feed others. Feeding others is very important for me. The
signs of affluence for me are stocks of ghee and milk in the house,
and also enough mattresses, blankets and pillows to welcome and
make my guests comfortable.
What is the biggest flaw in your personality?
Impulsiveness. I react quickly.
What has been the biggest mistake in your life?
The last parliamentary election, when I spoke openly against my
party.
What is more important to you?
Your personal or professional life?
For me, there is no division between personal and professional
life. I have only one life-to live for others. I am a sanyasin
whose life is for the society.
Who is your role model?
Shivaji. He was clever, a person of principles and did not suffer
from ego problems. He was a successful fighter.
Are you afraid of death?
Not any longer. After my accident last year, I felt so close to
death that I feel that I fought it and came back.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
Go for an outing to a place which has mountains, forests, which has
cows grazing in the meadows, where one can cook food on wood. watch
birds, cat good food-I love good food-can whistle and run by the
banks of a river and as the day settles, drive back at a fast speed
on the highway, accompanied by loud music.
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