A BOOK ON GOA
Sinha is an avid book reader and writer and is in the midst of her 86th book. I am writing a book on Goa, my 86th publication. I have so many fond memories of the State and the people that my collection of books would be incomplete without Goa says she.
Sinha discloses that she is yet to the title the book although several names came to her mind. “Naming of the book will be done at a later stage once it is complete”, she said.
HER TIME-ZONE
Interestingly, the governor has her schedules well-timed. It’s the early morning hours between 5 and 7 that she calls her own. “This is the time which I call my own. It is for me to decide how best I can use it for myself. It is reminiscent of a budding flower at dawn. There is so much peace and tranquillity that I have been addicted to this time slot. It gives me that window to meditate and allow thoughts to flow freely.”
However, there is a rider, she states with a smile. “There are minor distractions at times when my husband Dr Ram Kripal Sinha gets early morning calls from my son in the US. The time-difference makes it inevitable.”
TAKEAWAYS
On asked to tell about the one thing that she will take home from Goa, the governor responds instantly: This is an amazing State. The people are warm and hospitable and the lifestyle has its own unique identity. I will carry a part of Goa with me as I move out and it will always remain dear to me. I would certainly love to come back visiting Goa in the times ahead.
PEOPLE’S GOVERNOR
Sinha set her legacy as a governor and was the first governor who opened the gates of the palace to the public. She invited children from Bal Bavan and special children from different parts of the State to visit the majestic Raj Bhavan. She even reserved one play area and park for these children inside the premises. Her desire to involve and reach out the people of the land was visible.
HER MENTOR
Sinha draws inspiration from several leaders, including A B Vajpayee for her poetry. But she has no hesitation in stating that her husband has been her greatest strength and guiding force in different situations. “I must admit, that he has always been there to show me the way, and I follow that path. It has worked for me all through this journey”, she says.
ON GARBAGE
Sinha heads the Swachh Mission in Goa and admits that although steps have been taken in awarding cities for garbage initiatives, projects elsewhere have been marred by land issues.
ON GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP
She sounds confident of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and rejects any parallels drawn with his predecessor Manohar Parrikar. “There can’t be identical copies of two leaders. Sawant has all the potential to be a great leader and I am sure he will lead the State in the right direction”, she said. In a lighter note, she said she will visit the State every month and call on Sawant to keep in touch.
