P.C.Alexander









The image which people still have about Shri Sharad Pawar is that of one belonging to the younger generation of leadership in post- independence India - active and always on the move, full of enthusiasm for new ideas and readiness and courage to go ahead with their implementation. When he explained to me a few months ago in elaborate detail the grand project of using IT as a tool for improving the quality of education in rural areas, I could see his great ability for not only moving with the times but also ahead of the times.
It was during the two years (1993-95) when Sharad Pawar worked as Chief Minister of Maharashtra that I had the opportunity of knowing first hand his abilities as a great manager of crises. 1993 was an unusual year of crises for Maharashtra. The serial bomb blasts on 12 March in Mumbai and the devastating earthquakes in Latur and Osmanabad districts on 30 September had created situations of serious crises which would have baffled any ordinary political leader or administrator. However, the people of Maharashtra watched with great admiration how Sharad Pawar handled these challenges with exemplary efficiency. He threw himself heart and soul into the task of providing immediate relief to the affected people and motivated the entire bureaucracy of the state to do their best in restoring normalcy in the shortest time possible.

On the happy occasion of his birthday, I convey my good wishes to Sharad Pawar and express my hope and confidence that he will continue to serve the people of our country with zest and enthusiasm so characteristic of him.
P.C.Alexander