As Nagpur gears up for the crucial Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections, an 80-year-old resident is scripting a remarkable story of political perseverance. Suresh Wamanrao Ghate from Imamwada is quietly preparing to re-enter the public arena, three full decades after his first attempt in 1992.
A Journey of Three Decades
Ghate's initial foray into politics was brief. He had filed his nomination for the civic polls in 1992 but later decided to withdraw. Now, driven by a renewed sense of purpose, he has taken concrete steps towards his goal. He recently visited the NMC headquarters to collect his no-dues certificates and complete other necessary formalities. Although he has not yet submitted his nomination form, he expresses confidence in contesting as an independent candidate from an open category seat.
Age and physical mobility are no barriers for this determined octogenarian. Ghate walks with the support of a walker, moving slowly but with a resolve that has only been steeled by his physical limitations. Those who know him say his spirit remains unbroken, viewing his challenges as a source of strength rather than a hindrance.
A Life of Public Service
Ghate's commitment to public life is not new. Before retirement, he served for 25 years as an employee of the income tax department. Post-retirement, he pursued law, studied diligently, and practiced in both the district and high courts. He further served the judiciary as a judge in the juvenile court for a period of five years.
Parallel to his professional career, he has been a dedicated social worker. He once held the position of general secretary in a prominent caste-tribe organisation in Maharashtra. This organisation represents employees from scheduled castes (SC), scheduled tribes (ST), nomadic tribes (NT), and Vimukta Jati (VJNT) communities, particularly those from Buddhist and Ambedkarite groups. In this role, he actively raised issues concerning justice and political representation.
Reflecting on the changing political landscape, Ghate recalls an era where emotion and powerful slogans like "zindabad-murdabad" could instantly mobilise the masses. His perspective today is more reflective and contemplative, shaped by decades of observation and experience.
Concerns Over Civic Apathy
For Suresh Ghate, the most pressing issue is not his personal campaign but the larger trend of declining citizen engagement. He voices a deep concern about the waning involvement of people, especially the youth, in societal development. "Youngsters are no longer interested in society's development," he states, worried that the very essence of civic responsibility is eroding in today's generation.
The political scene in his area, Imamwada, is set to become competitive. Former Congress corporator Yogesh, popularly known as Guddu Tiwari, has also announced his plans to contest. Tiwari, who lost the last civic polls, is shifting from his original Prabhag 16 after his seat was reserved.
As Nagpur moves closer to polling day, the quiet determination of Suresh Wamanrao Ghate stands as a powerful testament. His story underscores that for some individuals, politics remains a profound commitment to public service, far removed from the pursuit of personal comfort or power.
