Saurabh Joshi Embraces People-First Governance, Honors Father's Legacy as Chandigarh Mayor
In a deeply moving moment at the Municipal Corporation (MC) House in Sector 17, Chandigarh, Saurabh Joshi was elected as the city's new Mayor on Thursday. Holding a cherished picture of his father, Joshi delivered an emotional speech that resonated with themes of service, compassion, and justice, setting the tone for his upcoming term.
A Journey Shaped by Family Values and Service
Amidst tears and heartfelt reflections, Joshi emphasized that his political journey was not molded by the typical noise of politics but by the profound values instilled in him at home. "I come from a place where politics was not about slogans, but about service as a way of life," he stated, recalling his father's unwavering dedication to the marginalized and forgotten communities.
He shared poignant memories of his father's daily routine, which began with listening to the struggles of laborers and ended with worries about the poor. "At home, comfort was never discussed. I was taught only one lesson — if someone has tears in their eyes, humanity must come before politics," Joshi revealed, highlighting the core principle that guides his approach to governance.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience and Support
Reflecting on his 14-year-long political career, Joshi admitted that the path had not been easy. "There were years when my name was not called, when I had no stage, when it felt like waiting itself was my destiny," he confessed. However, he credited his father's wisdom for keeping him steadfast: the right path may take longer, but it never returns empty-handed.
Joshi also expressed immense gratitude towards his family, friends, senior citizens of his ward, youth supporters, and the residents of Chandigarh. "When I was tired, they made me walk. When I fell silent, they became my voice," he said, attributing his electoral victory entirely to their unwavering faith and blessings.
Commitment to Clean Governance and Public Welfare
In his address to the media following the election, the newly elected Mayor outlined his vision for Chandigarh. He vowed to discharge his duties with complete commitment, placing public welfare at the very center of his administration. Joshi stressed that the mayoral post is a responsibility of service, not authority, and promised that the needs of every resident—particularly the marginalized and unheard—would remain his top priority.
Reiterating his stand on clean governance, Joshi made it clear that corruption would not be tolerated in any form. "Public trust is paramount, and it is my responsibility to safeguard it," he asserted. He added that transparency, compassion, and honesty would guide all his decisions, with sustained efforts aimed at steering Chandigarh's development through integrity, accountability, and collective participation.
A Legacy of Compassion and Justice
Joshi's speech was a powerful tribute to his father, whom he described as someone for whom the Dalit, the deprived, and the oppressed were not mere words but family. This legacy of empathy and justice is set to be the cornerstone of his governance model in Chandigarh.
As he steps into his role, Saurabh Joshi's pledge to uphold a politics rooted in humanity and service marks a significant moment for the city, promising a future where governance is driven by compassion and a genuine commitment to the people.
