JOIN USEven as the newly elected Mayor Kavitha Sanil was being swarmed by fellow corporators and other elected representatives, a toddler in the hands of an elderly woman was struggling to catch the glimpse of the new mayor.
Partha, the 11-month-old son of Kavitha, was gazing at the podium even as his mother was receiving accolades and garlands. Kavitha’s mother-in-law Nalini, who was taking care of Partha and Prisha, the daughter of Kavitha, was overcome by emotion and responded in a choked tone when her reaction was sought over her daughter-in-law’s elevation as mayor. Prisha, a student of class three in Mount Carmel School, had taken leave for the day to be a part of the celebration.
Neta duo
Apart from the extended family members, Kavitha’s father Narayan Poojary, in his sundown age too had made it to Mangala auditorium. Mamatha Sanil, the elder sister of Kavitha, was also very much present to savour the moment of glory of her sister. Interestingly, the Sanil sisters have one thing in common: both plunged into politics at the same time over a decade ago.
While the elder Sanil is serving her second term as the member of Ulaibettu Gram Panchayat in Mangaluru taluk, the junior is serving in her second term as corporator and now as the first citizen of Mangaluru.
Mamatha told DH, “It was my father Narayan Poojary who encouraged us to take active part in politics. Kavitha was introduced to politics by another tall leader of the party B Janardhan Poojary, with whom my father was also associated, while I found a mentor in Ramanath Rai.”
Poojary, although a lorry driver-cum-transport operator, ensured that his daughters had it all, recalls Mamatha with a tinge of pride.
Engineer hubby
Kavitha’s engineer husband G Arun Kumar, who joined the celebration later, did not forget to hop on to the podium to wish his better half. He is an assistant engineer at Karnataka Engineering Research Station (KERS), Public Works Department, in the city. He said he could not take off for the day, for his busy schedule in field work.
Kumar, who was elated, had no qualms about his wife devoting most of her time for the cause of the people. As a citizen, he also had a list of demands, including better road connectivity, drinking water supply and street lights to name a few.