CHANDIGARH: You would think Haryana's first-time BJP MLA Kulwant Ram Bazigar is nervous these days because his two children — son Saheb and adopted daughter Seerat — are taking their Class XII exams. But that's not it.
The 38-year-old legislator from Gulha in Kaithal is edgy because, along with his children, he is taking the exam as well in the hope of finally completing his schooling. Since April 1, Bazigar has appeared for four papers, with the fifth, and last, scheduled for Thursday at the government senior secondary school, Patti Afgan, Kaithal. "The Haryana government has prescribed Standard X as the minimum educational qualification for contesting panchayat and municipal polls," Bazigar told TOI, "What if tomorrow the government prescribes class XII for MLAs?"
The MLA is the only legislator from Haryana's denotified tribe of Bazigars. He said he couldn't finish schooling at the right time because he became a social activist early on, and didn't have the time to attend school in his late teens. "With better education, I hope to convey issues related to deprived sections of society a little better," he added. His next target is a BA and an LLB degree. "After becoming an MLA, I realised the importance of education. I have pledged to continue my studies for the next five years," said the MLA, who has chosen the humanities stream.
He had been carrying his books with him to work for the last two months to prepare for the exams. Even during the budget session, he studied at the MLA hostel in Chandigarh after the session.
"For English, I took some extra tuitions, but other subjects, including public administration, political science and physical education, were of my interest," he said, "I have to get good grades as it will be good for my public relations."
"Maybe education can earn me a better position in the state government... No one from my community has ever become minister!" he added.
Kudos to the guy. He will go far. Wish him all success in his exams.nakki