A BJP aspirant and a dedicated
mother and a doted wife. And a social magnet, who’s every presence is felt with
utmost grace and elegance. Meet Deepa
Kudachi – a celebrated social and a political personality in Belgaum. She is a
woman with exceptional enthusiasm and zeal who wishes to change the face of the
Belgaum and make it a Dream city.
When most of the youngsters thought of becoming doctors,
engineers how did you choose this field of politics and who was your influence?
As a child I was a quiet and shy but I got socially involved
because of my mother as she was a “people’s person”. Apart from her social work
engagements she used socialize with people and friends during Kitty Parties and
that was when she pulled me out from my cocoon and groomed me into a ‘social
person’. She was inspiration and I was looked up to her. She is the reason, my
love and passion for politics began and from then on there is no looking back.
Where did you do your schooling?
I did my schooling in St. Xavier’s School, Belgaum and then
went on to do science in R.L.S. College. I discovered my interest in Interior
Designing so I chose to do Interior Designing in Vasanthrao Potdar Ploytechnic.
After which I got married but I continued my studies and also did an internship
under M.K. Joshi. And then gradually, I stepped into politics. I was constantly
involved in social work be it Lingayat Samjah and Akhil Bharat Veershee Maha
Samjah.
When did this passion for Politics bud in you? When was that
moment that you thought, I want to be a politician?
As I got married into a political family, my father-in-law
was the chairman for gram panchayat and my xyz was a TP and later on ZP.
Gradually my mother also stepped into basaveshwara co-operative bank as the
Director. I can say that, politics is in my blood and my passion.
As a teenager were the ambitious one in your friend’s
circle?
For my political work when I was visiting houses “Maane
Maane Samparka, Jaana Samparka Abhiyan”, just like I happen to visit other
house I step into the door and I lady opens the door the moment I saw her I
asked her, Are you from St. Xavier’s? She said, Yes. We met after 20 years and
she was surprised that I was into politics. As I said I was regarded as the
quietest girl and me joining politics came as surprise to people.
When you ask youngsters what do you want to become? It’s
rare that a youngster would say that, “I want to become a politician.” What is your take on it?
Since India got Independence, we
have seen that politics is nothing but ruling people. And there are some bad
examples because of which youngsters fear to step into politics. But actually,
If we the youth don’t get involved in the system then who will change the
system? I decided to become a politician because I wanted to help people,
backward class people, orphans, poor and needy. This has provoked me to step
into the field of politics to serve people but this is not possible unless I
become an elected member. I feel only if youngsters enter politics or social
fields they will be able to make and build a stronger nation.
As a BJP aspirant for North, what are your plans if you get
elected?
Since ages we are asking for
railway flyovers although there are funds for these projects but nothing is
being done. Also when we speak about IT sector it is Bnagalore and next comes
Hubbali but why not Belgaum? I want to make Belgaum – the next IT hub after
Bangalore. I want our Belagaum Youngsters to get opportunities to work in the
city rather than move to big cities like Bangalore, Pune or Mumbai. To make our
constituency rich then we need to enrich and create various resources for
people to get the required exposure within the city itself only then we will be
able to see change in our city. Even
when B.S. Yedurappaji was the CM he had released 100 crores fund for the work
but seems like all the money has gone to the pockets. When a lady comes to
power she views her constituency as a family and also treats them like one just
like how we maintain and manage our house.
When a man is in power he treats it like his duty and completes his 5
year term and leaves but a woman nurturers her constituency like a family. The
belgaum north constituency is literate as it’s a nagar and 50% of population
are women and child. So I have a very good scope to get elected and if I do I
will be able to serve the people and give everything to them that was denied.
Globally woman are venturing out in all the fields and doing
great but what about small towns and villages? How do you think as a politician
you will be able to help them to understand their rights?
Thinking on these lines only, our
PM Narendar Modiji and Amit Shahji are working on passing the 33% amendment now
strictly. The thing is women in villages and small towns are not aware of their
rights this is because of male dominate society because they fear that women
will become their competition. Even in the upcoming towns, I was taken aback
when I saw that even now the men shop for women and they don’t let their lady
to do her own shopping. When I questioned those women, they said, “Ellri namma
maanag naam maaneavra maadthara”. They feel that it is a blessing that my
husband is so caring. But I think change will slowly take place only if women
come to power because only women give opportunities for her fellow women to
understand their rights and grow beyond their set limits.
As a woman how has your journey been in Politics? What are
the challenges that you have faced?
The challenge starts from Home
itself because even though your family members support they will still doubt
your capabilities at times. Questions like these cross their mind like, Will
you be able to do it? Are you sure you want to do it? Are you sure you want to
continue in this field? But when I was questioned I realized that you need to
be prepared to face the rivals and people who might put you down at times. To
achieve your big dream one needs to be very strong. Even if people under-esteem
and feel like she will not be able to do it but I had decided I will never give
up. When my family saw that I was putting in my full efforts into this then
eventually they started motivation me although they always supported me but
their belief in me grew stronger. When I had to face the political world and
society, people had looked down upon me or even felt like I am threat to them
because I come from a good family, I am young passionate and challenging. So
they belittle you or avoid you because men have that superiority complex they
can’t stand an ambitious woman. That’s when I decided that I should get into
State level politics and that was when B.S. Yeddurappaji my Godfather and Shoba
Karanlaje Ma’am supported me and they have been my constant motivators and they
trusted me and my abilities and gave me a very good post and nominated me as
BJP’s State Executive Member and before that also I was always in their good
books. I just feel that I am very lucky to be part of the State Team.
As a mother how have you involved in parenting your
children? How would you guide your children to bring a balance between
post-traditional culture and western culture?
I am very traditional when it comes to culture and when my
children started speaking before going to school I used to teach them Shlokas
and I have made it a point that they recite the Shlokas before they walk out of
the house. Even when it comes to me, I never step out of the house without
doing Pooja. Also, I don’t think western culture is wrong but we must not
forget our roots. Just because I wear a saree I cannot expect my daughter to
wear a Saree. I don’t feel there is anything wrong in wear a pair of jeans be
it a political field or any field what is important is a woman must be
comfortable in whatever she is wearing and it must b5e her choose.
If not politics, what would you chose as your career?
I would have been a full time an Interior Designer as I have
practiced Interior Designing. Gradually I got busy with my family and politics.
How does your family support you?
My family supports me 100% and especially my mother, she is
no more but she was my guide, mentor and support. My children are also very
co-operative, if I tell them that I going for meeting or function. They never
disturb me or trouble you during my busy schedule.
There might be time when you felt low be it in your personal
or professional career what was it that kept you going?
One break down was my mother’s
death and after her death I felt like whatever I may do now but it amounts to
nothing. Whenever I used to meet someone who was difficult to find I used to
first call my mother and share my small victories she used to motivate me, give
me feedback and guide me in the right direction. I suddenly felt like there is
no challenge in life now but her well-wishers, friends and everyone came to me
and told me, Don’t give up because your mom had bigger dreams for you and
without my knowledge she had been marketing my political career and all of this
gave me more strength to become a stronger person and carry the lessons and
values what my mother taught me to make her proud. I want to keep her alive in
my work.
What is that one thing that you
admired in your mother?
Perfection. She was a perfection
freak for instance when she taught us to perform a puja she always wanted us to
do it in the same perfect manner and I think that is one thing that I have
learnt from my mother. Whenever I take up any task be it political work or
chores at home I see to it that I do it perfectly.
Who is your role model in politics?
It is my Yeddurappaji, even before I joined
politics I used to sit front of the TV and watch Yedduraapji speak he has
inspired me a lot and the first time he came home the only statement that I
made was, Thanks to Politics, thank god I joined BJP Appaji came home it was
worth all my efforts. He has such a charismatic personality that very few
politicians have that charisma. He is a gem especially when it comes to woman,
he sees that she gives the best. There is one think I have noticed in him that
he observes people and recognizes their potential and abilities very easily and
will always support woman to achieve their dreams.
What is your message to youngsters?
I think they should not just think of doing 9-5 jobs but
they should get involved in social activities. Doing a 9-5 job will give you
your daily bread but apart from that you need to stay inspired in life and do
something back to society. When we can spend so much on ourselves then why not
give a little to people who are less fortunate. Visit an orphanage and oldage
homes and share your time with them.
How do you start your day?
I don’t keep fixed timings it depends on my schedule. So I
wake up and help my kids to get ready and serve breakfast to them and once they
leave to school I do my Puja and get on to my political work. Although we have
domestic help at home but I see to it that I serve food to my family members. I
also look forward for spending some time with my friends as it helps me
rejuvenate and feel fresh because for me my friends are my life.
We all know Deepa Kudachi as a politician but how do you
spend your leisure time?
I love listening to music and in my free time I listen to
Shlokas. My favourite Sholka is Shivatandava Sholka.
You have a lovely Saree collection and every time you manage
to look stunning, how important is it for you to dress up?
Since childhood I used to love Sarees and it is my favorite
attire to wear. Coming to dressing up I think it is very important especially
in a field wherein you are representing yourself where people know me as Deep
Kudachi so whatever I wear, whoever I look it gives me my identity and builds
my personality. So grooming is a part of my field and when you dress up, you
feel good about yourself that it gives me energy.
Which your favorite festival?
My favorite festival is Deepavali – the festival of lights.
It’s the time where I get to decorate my house with flowers and rangoli
everytime I keep some theme for Diwali to decorate the house, last year I had
done Bangles backdrop. And my favorite
Puja is Vermalaxmi Puja every second Friday (Shravan Masa), I feel when I can
dress up so much then my Laxmi must also be beautifully dressed and be
vibrant.
Do you enjoy cooking?
I love to cook. I enjoy cooking all kinds of rice dishes be
it Veg. pulao, Biryani, Rice bath and Bisibelebath. I am a rice expert. I think
if I have not done Interior Designing or a politician then surely I would have
opened a Restaurant.
What do you love to cook the most?
I love to make hot hot veg. cutlets.
Which is your favorite Cuisine?
I love simple north Karnataka homefood – Jowari roti and
green leafy vegetables are my all-time favorite.