Ghulam Nabi Azad hints at ‘retirement’ from politics, says civil society has large role to play

The leader of the Senior Ghulam Nabi Azad Congress on Sunday said that he had a serious reservation about the ability of political parties to bring real transformation and civil society to have an important role in difficult times. He also said that he often had a longing for retirement from politics and more actively involved in social services.

While overcoming civil society members in an event, Azad said, “Humko oakjajo mein Badlaav Lana Hai. Kabhi Kabhi Mein Sochta Hoon, Aur Koi Badi Baat Nahi Ki, Afanak Aap Samjey Ki Hum Retire Ho Gaye Aur Samaj Seva Mein Lag Gaye.” (We must bring change in society. Sometimes I think, and it’s not a big problem that you suddenly know that I have retired and started doing social services).

The event was organized by the President of the Jammu Bar Association and Kashmir and Senior Advocate M K Bhardwaj. People from all levels of society and political affiliation, including the room of the Commerce President Arun Gupta, former representative of the Chancellor of Jammu University RR Sharma and Rd Sharma, former Advocate General Aslam Goni, among others who were present to honor Azad to get Padma Bhushan.

At the beginning of the 35-minute address, Azad explained that he would not give a political speech. “Politics in India have become very ugly so sometimes someone must doubt whether we are human,” he said.

Saying that the average human age is now 80-85 years old, he said it made sense for individuals to use a post-retirement period of 20-25 years to contribute to the nation’s development. He added, “Hum Sab Instead of Ek Shehar Ko, Oak Ko Province of Theek Karengey, Toh Pura Hindustan Theek Hoga” (if we all reform the city or province, the whole country will get reformed)