Tales from the campaign trail

It has been a month of hectic on-the-road campaigning that has left me with some interesting and unforgettable experiences. On yesterday’s campaign drive we went to Natesan Park and were met with an enthusiastic response from the morning walkers there. I managed to personally interact with most of them. A gentleman I met suggested to me that Politics should now solely become the realm of the educated. Sometimes when people read my pamphlets which state that I was an alumnus of BITS and IIM-A their first response is, “is it true?” Another sir told me that the change I am aspiring to create will not find its realization in my generation. That may be true, but nevertheless, I felt it was important for someone young to step forward and attempt to take the initiative to make that change. That is what I and my team are trying to do. It is important for the youth of Chennai to want to be part of a movement that is larger than themselves and for a noble cause. Yesterday while campaigning I met an aunty whose son is doing engineering in Hindustan Engineering College. Her son told her that he wishes to emulate Sarathbabu. I was very honoured to hear this from her.

My core-committee has been the backbone of my campaign and have been working long hours for the same. They have been the brains behind my online campaign and have been managing volunteers and the different tasks at hand. However, there is so much work to be done until the elections so we are calling out to interested youth to come and join us. Anyone interested in the Sarathbabu campaign is welcome to become a volunteer. You can contact either Ram at 9791189999 or Savitha at 9381269919. We request our supporters on Orkut and Facebook to change their display picture to our symbol ‘The Slate’ to help build greater visibility for our brand.
Things at the campaign office have been busier than ever. I had an official meeting with my core committee regarding strategy and planning, amongst other things we concluded that although our main objective was to create a platform for young candidates we are also essentially, contesting to win.
We later treated ourselves to a nice dinner so that we could let off some steam and recharge our batteries for a lot more campaigning work that lined up for the coming week.

The day before yesterday I gave an interview with India Vision that is meant to be telecasted soon. Don’t miss this telecast and I would really appreciate your feedback on the program. Apart from all this if there is anything you would like to share with me you are free to post your comments on my website www.sarathbabu.co.in or on my blog

My agenda for the election week includes holding a workshop for school children on entrepreneurship. I was approached for this by the Rural Innovation Foundation. This will be held on the 14th, the day after the elections. Next is a trip to Cochin were I will be addressing 400 children in the school Bharati Vidya Bhavan. 16th is counting day and will see me back at my constituency. The victory of a youth run campaign such as this can only spell the ultimate victory for the youth of Chennai.
5th May

Outdoor campaigning!

Recently I had my very first experience of Outdoor campaigning, it was very interesting! I first went to the slums on Besant Nagar beach (the slums have seem to become Chennai's mainstay and nearly everyone has seen them). Over there I met an 85 year old woman who I spoke to for a long time and spent the afternoon playing cricket on the beach with some young boys (they started calling me "snake babu").
My volunteers showed me another lady who was very angry at politicians. she said that you people come here only when you want votes! She said she hasn't voted in the past 20 years because of this. I want to be able to address that through my campaign, I want to lead people to the polls to vote for their candidate and to vote for change.

On another day I went to Mylapore tank area and met some people who recognized me from the papers. The bank employees seemed hesitant to mingle and first, they walked off but then came back and spoke to me again. Near Kapileeshwar temple, 2 flower vendors told me "35 votes in my colony are for you".

Throughout my campaign I've met a lot of people who have given me tips. I thank everyone for their suggestions. Someone said I should grow a mustache! Do let me know what you think about that and don't forget to leave your comments on my blog!

Let's Change Now!

“There was a group of pigeons which were living together in a forest. They were ruled by a wise and respected Pigeon King, who ensured their safety and an ample source of food. However, in the midst of their happiness, they were constantly threatened by one enemy – a pigeon hunter, who would sneak up and capture a few at a time.

The Pigeon King was determined to ensure the safety of his flock and came up with a novel plan. He told people that whenever the hunter came up close and threw a net, they should all raise their heads at the same time. Then, flying together at the same time, the net can be thrown elsewhere and everyone would be safe. The next time, the hunter came, they followed this strategy, and he went away empty-handed. A few more attempts later, the hunter realized that he was no match against this, and shifted his locality entirely. And the pigeons lived happily ever after.”

This small and simple tale best emphasizes the movement I have begun. A movement involving people working together to change the existing scheme of things. For the future betterment of all concerned. In short, I am entering politics because to make my society a much better place for my fellow human beings.

Will We succeed? Yes We Will. If each and every one of us pledges to spread the word, and work together, there can be nothing to stop us. With your support, we can work wonders and revolutionize society!

This blog will give you an account of my daily campaigning, track through the serious and offbeat topics regarding this election, and give my thoughts and ideas regarding the same. At the end of a long and hectic day of campaigning, I can think of no better cure than writing to help me relax and cool off.