The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : He is short, but his vision is tall

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Tuesday, Mar 16, 2010
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

He is short, but his vision is tall

Afshan Yasmeen

Govindaraju

Bangalore: He aims high. His short stature has not deterred him from nourishing a desire to solve the civic problems of his area. Meet N. Govindraju, an independent candidate contesting from Cauveripura of Govindrajnagar Assembly Constituency.

“Nanna murthy chikkadadaru, keerti doddadu antu janarigu torustini (I want to prove to the world that nothing will deter me from achieving great heights). I have seen so many politicians. All of them make promises but never fulfil them. I want to work for the welfare of the physically challenged persons like myself,” Mr Govindraju, who is a mere three feet three inches tall, told The Hindu after filing his nomination papers for the BBMP Council elections.

Unlike other candidates who came in processions accompanied by their followers to file nomination papers, Mr. Govindraju had only his two brothers N. Kumar and N. Umesh, sister Susheela and his moustachioed friend Veerappan with him.

Working as a photostat machine operator in a private firm near Dairy Circle on Bannerghatta Road, this 27-year-old candidate wants to ensure that people like him are not looked down upon by others.

“My sister Geeta and myself are midgets in our family. We had great difficulty in getting our disability medically established to avail ourselves of government benefits. Although we are now getting a monthly grant of Rs. 400 each from the Government, I had decided that I will someday become part of the system to ensure that others like me do not endure the same problems,” he said. Mr. Govindraju said he had to file his nomination papers on the last day because he was unable to get the income and caste certificates from the officials before that. “Accompanied by my friends, I have worked for the poor in our area by collecting contributions and sponsoring tricycles for the disabled and notebooks for poor students,” he claimed.

Asserting that he is confident of his victory, Mr. Govindraju said: “I know that I am contesting against former corporators, G. Krishnappa (Congress) and S. Puttaraju (Independent). But I am sure people will choose me.”

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